One can easily picture themselves in a beautiful garden, surrounded by greenery and the sweet scent of flowers. Isn’t it a wonderful place to be? With all those pretty plants and flowers ? However plants are not just a beauty to look at, they are more important than that. The things we get from plants are so many that the list is broad.
These visually appealing plants, with vast diversity and strength are necessary for things as important as surviving and growth of life on this Earth. There are a huge amount of things we get from plants required for our survival and life.
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Things We Get From Plants
They give us incredible benefits and an abundance of resources that we depend on every day. Let’s have a look on different things we get from plants –
Oxygen
The most important thing we require for our survival is oxygen. The Amazon Rainforest with around 80,000 plant species contributes 20% of the world’s oxygen and is known as the lungs of the planet. Through the process of photosynthesis, plants absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen, ensuring the continuous supply of oxygen in our atmosphere.
Without an adequate supply of oxygen, the body’s cells and organs would struggle to perform their functions efficiently, that’s why Oxygen is a very essential element.
Medicines
Plants have also been used for a long time in traditional medicine eg : Aloe Vera, which is used to treat burns, wounds and other skin problems. Neem, used for skin infections, rheumatoid, malaria and worms.
Many modern medicines are also derived from them eg : Aspirin, it has antibacterial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Penicillin, the first widely used antibiotic which transformed modern medicine and used against various bacterial infections.
Nutrients
Nutrients are also one of the most vital things we get from them. They provide different types of nutrients in the form of foods, vegetables, grains, which give us nourishment. They provide essential vitamins and minerals essential for better functioning of the body.
They give Carbohydrates in the form of rice, wheat, oats, beans, potatoes and sweet potatoes which are important for physical activities and brain function. Dietary fiber, also known as roughage present in whole grains, nuts and seeds, helps in regular bowel movements.
Vitamin C, present in citrus fruits such as Orange, Berries important for a strong immune system. Vitamin A (Spinach, Mangoes and Carrots) for better vision and skin. Calcium (Kale and Broccoli) is important for bone health. Iron present in leafy greens like Spinach for oxygen transport and energy production.
Fuel and Energy
Plants are a vital source of energy. Wood, charcoal and plant based oils have been used as fuels for heating, cooking and lighting. Nowadays biofuels, such as ethanol and biodiesel are also popular as renewable alternatives to fossil fuels.
Clothing and Textiles
Plants like Cotton, Linen, Jute, Hemp, Flax and Bamboo provide fibers that are spun into threads and used for making clothing, fabrics, ropes, sacks, bags, and textiles, home furnishing.
These are some of the major things we get from plants, however other than these there are many more essential things we get from plants as well such as Coffee, Tea and Sugar. They also give us spices such as Cinnamon, Cardamom, Clove, Pepper, Turmeric, Ginger and Cumin seeds.
We also get construction materials from them like Wood and Bamboo which provides us with shelter, furniture, etc. They are also used for beauty and aesthetic, ornamental plants with vibrant colors and unique shapes are used in homes, offices for decoration. Public Parks and gardens are designed for aesthetic view.
Conclusion
The things we get from plants provide us with valuable help and benefits. From the basic necessity of oxygen to food, medicine, clothing materials, etc. they are extremely important to human life and Earth. From vital nutrients including carbohydrates, fiber, vitamins, etc. to various industries such as medicine, fashion and construction they are required everywhere. Such things we get from plants encourages us to appreciate and protect these natural resources for a better future.
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