A recent study, which included 400,000 Britons, found that living in neighborhoods characterized by an abundance of trees and surrounding plants can reduce the chances of developing osteoporosis.
The research team used the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) measure from satellite images to measure people's "exposure to greenness."
The researchers found that bone density is relatively higher among people who live in greener areas, as a result of lower air pollution, which is known to cause inflammation.
They said that trees and plants act as natural filters, removing pollutants from the air and reducing health risks to individuals.
The study found an increase in bone mineral density and a 5% decrease in the risk of osteoporosis with each increase in NDVI.
The researchers explained that greener neighborhoods attract lower levels of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) pollution, usually resulting from the burning of fossil fuels, car exhaust emissions, and PM2.5 particles.
They pointed out that previous studies have shown that exposure to air pollution can lead to oxidative stress, inflammation, and hormone disruption, which increases the risk of osteoporosis.
The research team said physical activity was also associated with a lower risk of osteoporosis, perhaps because living in areas with green spaces provides more opportunities to exercise.
“These findings provide valuable insights into the role of greenness in preventing the onset of osteoporosis and underscore the importance of urban greening in developing effective prevention strategies,” said the researchers at Central South University in Changsha, China.
The study was published in the British Medical Journal.
Brilliant 😍
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