Original Coverage: 6 surprising health benefits of gardening

Gardening offers lots of powerful mind-body benefits. It’s an excellent form of moderate-intensity exercise, which plays a key role in heart health. Growing your own fresh produce makes it easier to eat whole foods that support health and weight management. Gardening Encourages Healthier Eating when it provides ingredients you might be more likely to cook with, experts say.. Research has found that sun exposure helps increase vitamin D levels, which can support a person’s mood and cognitive function, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The American Heart Association recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week for those who need a gentler, low-impact workout. The CDC recommends strength training at least two times a week to help support weight management, in part, to help reduce stress levels and help with weight loss, among other things. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is at 1-800-273-8255 or go to www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org.

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