The Healing Power of Yoga

The question that  always ran through my mind when I heard the word Yoga is what is Yoga? So one day I decide to find out and what I found was absolutely surprising, the health benefits were amazing!

What is yoga and how does it work?

Yoga is an ancient and complex practice, rooted in Indian philosophy. It began as a spiritual practice but has become popular as a way of promoting physical and mental well-being.

Although classical yoga also includes other elements, yoga as practiced in the United States typically emphasizes physical postures (asanas), breathing techniques (pranayama), and meditation (dyana). 

There are many different yoga styles, ranging from gentle practices to physically demanding ones. Differences in the types of yoga used in research studies may affect study results. This makes it challenging to evaluate research on the health effects of yoga.

Yoga and two practices of Chinese origin—tai chi and qi gong—are sometimes called “meditative movement” practices. All three practices include both meditative elements and physical ones.

 

What are the health benefits of yoga?

Research suggests that yoga may:

  • Help improve general wellness by relieving stress, supporting good health habits, and improving mental/emotional health, sleep, and balance.
  • Relieve low-back pain and neck pain, and possibly pain from tension-type headaches and knee osteoarthritis.
  • Help people who are overweight or obese lose weight.
  • Help people quit smoking.
  • Help people manage anxiety or depressive symptoms associated with difficult life situations.
  • Relieve menopause symptoms.
  • Help people with chronic diseases manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life.

Although there’s been a lot of research on the health effects of yoga, many studies have included only small numbers of people and haven’t been of high quality. Therefore, in most instances, we can only say that yoga has shown promise for particular health uses, not that it’s been proven to help.

What does research show about yoga for wellness?

Studies have suggested possible benefits of yoga for several aspects of wellness, including stress management, mental/emotional health, promoting healthy eating/activity habits, sleep, and balance.

Can yoga help with pain management?

Research has been done on yoga for several conditions that involve pain. Studies of yoga for low-back pain and neck pain have had promising results, and yoga is among the options that the American College of Physicians recommends for first-line treatment of chronic low-back pain. Preliminary evidence suggests that yoga may also be helpful for tension headaches and knee osteoarthritis pain.

How does yoga affect mental health?

There’s evidence that yoga may be helpful for anxiety associated with various life situations, such as medical conditions or stressful educational programs, and for depressive symptoms. The evidence on yoga’s impact on diagnosed mental health conditions is less promising.

Can yoga help with menopause symptoms?

Yoga seems to be at least as effective as other types of exercise in relieving menopause symptoms. A 2018 evaluation of 13 studies (more than 1,300 participants) of yoga for menopause symptoms found that yoga reduced physical symptoms, such as hot flashes, as well as psychological symptoms, such as anxiety or depression.

Is yoga helpful for people with chronic diseases?

There’s promising evidence that yoga may help people with some chronic diseases manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life. Thus, it could be a helpful addition to treatment programs.

What does research show about practicing yoga during pregnancy?

Physical activities, such as yoga, are safe and desirable for most pregnant women, as long as appropriate precautions are taken. Yoga may have health benefits for pregnant women, such as decreasing stress, anxiety, and depression.

Does yoga have benefits for children?

Research suggests that yoga may have several potential benefits for children.

  • A 2016 report from the American Academy of Pediatrics concluded that yoga appears to be promising as a stress management tool for children and adolescents, with very low reports of adverse effects. It also said that yoga may have positive effects on psychological functioning in children coping with emotional, mental, and behavioral health problems. The report noted, however, that studies of yoga for children have had limitations, such as small sample sizes and high dropout rates.
  • A 2020 review of 27 studies (1,805 total participants) of yoga interventions in children or adolescents found reductions in anxiety or depression in 70 percent of the studies, with more promising results for anxiety. Some of the studies involved children who had or were at risk for mental health disorders, some involved children with physical illnesses, and others involved groups of children in schools. The quality of the studies was relatively weak, and the results cannot be considered conclusive.
  • A 2021 review evaluated 9 studies (289 total participants) of yoga interventions for weight loss in overweight or obese children or adolescents. Some of the studies evaluated yoga alone; others evaluated yoga in combination with other interventions such as changes in diet. The majority of the yoga interventions had beneficial effects on weight loss and related behavior changes. The studies were small, and some did not use the most rigorous study designs.
  • A 2016 review looked at 47 studies that evaluated school-based yoga programs. The evidence indicated that implementing yoga in school settings is feasible. However, most of the studies were preliminary, so definite conclusions could not be reached about whether the programs were beneficial.

