Women Who Surround Themselves With Plants Actually Live Longer

Jun 26, 2019 by apost team

You've probably seen the "Jungalow" trend on Instagram; ladies in pristine white houses surrounded by lush, green houseplants seem to be popular right now. Aside from the aesthetic value that plants provide, new research from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health suggests that houseplants can increase women's life expectancy and boost their mental health.

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Women who surrounded themselves with vegetation had mortality rates that were twelve percent lower than women who lived in plant-free homes and concrete jungles. There are several links between plants and health; women surrounded with plants had lower rates of depression, got more physical activity and social time, and were less exposed to air pollution.

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The study looked at the data of 108,630 women between 2000 and 2008. Peter James, a researcher from the school's Epidemiology department, believes there are strong associations between plants and health; both physical and mental. Whether you live in the country and have the forest in your backyard, or you are a city dweller with a houseplant addiction, the research is in your favor, plant lovers.

If you have a tendency to kill everything you touch, there are several low-maintenance houseplants that you can bring home to boost your mental wellness and increase your life span; no green thumb is required.

The Top Low-Maintenance Houseplants

istockphotos.com/flil According to NASA, English ivy, Boston ferns, and these other plants are best for cleaning and purifying the air. English ivy is also great for sleep, along with Jasmine. istockphotos.com/PixelCatchers

If you want to relieve stress, sleep better, and live longer, try adding a few plants to your home and office. They will look pretty, and you will get a mood boost when you see and smell them.

What do you think about this research? Will you be adding houseplants to your home? Let us know whether you have a green thumb or are a serial plant killer!