Why do we owe it all to nature?

Nature’s good for more than beauty! It helps us to live and thrive in this world. We have much to be thankful for!

We here at BCAS obviously love nature and are so thankful for all that it does for us! Not only does nature just look pretty, it also tends to make us healthier! That’s something to be appreciative of this Thanksgiving!

1. Nature is good for our skin in many ways. Studies have shown that the average woman puts 515+ synthetic chemicals on their bodies daily. Homemade beauty routines allow us to control what goes onto our body. Using all-natural ingredients in makeup, perfumes, deodorants, soaps, toothpastes, and other products can make a huge impact on the health of our skin, nails, and hair! Click here for some natural beauty recipes!
2. Nature is good for our Digestive System. Did you know that Aloe Vera reduces symptoms of heart reflux and stabilizes the alkalinity (or basic pH) of the body? Also, plant based enzymes from foods such as tapioca, maize, pineapple, and kiwi, help to break down proteins better than processed foods can.
3. Nature is good for our immune systems. Red Bell Peppers and Citrus fruits are high in Vitamin C, which produces White Blood cells that prevent colds and flus. Many foods, like blueberries, acai, spinach, and broccoli are packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that help the body prevent diseases and can even prevent cancer! Not only does ingesting nature make us healthier, but just being in it can help too! Phytoncide, chemicals produced by plants and trees, helps them stave off germs, also boosts our immunity when exposed to it! Research has shown that those who spend time in forests, parks, and other natural places have a boosted immune system. Natural killer cells, immune cells that destroy cancerous cells, are increased and stress hormones are decreased.
4. Nature is good for our mental health. Gardening makes people happy not just because the plants give off chemicals and reduce pollution, but also because humans are hard-wired to want to make life. Seeing a flower blooming or a plant being successfully propagated is chemically able to make us happy!
5. Nature is good for reducing pollution. Ever walk into a natural place after being in a city, or a stuffy building? Breathing that fresh air feels good and puts a smile on our faces. Plants have the ability to suck toxins out of the air, water, and soil. Houseplants are great for making sure that the air that you, your children, and pets breathe is purified! To find out the best house plants to clean air, click here!
6. Nature is good for our bones. Vitamin D, obtained from the sun and from certain foods like fish, helps the body utilize the calcium that we get from our diets. Without vitamin D, we could drink as much milk as we wanted, and not be able to properly use the calcium that we get to make our bones strong. Also, as we walk and hike outside, we are putting weight on our bones that strengthens them! Walking outside is a double plus.

What are you most thankful to nature for? Is it that it keeps your skin looking young and healthy, the fact that it purifies the air that you breathe, or that it eases a troubled mind and soul? For all of these things and more, we are so thankful for everything that nature gives us!

More Reasons to be Thankful for Nature!

Vitamin D Deficiency

Forest Bathing Benefits Research

Natural Foods that Improve the Immune System