PROMOTING HEALTH THROUGH COMMUNITY GARDENS

Abstract

This article sought to identify the main benefits of community gardens for physical and mental health. It is an integrative literature review, with the objective of synthesizing the benefits of community gardens for physical and mental health. Data collection was carried out between July and August 2024, using databases such as MEDLINE, SciELO, BDENF and LILACS. The inclusion criteria were articles published between 2016 and 2024, in Portuguese or English, with full access. After applying the exclusion criteria, 6 studies were selected for qualitative analysis. The analysis of the selected articles revealed that community gardens offer several benefits for physical and mental health. Regarding physical health, gardening in community gardens promotes activities that improve cardiovascular health, strengthen muscles and help control diseases such as hypertension and diabetes. In addition, gardening contributes to improving flexibility, motor coordination and muscle strength, especially in the elderly. Exposure to the sun, important for obtaining vitamin D, also promotes bone health. Mentally, community gardens have therapeutic effects, helping to reduce stress and anxiety and promoting overall well-being. Contact with nature and outdoor activities provide a calming effect, while social interaction in gardens strengthens the sense of community and improves self-esteem. Gardens also promote food security, especially in low-income communities, by providing a source of fresh, nutritious food, as well as acting as a platform for nutrition education and the promotion of healthy eating habits.