Nature Relatedness Is Positively Associated With Dietary Diversity and Fruit and Vegetable Intake in an Urban Population

Abstract

Purpose: Feeling connected to nature, or nature relatedness (NR), can positively impact physical and psychological well-being. However, the relationship between NR and dietary behaviors has not been studied. This research examined the relationship between NR and dietary behaviors, including dietary diversity and fruit and vegetable intake. Design Cross-sectional online survey study. Setting Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Subjects Adults (n = 317) over 18 years who resided in Philadelphia, PA. Measures The NR Scale was used to measure participants’ connection to nature. It includes 21 items across three subscales: self, experience, and perspective (total and subscales range from 1 to 5). Dietary Diversity was assessed using the FAO’s standardized tool (scores range from 0 to 9). To calculate dietary diversity, food groups reported were aggregated into nine food categories: starchy staples; dark green leafy vegetables; vitamin A rich fruits/vegetables; other fruits/vegetables; organ meat; meat/fish; eggs; legumes, nuts/seeds; and milk products. The NCI’s 2-item CUP Fruit and Vegetable Screener was used to estimate daily fruit and vegetable intake (cups/day), and socio-demographic questions were asked. Analysis Simple and multivariable regression models were used to examine associations between NR Total and subscale scores with dietary diversity scores and fruit and vegetable intake with NR Total scores and subscale scores. The multivariable models were adjusted for age, race, gender, and income. Results People with higher NR Total ( P < .001), NR Self (P < .001), NR Perspective (P = .002), and NR Experience (P = .002) were more likely to report greater dietary diversity. Those with higher NR Total (P < .001), NR Self (P < .001), and NR Experience (P < .001) reported greater fruit and vegetable intake. Associations remained significant after adjusting for covariates. Conclusion NR was associated with better dietary intake after accounting for socio-demographic indicators. These findings highlight the need for health promotion interventions that enhance NR, such as nature prescription initiatives, urban gardening and greening, and immersion in urban green spaces.

Exiting the Anthropocene: Achieving personal and planetary health in the 21st century

“…These multi‐dimensional benefits of nature‐based health interventions highlights the underutilized therapeutic and preventive potential of “green‐prescriptions”—including green exercise, mindful nature‐connection, wilderness art, therapeutic horticulture, biodiversity conservation, care farming, and nature play for children 102 . In urban populations, higher nature‐relatedness is linked to healthier dietary patterns 101 . Even in preschool children, promoting nature relatedness in (with outdoor play and nature discovering) improves dietary habits, stress, activity, and attitudes to the environment, with measurable changes in the children's gut microbiota 103,104 …”

“…For individuals, regular contact with nature also improves health behaviors that can alter long‐term health, including improved physical activity, eating behaviors, social behaviors, and lifelong nature connectedness. 99 , 100 , 101 These multi‐dimensional benefits of nature‐based health interventions highlights the underutilized therapeutic and preventive potential of “green‐prescriptions”—including green exercise, mindful nature‐connection, wilderness art, therapeutic horticulture, biodiversity conservation, care farming, and nature play for children. 102 In urban populations, higher nature‐relatedness is linked to healthier dietary patterns.…”

“… 102 In urban populations, higher nature‐relatedness is linked to healthier dietary patterns. 101 Even in preschool children, promoting nature relatedness in (with outdoor play and nature discovering) improves dietary habits, stress, activity, and attitudes to the environment, with measurable changes in the children's gut microbiota. 103 , 104 …”

Identifying Future Study Designs for Mental Health and Social Wellbeing Associated with Diets of a Cohort Living in Eco-Regions: Findings from the INSUM Expert Workshop

“…Some indicators used in DMHR research include executive functioning (e.g., neurocognitive testing) [85,86], well-being and pleasure (e.g., Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale; Control, Autonomy, Satisfaction, Pleasure Scale; Anticipatory and Consummatory Eating Pleasure Scale) [87][88][89], behaviour (e.g., Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire) [90], resilience (e.g., Simplified Resilience Score) [91], sleep (e.g., Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index) [92], and environment (e.g., Nature Relatedness Scale) [93].…”

Visualization detection of mycotoxin patulin in fruit juices by a small-molecule fluorescent probe

“…Fruits are abundant sources of essential vitamins and polyphenols known for their significant health benefits. [1][2][3] Fruit juice, in particular, is recommended as an excellent source of vitamin C and additional hydration for healthy infants and young children, especially when their diets transition to include solid foods. 4,5 However, improper handling, storage, and transportation of fruits can create conditions favorable for the growth of postharvest pathogens, leading to fruit decay and toxin production.…”