Gardening helps improve mood, reduce anxiety, stress and depression said Nutrition Program Coordinator Gladys Mae Fernandez, officer in charge of National Nutrition Council (NNC-10), during the kick-off program of nutrition month here.
It lets you lose weight, reduce cholesterol and blood pressure, she added.
Nutrition month focuses on food gardening in the homes. This year’s theme, “Ugaliing Magtanim, Sapat na Nutrisyon Aanihin,” encourages families and communities to plant a combination of fruit trees and different crops and include raising of small animals.
There is no need for big space near our homes, she said. There are many ways to plant such as vertical gardening and container gardening, etc.
Fernandez also shared health benefits of gardening including the safety of food since there is no contamination and pesticide involved in such produce.
Based on a survey, 67 percent of family households have food gardens. Of these, only 78 percent consume or eat their produce. Fernandez also said family food gardening is proven effective nutrition intervention to reduce hunger and malnutrition. (pia x)
Disclaimer
Mindanao Gold Star Daily holds the copyrights of all articles and photos in perpetuity. Any unauthorized reproduction in any platform, electronic and hardcopy, shall be liable for copyright infringement under the Intellectual Property Rights Law of the Philippines.
