AFP – Spending time in nature has been proven to boost creativity and reduce anxiety.
Now, new research from scientists at Cornell University in the United States reveals another benefit. The study indicates that regular positive interactions with nature are linked to lower levels of systemic inflammation.
To arrive at this finding, Professor Dr Anthony D Ong’s team analysed data from 1,244 participants.
They were asked about both the frequency and the quality of their exposure to green spaces.
“It’s not just about how often people spend time outdoors, but also the quality of their experiences,” said Prof Ong in a news release.
The results showed that people who reported more frequent pleasant encounters with nature had lower levels of inflammation.
Specifically, participants were tested on three biomarkers: interleukin-6 (IL-6), C-reactive protein (CRP) and fibrinogen.
Elevated levels of these proteins indicate the presence of systemic inflammation.
“By focusing on these inflammation markers, the study provides a biological explanation for why nature might improve health,” Professor Ong said, “particularly showing how it might prevent or manage diseases linked to chronic inflammation, like heart disease and diabetes.”
Even when controlling for other variables such as demographics, health behaviours, medication and general well-being, he said that his team found that reduced levels of inflammation were consistently associated with more frequent positive contact with nature, according to the study news release.
“And it’s this sort of nexus of exposure and experience: It’s only when you have both, when you are engaging and taking the enjoyment out of it, that you see these benefits,” added Professor Ong.
“These findings lay the groundwork for future investigations exploring the complex interplay between emotions, health and the natural environment.
“Integrating regular contact with nature into daily experience may provide a potent means of promoting public health and fostering resilience amid the myriad challenges of modern life,” the scientists conclude in their paper.
