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Study shows living near trees might make you feel healthier

Besides giving you the necessary oxygen, it turns out trees can also make you feel better and healthier.

According to a new study published last week in Nature, researchers have discovered that living near trees results in healthier residents. It found that being surrounded by greenery improves air quality, creates less stress and people overall have a healthier perception.

The five-year study focused on city blocks in Toronto and specifically on three variables. The first was overall health, the second was cardio-metabolic conditions; such as hypertension, obesity, heart disease, and diabetes, and the third was mental health.

Researchers collected data on over 30,000 residents in Toronto through an online questionnaire.

Scientists found that having 10 more trees on a city street significantly boosts your health perception.

“On average, [having the trees] improves health perception in ways comparable to an increase in annual personal income of $10,000 and moving into a neighbourhood with $10,000 higher median income or being seven years younger,” the report said.

The findings also show that eleven more trees on streets per city block affects your cardio-metabolic conditions. It reduces those conditions, “on average, equivalent to being 1.4 years younger.”

Although the study falls short in identifying the exact reasons for those benefits, it’s good news for environmental groups and hopefully it will mean more trees being planted in the future.