Benefits of growing plants

Benefits of Growing Plants

1. Benefits OF Growing Plants By: Jannat Gul Soomro

2. Importance Of Plants Earth is called a green planet due to the presence of plants on it . Plants are considered to be the first living organisms born on the earth . Without plants, the environment and human life on this earth cannot exist. We grow plants in our homes, gardens, farms, roadsides, etc .

3. Their presence is inevitable for clean air, food, and water in this world .

4. Importance of Plants to humans 1.   Food : Plants are the main source of food for humans. Plants, unlike humans and animals, manufacture their own  food.  They do so by the process known as  photosynthesis  in their green leaves by use of  sunlight . From this manufactured food, they consume some of it and store the remaining. This is stored in the form of fruits, seeds, tuberous roots, etc. This fruits and other parts of plants are consumed by humans. The food is in the form of vegetables, fruits, grains, cereals, leaves, seeds, mushrooms, etc. They provide the complete food comprising of  carbohydrates , fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. But still, for few vitamins, we may need to rely on animal foods.

5. 2 .   Clothing : Plants are the largest providers of textile and fabric material. These materials are eco-friendly, compatible and less expensive. So they are used for making cloth and bedding material which is required by humans . The plant materials like cotton, jute, etc. contribute for manufacturing of yarn and other clothing.

6. 3 .  Furniture & Shelter :  Plants  are the important source of furniture. The plant wood is used to build houses and also to make other furniture items. We use wood for the purpose due to its features like durability, stylish finishing, resistance to temperature changes, etc. The trees like teak,  neem , red sandal, etc. are good sources of wood for making doors, chairs, shelves, tables, etc. Even the presence of plants around the area of human life relieves stress. Hence we see many people growing small plants in their household to get fresh air and also give naturalness.

7. 4 .   Flowers : Flowers are used widely by humans. They are used for beauty, to convey feelings and also for their fragrance. In some countries, they worn as garlands and even in the hair on the head for beauty. While some use them to convey their love to their beloved ones. They are also used to produce fragrance, and even their scent is extracted for daily use.

8. 5 .   Medicines : Plants are an excellent source of medicine even for life-threatening diseases. For example drugs like,   Digoxin for congestive heart failure (from digitalis plant) Vincristine for cancer treatment (from vinca rosea ). Theophylline for asthma (from coffee & Tea) Ergot for a migraine headache. (from Rye plant due to fungus ergot) Reserpine for blood pressure is obtained from them.

9. 6 .   A source of vitamins:  Plants are the largest source of essential vitamins to the body.  The body cannot manufacture vitamins on its own for metabolism . 7 .   Rubber & Plastic: We obtain rubber required for tire, wiring, seats, etc. from plants. 8 .   Natural pesticides:  Plants are also the source of insecticides and pesticides. Using artificial pesticides are harmful to the environment. They may even enter food causing health issue to human and animals. Using these naturally derived pesticides are safe. They degrade with time and even do not harm the soil. Ex: Pyrethrin (as Mosquito repellant), Neem , bacteria, etc.

10. 9 . Biofuels :  Some plants are also grown for the sake of bio-fuels. The plant’s fuel is less toxic since it does not emit harmful gasses and also less expensive. Even the plant waste is used to generate electricity . 10 .   Economic contribution : Plants are great contributors to an economy. Many countries rely on agriculture as one of the main sources of revenue. Plants are responsible for the production of  food , cosmetics, drugs, cloth, honey, gum, tannins, essential oils (perfumes), alkaloids, resins, etc. which are all money yielding. So plants provide a great contribution to economic growth. Even now many countries economies are primarily dependent on plant products.