Gardening is not just enjoyable but also improves health, vital for cancer survivors who need to consume 2–3 cups of vegetables daily for immune function and disease prevention, as per dietary guidelines.
A recent study published in JAMA Network Open by University of Alabama at Birmingham and Auburn University researchers found gardening significantly improved health outcomes for 381 cancer survivors aged 50 to 95 in Alabama, addressing risks from low fruit and vegetable intake and physical activity levels.
Participants were divided into two groups: one group started gardening immediately, while the other group was placed on a waitlist for a year. Each participant received gardening materials, including raised beds or grow boxes, seeds, tools, and recipes, along with biweekly guidance from master gardeners. Over the course of the study, researchers monitored participants’ physical health markers such as strength, balance, agility, and dietary habits.
Principal investigator Wendy Demark-Wahnefried, Ph.D., reported that the findings indicate that study participants who engaged in gardening not only increased their daily vegetable intake but also showed improvements in mobility, perceived health, and gut microflora compared to those on the waitlist. These benefits are crucial for cancer survivors, who are more susceptible to developing secondary cancers, diabetes and heart diseases.
Demark-Wahnefried emphasized the importance of interventions that encourage healthier lifestyles among cancer survivors. Enhanced vegetable consumption and increased physical activity through gardening not only contribute to better physical health but also support mental well-being and independence. As cancer survivors often experience accelerated aging and higher risks of debilitation, cultivating healthier habits becomes paramount in enhancing their quality of life.
As research continues to explore the benefits of gardening interventions in diverse environments and populations of cancer survivors, the findings from Harvest for Health underscore the potential of gardening as a therapeutic and preventive measure. Starting a vegetable garden empowers cancer survivors to improve well-being through healthier food choices and increased physical activity. Gardening not only supports recovery but also contributes to long-term health maintenance and quality of life.