Iris Cole interviews Prof. Ido Wolf of Ichilov about the developments in the field of cancer (Walla system!)
There are quite a few articles in the health sections about studies that deal with the question - how to prevent cancer.
But this study surprised us.
A new study published earlier this month in The Lancet Planetary Health (yes, there is such a journal) reported the positive effects of community gardening on the adult population.
The study found that gardening can help reduce the risk of cancer and other chronic diseases.
According to the research team, nature-based community interventions such as community gardening can alleviate modifiable risk factors for non-communicable and chronic diseases, including unhealthy diet, physical inactivity and social isolation.
In the first ever randomized controlled trial of community gardening, researchers found that those who engaged in the activity ate more dietary fiber and exercised more.
Their stress and anxiety levels also dropped significantly.
For the purpose of the study, the team surveyed 493 adults between January 1, 2017 and June 15, 2019. Of the figure, 291 completed baseline measures and were randomly divided into two groups - intervention and control.
The intervention group was tasked with doing community gardening using an introductory gardening course through the Denver Urban Gardens Program.
On the other hand, the control group had to wait one year to start gardening.
All participants wore activity uniforms throughout the study.
They also had regular body measurements and periodic surveys about their nutritional intake and mental health.
Good for the mind and health.
Garden drink man (Photo: ShutterStock)
After analyzing the data, the team reported that community gardening could provide a "nature-based solution" to improve well-being and alleviate risk factors for cancer and other chronic diseases in adults.
"These findings provide concrete evidence that community gardening can play an important role in preventing cancer, chronic disease and mental health disorders," said senior editor Jill Litt, a professor in Boulder's Department of Environmental Studies.
"No matter where you go, people say there's something about gardening that makes them feel better," added Litt, who is also a researcher at the Barcelona Institute for Global Health.
Litt hopes that health professionals, policy makers and land planners will examine their findings and consider creating community gardens and other spaces that encourage more people to gather and enjoy nature together.
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