The Top 10 Foods of the Bible That Heal and Nourish

Ancient biblical wisdom, primarily found in the Old Testament of the Bible, references a variety of foods that the Bible identifies as having healing properties or being beneficial to good health and longevity. These foods often identified as clean foods in the text are the basis for several popular diet plans including the Maker’s Diet. These plans focus on eating foods that come from seed bearing trees or plants, herbs roots and green leafy vegetables and clean meat from animals with a cloven hoof and seafood with fins and scales. Interestingly insects such as grasshoppers, locusts and crickets are allowed however not common food choices in today’s western culture.

Studies of biblical diets show that they do have a beneficial impact on the wellbeing of those who follow these diet plans. Energetically eating cleaner foods results in cleaner energetic and physical bodies. The documented benefits of biblical diets include weight loss, longer lifespans with fewer health complications, increased energy, balanced hormones and improvement in mood and overall outlook on life. Some dieters claim that following a biblical diet was a key factor in curing disease. Others choose to follow a biblical diet not for health reasons but as a part of their spiritual practice.

Foods such as pork refined flour and sugar, bottom feeding seafood such as lobster, crab, shrimp and oysters and fried or processes meets including bologna, corned beef and roast beef are not included in biblical diets and to be avoided as they are considered unclean. In addition, many biblical diets also include specific prayers and spiritual rituals along with a dietary plan.

Whether you choose to follow a biblical diet completely or are simply seeking foods with specific healing properties, knowing some basic information about the following ten primary healing foods from the Bible may be helpful.

Fermented Grapes

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Grapes and wine are referenced many times throughout the Bible with various uses. Research now has proven that drinking red wine, in moderation, may have an impact in lowering the risk of heart disease, lowering blood pressure, and atherosclerosis. A general suggested intake amount is for one to two five-ounce glasses per day.

Through the fermentation process of grapes, the natural anti-oxidant and nutritional properties of flavonoids present in the grape skins used to make wine are exemplified, increasing the healing benefits. These flavonoids protect the body’s cells that support healthy blood vessels which over time can improve blood flow to the brain preventing plaque from developing, lowering risk of Alzheimer’s disease and cognitive decline. In addition, one study found that not only was red wine healing but also improved the drinker’s overall emotional state. Some research has even shown this biblical food as being effective in chronic disease prevention and as a useful component in treating diseases such as diabetes and obesity.

Flax

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Plant fiber, specifically flaxseed, is mentioned repeatedly in the Bible. Flaxseed was believed in so strongly in the 8th century for its health benefits that King Charlemagne passed laws requiring his subjects to consume it!

Flax contains omega-3 essential fatty acids, known as good fats, which promote cardiovascular health. Flaxseed also contains a much higher amount of lignans than other plants. Lignans contain antioxidants and plant estrogen. Finally, flaxseed provides both soluble and insoluble fiber.

Recent studies suggest flaxseed may have a protective effect against certain types of cancer with omega-3 fatty acids working to inhibit tumour occurrence and growth. The lignans protect against cancer by blocking enzymes that impact hormone metabolism interfering with the spread of tumour cells. Daily flaxseed intake may lower cholesterol levels, increase metabolism, fight diabetes and decrease inflammation. Flaxseed has been shown in studies to be beneficial for women in menopause with a regular dose of two tablespoons a day reportedly cutting in the intensity of hot flashes by over 50 percent after just two weeks.

Bitter Herbs

Bitter herbs such as coriander and parsley are generally considered to reference coriander, also known as cilantro, and parsley. Coriander provides dietary fiber, manganese, iron, magnesium, vitamin C, vitamin K and plant protein in addition to small amounts of a variety of other nutrients. Coriander has antioxidant properties and acts as a natural cleansing agent, having positive effects on cholesterol levels, lowering blood sugar levels, treating diabetes, aiding in digestion, promoting liver function, treating Alzheimer’s disease, protecting against lung cancer and containing anti-inflammatory properties that are helpful in treating arthritis and other inflammatory diseases. Other healing uses include healing nervous system, stimulating memory, treating anemia, regulating menstrual flow, preventing eye diseases, treating conjunctivitis and curing mouth ulcers with its anti-septic properties.

Parsley also possesses powerful anti-inflammatory properties and antioxidants. Parsley can reduce the risk of breast, digestive tract, skin and prostate cancers. It is an excellent source of vitamin C which neutralizes the free radicals that play a role in disease development. As a superfood parsley is packed with nutrients including folic acid which aids in decreasing risk of heart attacks and strokes.

Lamb

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Lamb is the meat of young sheep that are generally one year old or younger. Because of the animal’s age, the marble fat content is considerably lower than older varieties of meat yielding a lean meat some consider the healthiest of red meats. Lamb is considered a rich source of high-quality protein and is packed with vitamins. Regular consumption of lamb promotes muscle growth and performance encouraging lean muscle mass and growth and repair of cells, prevents anemia, and contributes to cardiovascular health. Because of its make up lamb is a highly digestible protein making the high concentrations of micro-nutrients extremely bio-available.

The high concentrations of vitamin B12 and other B vitamins help to protect the nervous system and ensure the health of nerve cells which contributes to the efficiency of overall body function. Lamb also contains zinc which boosts our immune system, helps to heal wounds and supports growth and development in children.

