Gardening: The Surprising Key to a Healthy Heart, According to Science

Gardening is associated with better health outcomes, including lower odds of cardiovascular disease and even diabetes, according to new research. The study found that gardeners reported spending more time staying physically active compared to exercisers, and they were able to meet the recommended 150 minutes of aerobic activity per week with just gardening alone. Compared to sedentary individuals, gardeners reported significantly lower odds of cardiovascular disease, stroke, heart attack, high cholesterol, high blood pressure and even diabetes. The combination of physical activity and exposure to sunshine and nature is likely one of the main reasons why gardening does the body good.