Scientists from Drexel University found that being in nature is good for the mind, body, and nutrition.
They found how nature-relatedness—simply feeling connected with the natural world—benefits dietary diversity and fruit and vegetable intake.
The research is published in the American Journal of Health Promotion and was conducted by Brandy-Joe Milliron et al.
In late 2020, Canadian doctors made headlines for “prescribing nature,” or recommended time outdoors based on research that suggests people who spent two or more hours in nature per week improved their health and well-being.
In the study, the team surveyed over 300 adults in Philadelphia to measure their self-reported connection to nature.
They showed that participants with a stronger connection to nature reported a more varied diet and ate more fruits and vegetables.
Nature-relatedness has been associated with better cognitive, psychological, and physical health and greater levels of environmental stewardship.
These new findings extend this list of benefits to include dietary intake.
The team found people with higher nature-relatedness were more likely to report healthful dietary intake, including greater dietary variety and higher fruit and vegetable consumption.
They added that these findings highlight the potential for leveraging nature-based experiences or interventions such as incorporating green spaces or urban greening into city planning, integrating nature- and park-prescription programs into healthcare practices (similar to the Canadian model) and promoting nature-based experiences in the classroom settings, among many others.
But while improving dietary intake through nature-based interventions may be valuable, it is also complex.
The team says future research should explore the ways different communities experience and value nature.
If you care about mental health, please read studies about 6 daily habits to reduce stress & anxiety, and this daily supplement may help lower anxiety.
For more information about mental health, please see recent studies that COVID-19 vaccination boosts mental health along with immunity, and results showing 10 mental illness signs you should not ignore.
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