- Planting, weeding and watering vegetable gardens, along with harvesting the fresh produce, are activities that get you outside and actively moving around in the fresh air and sunshine. Or, exercising. Growing your own vegetables is a great way to get a little exercise to build and maintain strength and flexibility, according to the public health department of King County, Washington. In addition, vegetable gardening helps to reduce stress.
- Growing your own vegetables makes it easier to consume generous amounts of vegetables. The vitamins, minerals and fiber in vegetables are important to a healthy diet. They can help protect you from chronic diseases such as certain cancers, stroke and cardiovascular diseases, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
- Growing your own vegetables means they are fresher and more flavorful, which makes it more likely that you will consume more of the foods that are good for you. Because home-grown vegetables are fresher than those purchased from a store, they have more nutrients. In addition, you can grow them without the harmful chemical pesticides commonly found on vegetables such as bell peppers, celery, lettuce, spinach and potatoes, making your vegetables safer to eat.
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