This is a subject that I’m far from being an expert on… If one assumes that I’m an expert at anything… But today, I’d like to touch on the importance of plants and vegetation. Anyone who knows me is aware that I’m not exactly what anyone would call a vegetarian. But if there’s one thing that vegetarians and I can agree on, it’s the importance of plants.
Anyone who paid attention in school knows the basic importance behind plants. Through a process called photosynthesis, plants use carbon dioxide and water to create oxygen. This is significantly important since, well… we kinda need to breathe to stay alive. Plants are able to provide a broad variety of other benefits, such as being a source of fibre, medicine and even clothing. Some plants filter water and heavy metals and without plants, none of us would likely be here.
The reason for this is simple: plants are consumed by plant-eaters. Plant-eaters are consumed by meat-eaters. All life eventually dies and returns to the earth from which it came and fertilizes it for further plants to grow. (Cue the musical theme to the Lion King). So if all vegetation disappeared from the Earth, we would not survive. Make sense? Alright, moving on…
According to an article posted on EcoWatch.com, having plants within your home can provide some pretty important benefits. These include helping to purify the air in your home, balancing humidity, improving mental health and strengthening one’s immune system, which I don’t need to remind everyone is important for Type-1 Diabetics. You can read the article for yourself, as it provides many more examples: https://www.ecowatch.com/health-benefits-of-having-plants-at-home-2608386260.html
Sometimes we forget just how integral a role the vegetation on our planet plays in our daily lives. That floor you’re walking on? The frame of the couch you’re sitting on while reading this post? The struts and skeletal structure of your home? These are likely constructed of wood. Last time I checked, trees were vegetation too!
Plants and vegetation have been proven to reduce stress, either through having plants within the home or using gardening as a leisure activity. Reduced stress leads to reduced blood pressure and improved immune systems, which lead to better Diabetes control and blood sugars. The benefits are plentiful.
I once had a small cactus plant that required next to watering and no attention. And I STILL couldn’t manage to keep it alive. So at the end of the day, having plants isn’t for me. But they sure are delicious when roasted and seasoned properly. Their nutritional value is definitely not lost on me. But when you feel you’re tired of hearing about the issues with deforestation or the importance of plants and vegetation, remember that ALL living things are necessary in order to preserve the balance that is life. ☯
The Blogging Buddhist 