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 first introduces "forest bathing" and then presents multiple studies. One study shows improvements in stress, anxiety, etc. (mental and some physical aspects like cardiovascular), another shows an increase in natural killer cells (physical immune - related). The overall conclusion from the text is that forest bathing has multiple health benefits.

• Option A only focuses on the immune - related benefit (increase in natural killer cells), which is too narrow.
• Option B is incorrect as the text shows it has effects on physical health (e.g., cardiovascular health, immune function).
• Option D is too broad as the text specifically focuses on "forest bathing" among traditional Japanese practices, not all traditional Japanese health practices.

Answer:

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