© 2025 KVNF Public Radio
MOUNTAIN GROWN COMMUNITY RADIO
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Growing Home - Trees and Cortisol

In urban areas, trees provide many benefits, but one unusual benefit was particularly interesting. A recent study conducted in Portland, Ore., correlated that where there are more mature trees, fewer people died. The paper, by researchers at the U.S. Forest Service, adds to a budding body of research into the health benefits of living around greenery. Simply being near trees lowers cortisol levels which is the stress hormone. In short, trees don’t just decorate our world, they deeply nourish our bodies and minds.