While previous research had linked exposure to the natural world to better mental and physical health, the new study, published in the journal Brain, Behavior, A Immunity, focused on inflammation.
The study showed that frequent positive contact with nature was independently associated with lower circulating levels of three different indicators of inflammation.
“Interleukin-6 (IL-6), a cytokine closely involved in the regulation of systemic inflammatory processes; C-reactive protein, which is synthesized in response to stimulation by IL-6 and other cytokines; Fibrinogen, a soluble protein present in blood plasma
, A structural equation modeling was conducted to explore the relationship between nature engagement and the three biomarkers.
"By focusing on these inflammation markers, the study provides a biological explanation for why nature can improve health," said the team, led by Professor Anton Ong of the Department of Psychology at Cornell University in the US.
The study specifically showed "how it (enjoying nature) can prevent or manage diseases associated with chronic inflammation, such as heart disease and diabetes."
For the study, the team included 1,244 participants, whose physical health was evaluated and provided a comprehensive biological assessment through physical examinations, urine samples and fasting morning blood draws."It's not just about how often people spend time outside, it's also about the quality of their experiences," Ong said.
Even when controlling for other variables such as demographics, health behaviors, medication and general well-being, Ong said her team found that lower levels of inflammation were consistently associated with more frequent positive contact with nature.
“It's good to remind ourselves that it's not just the quantity of nature,” H said, “it's also the quality."
The study showed that frequent positive contact with nature was independently associated with lower circulating levels of three different indicators of inflammation.
“Interleukin-6 (IL-6), a cytokine closely involved in the regulation of systemic inflammatory processes; C-reactive protein, which is synthesized in response to stimulation by IL-6 and other cytokines; Fibrinogen, a soluble protein present in blood plasma
, A structural equation modeling was conducted to explore the relationship between nature engagement and the three biomarkers.
"By focusing on these inflammation markers, the study provides a biological explanation for why nature can improve health," said the team, led by Professor Anton Ong of the Department of Psychology at Cornell University in the US.
The study specifically showed "how it (enjoying nature) can prevent or manage diseases associated with chronic inflammation, such as heart disease and diabetes."
For the study, the team included 1,244 participants, whose physical health was evaluated and provided a comprehensive biological assessment through physical examinations, urine samples and fasting morning blood draws."It's not just about how often people spend time outside, it's also about the quality of their experiences," Ong said.
Even when controlling for other variables such as demographics, health behaviors, medication and general well-being, Ong said her team found that lower levels of inflammation were consistently associated with more frequent positive contact with nature.
“It's good to remind ourselves that it's not just the quantity of nature,” H said, “it's also the quality."
