By Kristen Hicks-Roof PhD, RD and Rayonna Hills BS
mail@floridanewsline.com
The month of April is recognized as National Gardening Month. Many people think about starting their own garden, but feel that it will be too much maintenance. While it may require maintenance, the result of planting a seed and watching it grow through different stages into its full potential can be very rewarding. In addition to adding nutritious fresh fruits and vegetables to your kitchen, gardening offers a variety of health benefits. To name a few:
- Healthy Eating: Having access to freshly grown produce, or “farm-to-table” produce is a great way to have healthier options at your disposal. It is a simple way to get more fruits, vegetables, herbs and spices into your diet. UF IFAS Extension put together a North Florida Gardening Calendar that will help you determine what and when to grow: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/EP451
- Vitamin D Exposure: Vitamin D increases calcium levels and positively affects our bones and our immune system. Exposure to sunlight helps everyone, especially older adults, to achieve adequate amounts of vitamin D.
- Aerobic Exercise: Gardening is a form of exercise and all muscle groups are involved. It requires you to move, get your heart pumping, pump your blood quickly throughout your body, and allow your lungs to take in more oxygen.
- Reduces Stress: Studies conducted have shown that people have reported having better moods and blood tests showed lower levels of the stress hormone, cortisol, after gardening.
You can garden from inside or outside, as long as you have the necessary items. If you are interested, all you need is a form of sunlight (window or fluorescent light), potting soil, containers or ground level space, and specific supplies relating to what you decide to grow. If interested, step out of your comfort zone, and start by growing something small. Gardening is good for the mind and body. If you live close to UNF, you can learn more by touring the UNF Ogier Gardens and even participating in volunteering or some workshops. Visit www.unf.edu/recwell/ogiergardens/index.html for more information.
As a Registered Dietitian and mother, I also wrote this simple children’s book to encourage parents and children to garden together and try new foods; feel free to check it out: https://tinyurl.com/2dnstsxb.
Kristen Hicks-Roof PhD, RDN, LDN, CLC, FAND is an assistant professor in the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Brooks College of Health, University of North Florida.
