Visiting forests may strengthen our immune system by increasing the activity and number of natural killer cells that destroy cancer cells, according to a paper to be presented at the 2010 IUFRO World Forestry Congress.
Dr Eeva Karjalainen, of the Finnish Forest Research Institute, will co-ordinate a session on the health benefits of forests during the August 23-28 event in Seoul.
“Many people feel relaxed and good when they are out in nature,” said Dr Karjalainen. “But not many of us know that there is also scientific evidence about the healing effects of nature.”
Blood pressure, heart rate, muscle tension and the level of stress hormones all decrease faster in natural settings, according to Dr Karjalainen.
“Preserving green areas and trees is very important to help people recover from stress, maintain health and cure diseases,” she said.
