Question

the traditional japanese practice of shinrin - yoku, or \forest bathing,\ involves immersing oneself in a forest to enhance health and wellbeing. in a 2016 study, dr. qing li and colleagues found that forest bathing led to measurable improvements in stress levels, anxiety, depression, fatigue, and cardiovascular health in middle - aged males. the same researchers had previously investigated the effect of forest bathing on human immune function, discovering that forest bathing increased the amount and activity of natural killer cells - white blood cells that destroy infected and diseased cells, including cancer cells - in both male and female subjects. subsequent research has continued to support the theory that spending time in a forest environment has a positive effect on human health. which choice best states the main idea of the text? choose 1 answer: a forest bathing increases the activity and amount of natural killer cells, a specific type of white blood cell that attacks infected and diseased cells. b researchers have discovered that forest bathing is beneficial for mental health but has no measurable effect on physical health. c forest bathing, or spending time in a forest, has been shown to have many health benefits. d traditional japanese health practices may have valuable applications in modern medicine.

Explanation:

The text discusses multiple studies showing forest bathing (shinrin - yoku) improves stress, anxiety, depression, fatigue, cardiovascular health, and immune function (natural killer cells). Option A only focuses on one aspect (natural killer cells). Option B is incorrect as it says no physical effect, but the text mentions cardiovascular and immune (physical) benefits. Option D is too broad (traditional Japanese practices vs. just forest bathing). Option C encompasses all the health benefits (mental like stress - reduction and physical like immune and cardiovascular) shown in the text.

Answer:

C. Forest bathing, or spending time in a forest, has been shown to have many health benefits.