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 how forest - bathing has multiple health benefits like reducing stress, anxiety, improving immune function etc. Option A only focuses on one aspect (natural killer cells). Option B is incorrect as it says no physical health effect while the text mentions cardiovascular health improvement. Option D is too general about traditional Japanese health practices. Option C sums up that forest - bathing has many health benefits.

Answer:

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