Green is good for your health
Plants are more popular than ever. During the corona crisis, a large number of green brutes were rescued, to make that home insulation something cozy after all. But houseplants are not only homely, they are also good for your health. Six reasons to quickly get some greenery into your home, with examples of the healthiest plants.
1. Plants make oxygen
We breathe in air, from which we get oxygen. Then we exhale carbon (dust) dioxide (CO2) again. This works the other way around with plants. They remove carbon dioxide from the air and convert it back into oxygen. They also ensure that the humidity in the house improves. That’s nice, because modern houses are so well insulated that the air can sometimes be a bit dry.
2. (Some) plants purify the air
Every plant produces oxygen. But some plants do something extra: they have air-purifying capacities. These plants absorb harmful substances from the air through their leaves. These substances are then stored and broken down in the plant or root. And that is of course nice in your living room or bedroom, because an unhealthy indoor climate can cause complaints such as headaches, sleeping problems, skin problems and even lung complaints. There are plants that can remove 70 to 80 percent of all harmful substances from the air. Plants known for their air-purifying effect include the curly fern, the spoon plant, the areca palm (‘gold palm’), the monstera deliciosa (‘hole plant’), the rubber plant, ivy and the grass lily.
It is important to keep in mind that with a few house plants you do not immediately purify your entire indoor climate. Good ventilation is even more important, as is the prevention of moisture and mould.
3. They are good for your concentration
If you’re easily distracted, putting down a houseplant can help. Various studies have shown that people perform better on tasks that require a certain amount of concentration when there are plants in the room. They are good for your concentration, focus and productivity. One explanation for this is that looking at “nature” makes you less stressed and fatigued, making it easier to concentrate. That goes for all plants, but even more so for rosemary, whose scent has a positive effect on concentration, and mint, which lowers your stress level but keeps you alert. And of course the aforementioned air purification and oxygen production also help. Finally, plants absorb sound, which also promotes concentration.
By the way, this doesn’t just work at home: research by Ambius and RUG shows that sufficient greenery in the workplace leads to no less than 15 to 19 percent improvement in concentration. In addition, the homely atmosphere that plants provide makes employees feel more satisfied and more productive.
4. Plants are good for your blood pressure (and more)
An American study shows that people not only recover faster from surgery if they have flowers and plants in their room, but also that their blood pressure was significantly lower. That may be right, because all that greenery around you provides peace of mind and less stress. This is especially true if you choose aromatic plants. Lavender, jasmine or basil for example. Ordinary green houseplants also work fine. This color has a proven calming influence on people and therefore has a stress-reducing effect.
But plants have even more health effects. For example, there are various studies that show that having enough plants around you help with changing moods and nervousness. Flu and cold viruses are also less likely, because plants are natural humidifiers. This can help relieve a sore throat, cough and even a stuffy nose.
5. They promote your sleep
Because of the oxygen they convert, but some plants also from an aromatherapeutic point of view. Lavender for example, but also gardenia has a proven sleep-inducing effect, because of the crocetin in this plant. Valerian is, of course, known for the soothing effect of the roots, but inhaling the scent is also said to help you fall asleep faster, according to experts.
6. Green makes you happy
One last reason to bring some extra greenery into your home: plants simply make you happier. You bring in a little nature and that does everyone good, as it turns out Dutch research. The caring aspect (read: keeping your plants alive) also seems to help with that. Walking in nature and vegetable gardening is also good for your well-being.
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