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Trees are critical to our global healththey provide the very oxygen we breathe.
Additionally, trees may also be very influential for our individual health, both mentally and physically.
The study followed 3,568 students in London.
Photo: HAYDMITRIY/DepositPhotos
The study tracked cognitive performance and mental health over the early adolescent years.
Interestingly, time spent in grassy or lake areas did not provide the same benefits as woodlands.
The results showed trees specifically may be a protective factor for children as they grow.
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Other studies have proven green space isbeneficialto childrenandadults.
The new study’s findings suggest trees may be an important factor contributing to these health benefits.
It is unclear exactly why nature may boost cognition.
It may increase gray matter, or prompt changes in the amygdala which regulates emotion.
Trees particularly may calm our minds with their pleasing fractal patterned branches.
This could indicate that other factors beside trees are boosting these children’s cognitive development.