Olives and Olive Oil

Olive trees can live more than 500 years with some being over 2,000 years old! In ancient cultures olive oil was considered sacred and was used to anoint kings and priests. Today research proves that regular consumption of olives and olive oil contributes to heart, brain, skin and joint health, significantly decreasing the risk of heart disease and cancer. Olives and olive oil protect against colon, breast and skin cancer and reduce inflammation due to the high levels of monounsaturated fatty acid. Olive oil is good for the heart, supressing levels of LDL, bad cholesterol, and reducing the development of arterial plaque.

Olive oil contain oleocanthal which has strong anti-inflammatory properties that mimic ibuprofen and naturally reduce pain caused by chroming inflammatory diseases such as arthritis. When consumed daily it can significantly aid in pain reduction. Olives fight the bacteria that causes stomach ulcers and boosts iron intake increasing immune function and boosting cognitive development.

Pomegranate

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A pomegranate is an orange sized fruit with a tough outer skin and a sweet jelly like flesh inside containing lots of seeds. Pomegranate juice contains higher levels of extremely potent antioxidants than most other fruit juices. The antioxidants in pomegranate juice help to remove free radicals, protect cells from damage and reduce inflammation. Tests show that pomegranate juice can reduce inflammation in the digestive tract and in breast cancer, and colon cancer cells. It has also been shown effective in treating type 2 diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease and aiding in weight loss. Pomegranate extract may slow cancer cell reproduction and even induce cell death in cancer cells. This has been tested successfully in studies focusing on patients with prostate cancer.

Pomegranate juice has been shown to lower blood pressure levels in as little as two weeks and may lower risk of heart disease. Other benefits include reducing symptoms of erectile disfunction, fighting bacterial and fungal infections with the antibacterial and antiviral properties of pomegranate, improving memory, and increasing exercise performance.

Raw Goat Milk

Raw goat milk is filled with vitamins and minerals. Goat’s milk is less allergic than cow’s milk and is easier to digest. Goat’s milk contains twice the medium-chain fatty acids which are highly antimicrobial. It does not contain mucus therefor it does not stimulate a defense response from the human immune system like cow’s milk does. Many people who are lactose intolerant have found they can tolerate goat’s milk.

In addition to being easier to digest, goat’s milk is known to reduce gastro intestinal and respiratory issues. The nutrients are easily absorbed increasing nourishment and has been found helpful in treating inflammatory bowel disease, cystic fibrosis, gall stones and epilepsy. Goat’s milk is good for the skin and promotes healthy blood and bones. Goat’s milk is a complete protein with the optimal amount of all essential amino acids, delivering nutrition vital for carrying out many biological processes including transporting nutrients and building tissue.

Raw Honey

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Raw hone is often referred to as “liquid gold.” Loaded with antioxidants, nutrients, anti-bacterial and antifungal properties, the healing applications are endless. Honey contains disease fighting antioxidants that aid in boosting the immune system and fighting off a wide variety of diseases. Honey can be used as an antibacterial agent in healing wounds and skin injuries, destroying bacteria and promoting healing. Some promote honey as a weight loss food recommending a spoonful of honey before bed to burn fat while you are sleeping and having honey and water first thing in the morning to boost metabolism.

Honey strengthens the immune system and has nourishing and moisturising properties useful in treating dry skin and as an ingredient in facial masks for tone correction producing glowing skin. Honey also promotes brain function boosting memory and concentration. Many are familiar with taking a tablespoon of honey as a cough remedy. Additional uses include remedy for dandruff, sleep aid, ease sinus issues, treating gum disease, boosting energy and preventing and controlling eczema.

Sprouted Grain Bread

Sprouted grain bread, sometimes referred to as Ezekiel bread, is made from whole grains including a variety of whole grains and legumes. As a result, this type of bread offers a broader range of nutrients and fiber than other breads and is easier to digest. Sprouted grain bread is a complete protein. As a complete protein it is a good way, especially for vegetarians, to pick some of the complete protein that typically is provided when eating meat.

Sprouted grain bread is low in carbohydrate content compared to other breads, aiding in weight loss and blood sugar control. It is also lower in gluten which has been linked to inflammation, leaky gut, irritable bowel syndrome and other health issues. Due to the lower gluten levels sprouted grain bread is more tolerable for people with these health issues, celiac disease or an allergy to wheat. Sprouted grain is reported to increase regularity and overall energy levels.

Vegetables

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Vegetables are the most nutrient-dense of the food groups, being low in calories but high in vitamins, minerals and fiber. References to vegetarian diets and fasting are noted throughout the Bible. Vegetables do not spike your blood sugar like fruits as they do not carry an excess of sugar. Cruciferous vegetables including broccoli, cabbage, collards, kale, radish and others help to prevent cancer due to the glucosinolates which break down during digestion to slow and reverse cancer cell growth. Glucosinolates also aid in the treatment of inflammation, bacterial and viral infections, carcinogenic toxicity, and slowing tumour growth and migration.

Diets rich in vegetables may reduce the risk of stroke, cancer, heart diseases and type 2 diabetes. The nutrient potassium obtained through a plant-based diet helps to maintain a healthy blood pressure. Since vegetables are rich in vitamins and minerals, they help to increase energy and an overall sense of wellbeing.