3 Super Foods in the Bible for Healthy living

Many foods in the Bible have stood the test of time as very beneficial for our body. God clearly want us to eat healthy and nutritious foods. The Bible tells us that God made provision for all the foods in creation from the very beginning: In Genesis 1:29-30 (Amplified version below) God said, “See, I have given you every plant yielding seed that is on the face of all the land and every tree with seed in its fruit; you shall have them for food”.

Here are three foods in the category of Fruits and Nuts from the bible and their proven nutritional benefits.

Almonds

Genesis 43:11 “And their father Israel said unto them, If it must be so now, do this; take of the best fruits in the land in your vessels, and carry down the man a present, a little balm, and a little honey, spices, and myrrh, nuts, and almonds:”

Numbers 17:8 “And it came to pass, that on the morrow Moses went into the tabernacle of witness; and, behold, the rod of Aaron for the house of Levi was budded, and brought forth buds, and bloomed blossoms, and yielded almonds.”

There any many goods reasons why you should consider including almond in your diet. The health benefits of almonds have been documented for centuries and new research is backing up many of the claims as a source of minerals, vitamins, protein and fiber,

A handful of almonds, approximately one ounce, contains one-eighth of our necessary daily protein7. They are a source of vitamin E , copper, magnesium, and high quality protein.

Almonds are the ingredients of several different dishes. Almonds are available sliced, flaked, slivered, as a flour, oil, butter, or as almond milk.They may be eaten on their own, raw or toasted.

Almonds, along with nuts and seeds in general, are often associated with improved levels of blood lipids and good for reducing the risk of heart disease

Recent developments on the health benefits of almonds have shown that people who eat a handful of nuts every day live longer than those who do not eat them.

Grapes

Genesis 40:10, 11 “And in the vine were three branches: and it was as though it budded, and her blossoms shot forth; and the clusters thereof brought forth ripe grapes: And Pharaoh’s cup was in my hand: and I took the grapes, and pressed them into Pharaoh’s cup, and I gave the cup into Pharaoh’s hand.”

Nehemiah 13:15 “In those days saw I in Judah some treading wine presses on the Sabbath, and bringing in sheaves, and lading asses; as also wine, grapes, and figs, and all manner of burdens, which they brought into Jerusalem on the Sabbath day: and I testified against them in the day wherein they sold victuals.”

The history of grapes goes back as far as 8,000 years, The potential health benefits of consuming s this popular fruit are numerous. Past studies have associated them with prevention of cancer, heart disease, high blood pressure and constipation. Other studies have shown that increasing consumption of plant foods like grapes decreases the risk of obesity and overall mortality. Grapes have earned its “super food” status due to some special components that make them even more essential to our health. Grapes may slow or prevent many types of cancer, including esophageal, lung, mouth, pharynx, endometrial, pancreatic, prostate and colon.

^{The high polyphenol content in grapes may also reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD)} Grapes are recommended to those with high blood pressure to help negate the effects of sodium in the body.

Eating foods like grapes, watermelon and cantaloupe that are high in water content can help to keep you hydrated and your bowel movements regular. Grapes also contain fiber, which is essential for minimizing constipation.

Olives

Judges 15:5 “And when he had set the brands on fire, he let them go into the standing corn of the Philistines, and burnt up both the shocks, and also the standing corn, with the vineyards and olives.”

Deuteronomy 6:11 “And houses full of all good things, which thou filledst not, and wells digged, which thou diggedst not, vineyards and olive trees, which thou plantedst not; when thou shalt have eaten and be full;”

Olives are one of the few foods of the world that naturally contain four basic flavours: bitter, sweet, salty and acidic. Olives taste delicious and also have excellent nutritional qualities, They are easy to digest due to their high fibre content and contain plenty of minerals and nutrients. For centuries, the fruits, and oil extracted from them, have been part of important food sources for the natives around Mediterranean Sea .

In addition to providing energy, they are compose of significant amounts of plant-derived anti-oxidants, minerals, phyto-sterols, and vitamins.

A good amount of vitamin E. 100 a powerful lipid soluble antioxidant, found in Olives are required for maintaining the integrity of cell membrane of mucusa and skin by protecting it from harmful oxygen-free radicals..

In addition, Olives contain good amounts of minerals like calcium, copper, iron, manganese, and zinc. They are equally small sources of B-complex vitamins such as niacin, choline, and pantothenic acid.

Article by Sonny A. Samuel