Healthy Lifestyle: Best bets from The Bible
published:
Saturday | April 19, 2008
Heather Little-White, Contributor
A land of wheat and barley, and vines, and fig trees, and pomegranates; a land of olive oil and honey.
- Deuteronomy 8:8
Food plays an important role in nurturing the body. It also creates emotional comfort and is the basis for various socialising activities inside and outside the home. History is replete with lavish tables set for royalties as well as food feasts among house staff on plantations.
However, in the Bible, from Genesis to Revelation, there are myriad accounts about food, most of which encourage healthy eating.
The original foods in the Bible before man sinned included plants, seeds, cereals, legumes, fruits and nuts. According to Genesis 1:29, God said, "Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat."
This diet was intended that man should have had an extraordinarily long life.
Grains and legumes
Biblical foods have had a super role to play in healthy eating from ancient times when the word 'antioxidant' was not commonly used. Biblical foods can boost the immune system and prevent diseases. Different grains and legumes were combined to make bread. Ezekiel 4:9 instructs, "Take thou unto thee wheat, and barley, and beans, and lentils and millet and put them in one vessel, and make thee bread thereof ..." Seeds have medicinal properties and are known to relieve indigestion, ease gas discomfort and colic.
Listed below are the biblical super seven.
1. Honey
The Bible refers to the ideal 'land of milk and honey'. Raw honey, in addition to being a natural sweetener, is treasured because of its antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal properties. It is thought to have tumour-fighting properties, and may help prevent colon cancer. The daily consumption of a spoonful of honey is said to increase antioxidant levels in the blood. Honey also may have wound-healing and muscle-regenerating properties.
2. Wheat
This grain is healthier when it is refined as little as possible. It is commonly found in everything from bread to pasta to cakes. Interestingly, not all commercial products labelled 'wholewheat' are wholesome and healthy because they may contain more white flour than wholewheat flour, as well several additives in making the product.
Products that are certified 100 per cent wholewheat should contain 30 per cent of your recommended daily fibre intake, as well as high levels of manganese and magnesium. A diet rich in whole grains can increase energy levels and lower the risk of Type Two diabetes, gallstones, and other diseases.
3. Barley
Another whole grain, barley, dates back to the Stone Age and can be found in breads and cereals and is used in hearty soups along with lentils, split peas, carrots, cabbage and mushrooms. High in fibre, barley is good for intestinal health and can lower cholesterol and reduce your risk of colon cancer and Type Two diabetes if eaten regularly. Barley contains fair amounts of iron and folate for healthy blood.
4. Olive oil
Olives, and the extra-virgin oil that is made from a single pressing of the fruit, contain many of the antioxidants for disease prevention. Olives are also high in monounsaturated fatty acids, which are called 'the healing fats' because they lower the effects of 'bad' cholesterol while raising 'good' cholesterol levels. Olive oil also helps keep blood pressure in check and reduce the levels of triglycerides in the blood. High in vitamin E, olive oil also is thought to protect against colon cancer, and it is helpful in fighting gastritis and other stomach ailments.
5. Figs
Figs were highly valued by the Greeks. These plump, sweet fruits, eaten either dried or fresh, are high in potassium and several B vitamins which promote healthy skin, muscles and nerves and also help control blood pressure.
Figs have a multitude of seeds, making them high in dietary fibre which may helps in weight loss and diabetes control. Figs are a source of calcium, which can help preserve bone density. Dried figs are nutrient-dense and great for snacking.
6. Grapes
"When thou comest into thy neighbour's vineyard, thou mayest eat grapes thy fill at thine own pleasure." - Deuteronomy 23:24.
There are several varieties of grapes domesticated as early as 5,000 BC in western Asia. American grapes have skins that slip off easily in varieties such as the black-purple Concord and the purple-red Catawba.
The skin of European grapes sticks tightly on the fruit as found in the green Thompson or Emperor varieties. Grapes are low in calories, fat and sodium and are free of cholesterol. However, they are rich in antioxidants and offer protection against cardiovascular disease, particularly in women. Grapes contain nutritional compounds called flavonoids which can reduce your risk of blood clots and reduce LDL, or 'bad', cholesterol.
7. Pomegranate
Pomegranates are a symbol of fertility in folklore. These unusual fruits are about the size of an orange, with red, leathery skin and cluster juicy seeds. Pomegranates have become very popular as a health-giving superfood, particularly in juice form. The fruits are rich in vitamin C, which boosts the immune system. They also lower cholesterol levels, preventing blood clots by keeping blood platelets from clumping together. Pomegranates may also help reduce the risk of breast cancer and lessen the symptoms of arthritis.
The Bible can influence your selections of foods for healthy living. In addition to the seven super foods, the Bible is replete with other food references so you should not have much difficulty planning a biblical feast for friends and family.
Heather Little-White, PhD, is a nutrition and lifestyle consultant in the Corporate Area. Send comments to editor@gleanerjm.com or fax 922-6223.
