Home gardening is a growing hobby. The numbers say it all. According to a study by Coldiretti/Ixè, 6 out of 10 Italians dedicate time on their own terrace, balcony and garden to producing vegetables and fruit themselves. Creating a vegetable garden at home has countless advantages. It has beneficial effects on the body, mood and health. For example, as it it’s an outdoor activity it allows you to top up with vitamin D. "Vitamin D activated through exposure to sunlight is invaluable for your health. It promotes the absorption of calcium, a mineral that is essential to keep bones strong and prevent osteoporosis," explains nutritionist Valentina Schirò, a specialist in nutritional science. Vitamin D is also an excellent ally in raising spirits. "It is involved in the production of wellbeing hormones such as serotonin". But the advantages of doing the garden at home are also others.
Home Gardening: health benefits
Growing a vegetable garden at home allows you to bring fresh and seasonal fruit and vegetables to the table. "Products consumed freshly harvested compared to mature products provide more antioxidants and vitamins associated to the line of health," says the nutritionist. "They are for example richer in vitamin C, which strengthens the immune system and promotes proper blood circulation, fighting swelling, cellulite and orange peel skin. Vegetables and fruit from home gardens have another advantage. "They are good for our health and the environment. They are produced without the use of chemicals such as fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides".
Home Gardening: the advantages for emotional well-being
Having a vegetable garden in the house is also good for the psychophysical balance. "Nature has massive potential. Each person should cultivate their own green and fragrant corner to cultivate fertile and fruitful thoughts in daily life," comments Veronica Bertoncelli, psychotherapist psychologist specializing in strategic brief psychotherapy. "Taking care of a plant takes us back to the "roots" of our being, allowing us to get in tune with ourselves. In fact, plants allow us to create moments of isolation that makes us "tune in" with our deepest part".
Home Gardening improves the mood
"Taking care of a vegetable garden requires a minimum of organization, planning and capacity for action. These processes allow us to shift the focus from what makes us feel bad in everyday life to what engages us and makes us feel better. Pleasant action then becomes the daily antidote against bad mood and negative thoughts," explains Veronica Bertoncelli.
Home Gardening counteracts stress
"Dedicating oneself to growing vegetables and fruit turns negative energy into positive energy. It allows us to disconnect ourselves from the chaotic reality around us and keep stress at bay," adds the psychologist. This is also confirmed by various studies. One research has analyzed the beneficial effects on quality of life and psychophysical health. Experts have found that growing gardens and plants also helps reduce anxiety and depression.