Unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, and social disconnection are important risk factors that could be alleviated through nature-based community interventions, such as working in a community garden.

The scientific study, conducted by researchers at the University of Colorado Boulder (United States) in collaboration with the Barcelona Institute for Global Health (IS Global) in Barcelona, shows that people who start gardening eat more fiber and do more physical activity, two ways to reduce the risk of cancer and chronic diseases. In addition, they also suffer less stress and anxiety. The results of the study have been published in the journal Lancet Planetary Health.

WORKING IN A GARDEN: HEALTH BENEFITS

The findings provide concrete evidence that community horticulture and gardening could play an important role in the prevention of cancer, chronic diseases and mental health disorders, explains Jill Litt, lead author of the study, IS Global researcher and professor in the Department of Environmental Studies at the University of Colorado Boulder.

Until now, we had the testimonies of people who take care of their garden and who say they feel better, but there were no studies that proved it. Some studies linked gardening to a healthier diet, but it wasn’t clear whether people who eat healthier have a fondness for gardens or whether they improve their caregivers’ diet.

To clarify this doubt, the researchers recruited 291 adults from the Denver area (Colorado, United States) who did not practice horticulture, with an average age of 41 years. In addition, more than half had low incomes. Half were assigned to a community horticulture group, while the other half formed a control group that had to wait a year to start growing a garden. Both groups conducted periodic surveys on their nutritional intake and mental health, underwent body measurements and wore activity monitors.

MORE FIBER, LESS INFLAMMATION, AND BETTER MENTAL HEALTH

People who worked in the gardens increased their fiber intake by an average of 1.4 grams (the minimum recommended intake is 35 g per day) compared to the control group. Fiber has a profound effect on inflammatory and immune responses, influencing health-dependent processes such as food metabolization, gut microbiota health, and susceptibility to diabetes and certain cancers. In addition, this group also increased their physical activity by an average of 42 minutes a week.

Participants in the study also reduced their stress and anxiety levels. It also improved social connection and time spent outdoors. “It’s not just about fruits and vegetables. It’s also about being in a natural outdoor space with other people,” Litt explains.

In conclusion, the study says, “community gardening can provide a nature-based solution, accessible to a diverse population, including new gardeners, to improve well-being and important behavioral risk factors for noncommunicable and chronic diseases.”

The research was funded by the American Cancer Society, the University of Colorado Cancer Center, the National Institutes of Health, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Michigan National Institute of Food and Agriculture Bioresearch.

WHAT ARE COMMUNITY GARDENS?

Community gardens are places where people farm collectively. Many are promoted by the municipalities and are intended for the elderly. They are also created by neighborhood associations and schools.

According to the study, the benefits are based on proximity to nature, access to tools to grow, consume and share food, opportunities for outdoor physical activity, contact with a network of neighbors with a shared interest in gardening and activity that promotes cognitive stimulation and encourages meaningful experiences.

Therefore, community garden networks could reduce risk factors for cancer and other chronic diseases and promote well-being.

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