Overview
The Gardening and Family Health project investigated the influence of gardening on individual health, in an effort to extend its benefits to family rituals and routines.
The research team explored the impact of gardening on family routines and rituals across diverse populations. It also investigated the effects of gardening on changes in the GI microbiota of the gardener in the household and family members. Finally, researchers explored the link between the soil microbiota and the GI microbiota of the gardener in the family.
The project ultimately showed that individuals and families that garden engaged in more healthful rituals and routines and exhibit greater abundance of physical and physiological benefits.
Research Team
- Naiman A. Khan, Ph.D., RD, Principal Investigator, Associate Professor, Department of Kinesiology and Community Health
- Matthew Browning, Ph.D., Adjunct Assistant Professor, Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences
- Andiara Schwingel, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Department of Kinesioloy and Community Health
- Hannah D. Holscher, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition
Contact:
Dr. Naiman Khan
217-300-2197; nakhan2@illinois.edu
Funding
This project was funded through the Christopher Family Foundation Food and Family Program.