These biblical foods are proven to be healthy and nurturing to the brain and body. Hope you find them helpful!
Apples
I don’t think there is any other biblical fruits as famous as the Apple (Songs of Solomon 2:3, Proverbs 7:2, Deuteronomy 32:10). In the Bible, the Apple
gets high marks for its healthy and healing powers that modern science has since
confirmed. The Bible’s wise King Solomon knew what he was talking about when he
said, “Comfort me with apples, for I am sick…” - Songs of Solomon 2:5
Nutritionists also suggest
that eating two or three apples a day can boost the body’s protection against heart
disease, and thanks to the fruit’s amazing ability to reducing blood pressure and
lowering high cholesterol levels. In fact, they say, the higher the
cholesterol, the greater the benefits. Apples also contain chemicals that scientists believed are vital in
stopping cancer and preventing tooth decay. They lower both bad cholesterol and
high blood pressure.
- The juice in apples is a highly effective virus fighter
- They help stabilize blood sugar, an important factor in controlling diabetes
- They suppress the appetite without robbing the body of necessary nutrients, so they are great for dieters.
- Depending on the need, they prevent constipation or help treat diarrhea
Fish
Fishing on the Sea of
Galilee and the River Jordan was a huge industry in the Bible (Matthew 4:18-21, 14:17-21). Remember Luke
24:42-43; "And they gave him a piece of a broiled fish, and of an honeycomb. And he took it, and did eat before them."
Fish is low in cholesterol
and contains healthy polyunsaturated fats and it serves as a wonderfully rich
source of protein, potassium, vitamins and minerals with only a moderate amount
of sodium. Eating fish:
- Thins the blood
- Protects arteries from damage
- Inhibits blood clots (anti-thrombotic)
- Reduces blood triglycerides
- Lowers LDL blood cholesterol
- Lowers blood pressure
- Reduces risk of heart attack and stroke
- Reduces risk of lupus
- Relieves migraine headaches
- Fights inflammation
- Helps regulate the immune system
- Soothes bronchial asthma
- Combats early kidney disease
Garlic
It’s one of the world’s
oldest healing foods. It was being used both as a favorite food and as a
powerful medicine centuries before Moses led the children of Israel out of
Egypt and into the wilderness (Numbers 11:5, 11:1-35). Depiction of garlic bulbs have been discovered
on the walls of Egyptian tombs, and it dates back to 3200 B.C. – centuries before
Joseph and his brothers settled in Egypt. During that same period, ancient
records reveal that garlic was the principal ingredient in many remedies that
Egyptian healers prescribed as cures for headaches, sore throats and other
complaints.
The ingredient that gives
garlic its strong smell is a chemical called allicin. That also makes it such a
potent antibiotic, it fights hypertension, prevent embolisms, or blood clots
and lowers bad cholesterol. In hundreds
of experiments, allicin extract from raw garlic has destroyed the germs that
spread such illnesses as botulism, tuberculosis, diarrhea, staph, dysentery and
typhoid. Research suggests that garlic may help protect against heart disease
and stroke by lowering blood pressure. It contains allelic sulfides, which may
neutralize carcinogens. In fact, garlic has been linked to lower rates of
stomach cancer too.
As little as half a raw
clove of garlic powder will boost the body’s natural protection against blood
clots, which causes heart attack and stroke. And it takes only two raw garlic
cloves a day to lower cholesterol levels in heart patients. While cooking may
destroy or reduce the allicin and weaken garlic’s potential, most of its
therapeutic benefits remain intact. Cooked garlic still lowers blood
cholesterol and works as a decongestant and cough medicine.
Grapes
Grapes contain important minerals such as calcium, potassium and zinc aside boron. It offers many health benefits, it fights tooth decay, stop viruses in their tracks and are rich in other ingredients that many researchers believe can head off cancer. That's because grapes are packed with things called polyphemus and tannin, both of which appear promising as antiviral and anti-tumor agents.
