On the first day of spring, our thoughts turn to the garden and what we will be growing this year.  Researchers at Texas A&M University suggest growing more fruit and vegetables.  Over half of the older adults in the U.S. do not consume the recommended five daily servings of fruit and vegetables.  The research study, “Growing Minds: Evaluating the Relationship between Gardening and Fruit and Vegetable Consumption in Older Adults”, shows that gardening can encourage elders to eat more of the good foods.

The study has shown that gardeners are more likely to eat more fruit and vegetables as compared to non-gardeners.  In addition to improved eating habits, 80 percent of the older adults participating in the research study indicated that they feel better because of their gardening activities.  Gardening programs have a positive effect for the health and quality of life for older adults.

To view an abstract of the research study, visit: http://horttech.ashspublications.org/cgi/content/abstract/20/4/711