Study: Green Thumbs Open Doors to Better Health, Happiness

Thought Question: What hobbies bring you joy? Is there a new hobby you would like to try?

Amateur gardener and Calvin and Hobbes cartoonist Bill Watterson once said: “If your knees aren’t green by the end of the day, you ought to … re-examine your life.”

Science seems to agree. A new study seems to show that digging in the dirt and planting seeds is good for us. The study found that people who garden can cut their risk of getting serious diseases. They also have less stress. That's because they eat more fiber and exercise more. 

“These findings provide … evidence that community gardening could play an important role in preventing cancer, chronic diseases, and mental health disorders,” said one of the study's authors. 

Other studies found that gardeners tend to eat healthier. But it wasn’t clear why.

Nearly 300 people in Denver took part in the most recent study. Half gardened. The other half was the control group. They did not garden. Researchers found that members of the gardening group saw benefits. They ate more fiber. Members also exercised more per week. 

Scientists consider both to be critical in helping people avoid getting diseases such as diabetes or cancer.

Gardeners say the study confirms what they've long believed. The head of a Denver nonprofit that helps thousands of people launch community gardens agrees. 

She said it’s “life-saving, for so many people.” 

Photo by Kenan Kitchen courtesy of Unsplash.