It is said that Grapes were the first things Noah planted after the flood. Grapes were eaten fresh, dried and as raisins and pressed into cakes just as we do today (Numbers 13:21-25, Judges 9: 27, Genesis 40:9-11). But most of the crops in the vineyards was made into juice, wine and vinegar. It has high content of boron, a mineral that helps ward off osteoporosis. Boron is now sold as a dietary supplement in health food stores, but the people of the Bible had to get theirs from natural sources.
Legumes (Beans)
As reported in the Book of
Samuel (2 Samuel 17: 28, 29, Ezekiel 4:9), beans were among the highly nutritious foods sent
to feed King David’s hungry army and restore their strength for the hard times
ahead. Beans are absolutely packed with soluble fiber and rich in protein,
which helps lower LDL and reduces blood pressure. That same fiber also helps
keep blood sugar levels stable, staves off hunger and has even been shown to
reduce the insulin requirements of people suffering from diabetes.
Bible scholars also say
that the beans mentioned in the Bible were broad beans because these were
extensively cultivated throughout the countries of the eastern Mediterranean
during that period. They are known to have also been a popular food in Egypt. Unlike
our biblical ancestors, today there is a wide range of beans to choose from –
red, white and black beans, black-eyed peas or cowpeas, chickpeas, fava,
kidney, lentils, lima, split peas, pinto, white, Great Northern, navy and
butter beans. All of them offer the same kind of wonderful health benefits.
Worried about gas? An easy
solution is to slowly increase your bean consumption to give your body a chance
to adapt. Or soak them overnight or flush with boiling water, then let sit for
four hours, drain and cook in fresh water.
Mint
Some Bible experts say
mint was among the “bitter herbs” of Exodus 12:8 and Numbers 9:11 along with
leaves of endive, chicory, lettuce, watercress, sorrel and dandelion, which
were eaten as a salad. Mint is one of the “bitter herbs” of the Passover feast,
the Hebrews, Greeks and Romans of Bible times used it as medicine as well as a
flavoring. Today, we know mint mainly as
peppermint and spearmint.
Modern herbalists
recommend that peppermint be taken straight or added to foods as a treatment for
menstrual cramps, motion and morning sickness, colds and flu, headache and
heartburn, fever and insomnia. Medical experts also know that the mints are
marvelous for treating dozens of other problems. That’s why mints, with their
menthol contents, are found in many over the counter remedies for indigestion,
minor pain and congestion.
The mints are also
antispasmodics. They soothe the muscles of the digestive tract and the uterus.
But while peppermint may be good for nausea, it may also stimulate
menstruation. So doctors warn pregnant women to avoid peppermint as a treatment
for morning sickness.
Nuts
Botanists today believe
that Solomon’s “garden of nuts” referred to in Scripture (Songs of Solomon 6:11)
was a rich grove of walnut trees. The fact that walnuts were a delicious treat
and highly nutritious was an added bonus. In other cultures of the time,
walnuts were thought to bring good luck and good health.
It contains the right
mixtures of natural ingredients whose benefits include cancer prevention, a
lower risk of heart disease and help for diabetics. The oil found in walnuts is
considered healthy because it is one of polyunsaturated fats and tends to lower
blood cholesterol levels.
Olives
Olives was certainly one of the most valuable and versatile tress of biblical times. It is mentioned frequently in the Bible (Leviticus 24:2, Deuteronomy 8:6-9, 1 Chronicles 27:28, Exodus 30:22-23). We all know that, the most famous reference to Olive oil and it's healing powers is in the parable of the Good Samaritan, where the good Samaritan cared for a beaten and robbed traveler, treating his wounds with oil and wine. Pliny and Hippocrates, the noted Physicians of ancient Greece prescribed medicines containing olive oil and olive leaves as cures for such disorders as inflammation of the gums, insomnia, nausea and boils. It was also used to maintain the suppleness of skin and muscle, to heal abrasions and go soothe the burning and drying effects of the sun and wind.
The "anointing with oil" that was a sacred tradition among biblical people was done with olive oil. Olive oil is a highly energy food and it's one of the most digestible of all fats. The ancient of biblical times found ways to incorporate it in many of their meals. It was also used as a fuel, as part of religious ceremonies, as a cosmetic and to offer to guests as a sign of welcome. In addition to its healing properties as a food, olive oil mixed with wine was used to soften and soothe bruises and wounds.
