Gardeners tend to be healthier and longer living but only recently has it been realised that it’s not just because we enjoy an active hobby but we’re influencing our immune system through contact with soil and microbes all around our garden.

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Michael shares the ‘hygiene hypothesis’ and how we can influence our immune systems for the better, through diet exercise and spending time outdoors. All of these activities benefit what’s known as our micro-biome, a vital part of our gut that keeps inflammation in check – helping us to fight chronic diseases such as cancer, ageing or dementia.

One of the problems with most supermarket fruit and veg is it’s not as fresh or full of nutrients as homegrown, he tells us. Growing your own food overcomes this, while ensuring your diet is rich in vegetables – particularly legumes, broccoli, chicories – and colourful fruit, means you’re consuming natural health-giving food full of phytonutrients.

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