It is rich in vitamin E, and a great antioxidant. If you are trying to reduce the amount of fat in your diet to avoid the risk of heart attack, think of olive oil as an ideal replacement. Anything you can saute in butter, you can saute in olive oil. Not only will you be helping your heart, but you will also be pleasing your taste buds. Olive oil has also been shown to reduce the normal wear and tear of ageing on ghetto tissues and organs of the body and the brain.
Caution: Olive oil has a slight laxative effect. So add it to your diet gradually.
Tip: The more pure the Olive oil, the better. Spend a little extra and get Virgin Olive Oil.
Onions
At least 3,000 years before the birth of Christ, onions were treasured both as food and for therapeutic value - particularly in the treatment of kidney and bladder problems. Although onion was only mentioned once in the Bible (Numbers 11:5), it was within a list of foods with the best healing properties alongside garlic. The people of the Bible were among the first to treat colds and similar ailments with onions.
Onions have also been used externally as an antiseptic and a pain reliever. They've been taken internally as a tonic to soothe intestinal gas pains and to alleviate the symptoms of hypertension, high blood sugar and elevated cholesterol. It's said that the fold remedies in many other cultures called for the juice of an onion and syrup made from honey to treat coughs, colds and asthma attacks.
Wheat
For the people of the Bible, wheat was a great food treasure (Jeremiah 41:8, Psalm 81:16). It was a staple at most every meal. Biblical people had their grain boiled and parched, soaked and roasted, and they even ate it green from the stalk. It was pounded, dried or crushed to be baked into casseroles, porridge, soups, parched grain salads and deserts such as puddings and flans. The Israelites put their faith in this multi-grain good stuff to maintain their health and stay fighting fit.
In addition, wheat could make the difference between life and death because of its nutritional value and the protection it offered against a host of disabling, often deadly, disorders and diseases. Wheat bran's high fiber content is one of the richest dietary sources of insoluble fiber known. The fiber in wheat is our best protection against and cure of constipation. It prevents intestinal infections, hemorrhoids, varicose veins, improves bowel function, and guards us against colon cancer. Most people only need 1/3 cup of 100% whole wheat beam cereal daily. But cereals and whole wheat breads aren't the only way to add fiber. The Bible mentions several various types of grains and ways to use them.
Barley
The Bible is filled with reference to barley (Deuteronomy 8:6-9), which is among the earliest known and most nourishing grains ever to be cultivated. In fact, some scholars say The Feast of Unleavened Bread was an ancient barley harvest festival that became the celebration of the Passover. Bible history experts say that barley was not as valuable as wheat but it was the staple food of the masses and as such was a prominent feature of the early Israelites.
Nutritionists also say, it is full of beta glucans - a type of fiber that can lower the risk of heart disease by reducing levels of artery-clogging LDF. A diet that includes lots of barley, three times a day, has lowered blood cholesterol by about 15% in a number of medical studies. The same high fiber content keeps us regular, relieves constipation and wards off a wide variety of digestive problems. It may also help block cancer.
The bread eaten in the Bible was always made from barley or the other whole grain flours which was regarded vital to good health and a long life, that it was called "the staff of life."
Wine
According to Genesis, one of the first things Noah did after the Flood was plant a vineyard of grapes so he could make wine with them. In moderation, wine has a profound impact on our health and healing (Exodus 29:40). Just a single glass of wine a day may be enough to raise the good cholesterol by 7% and help the body put up a barrier to variety of cancers.
Red wine has been proven to strengthen the body's defense against cancer, just as it does against heart disease. White wine however may carry some of the same therapeutic benefits but research so far seems to indicate that red wine is the most effective cancer-blocker.
Source and references: Bible
foods that heal (White Dove Books), Authority Nutrition.com
If you so much enjoyed this post and would love to read or research more on biblical foods, you can check this link Foods Of The Bible on ThoughtCo.com, it's a complete long list of it all.