    What are the risks of yoga?

    Yoga is generally considered a safe form of physical activity for healthy people when performed properly, under the guidance of a qualified instructor. However, as with other forms of physical activity, injuries can occur. The most common injuries are sprains and strains, and the parts of the body most commonly injured are the knee or lower leg. Serious injuries are rare. The risk of injury associated with yoga is lower than that for higher impact physical activities.

    Older adults may need to be particularly cautious when practicing yoga. The rate of yoga-related injuries treated in emergency departments is higher in people age 65 and older than in younger adults.

    To reduce your chances of getting hurt while doing yoga:

    • Practice yoga under the guidance of a qualified instructor. Practicing yoga by self-study without supervision has been associated with increased risks.
    • If you’re new to yoga, avoid extreme practices such as headstands, shoulder stands, the lotus position, and forceful breathing.
    • Be aware that hot yoga has special risks related to overheating and dehydration.
    • Pregnant women, older adults, and people with health conditions should talk with their health care providers and the yoga instructor about their individual needs. They may need to avoid or modify some yoga poses and practices. Some of the health conditions that may call for modifications in yoga include preexisting injuries, such as knee or hip injuries, lumbar spine disease, severe high blood pressure, balance issues, and glaucoma.

    About one in seven U.S. adults practiced yoga in the past 12 months, according to a 2017 national survey. Among children age 4 to 17, it was about 1 in 12. The percentage of people who practice yoga grew from 2007 to 2012 and again from 2012 to 2017.

    This was true for both adults and children. national survey data from 2012 showed that 94 percent of adults who practiced yoga did it for wellness-related reasons, while 17.5 percent did it to treat a specific health condition. Some people reported doing both.

    Much of the research on yoga in the United States has been conducted in predominantly female, non-Hispanic White, well-educated people with relatively high incomes. Other people—particularly members of minority groups and those with lower incomes—have been underrepresented in yoga studies.

    Different groups of people may have different yoga-related experiences, and the results of studies that did not examine a diverse population may not apply to everyone.

    Facts compiled from an article publshed by The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. This article is for informational purposes only not intended to diagnose or suggest you use yoga in place of a doctor’s advice.

The Health Benefits Of Lemons

Lemon juice is one of my favorite juices to have first thing in the morning. I use it for allergies and when I am feeling congested. After reading an article on the health benefits of lemon juice on colds, I decided to try it. I got up each morning before I put any food in my stomach I would drink a glass of hot lemonade with no sugar. After a couple of weeks, I noticed the improvement the congestion in my chest started clearing up naturally. Now I use hot lemon teas every time I feel a cold coming on or when my allergies start acting up. So, what is so amazing about lemons?

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The Nutrient Benefits of Whole Grains

Brief Overview: Whole grains are apart of the Plant-based diet, Whole Grains Were Often Eaten in Times of Hardship, The Book of Ezekiel is one of the most detailed and well-known references to grains, as God commands Ezekiel to use “wheat and barley, and beans and lentils, and millet and spelt” to make bread for the people to eat. Ezekiel 4: 9

Eating grains, especially whole grains provides health benefits. People who eat whole grains as part of a healthy diet have a reduced risk of some chronic diseases. Grains provide many nutrients that are vital for the health and maintenance of our bodies.

Whole grains include grains like wheat, corn, rice, oats, barley, quinoa, sorghum, spelt, rye – when these foods are eaten in their “whole” form Whole grains even include popcorn!

Health experts advise everyone – men and women, young and old – that grains are a healthy necessity in every diet, and that it’s important to eat at least half our grains as “whole grains.”

What is a Whole Grain

All grains start life as whole grains. In their natural state growing in the fields, whole grains are the entire seed of a plant. This seed (which industry calls a “kernel”) is made up of three key edible parts – the bran, the germ, and the endosperm – protected by an inedible husk that protects the kernel from assaults by sunlight, pests, water, and disease.

THE BRAN

The bran is the multi-layered outer skin of the edible kernel. It contains important antioxidants, B vitamins and fiber.

THE GERM

The germ is the embryo which has the potential to sprout into a new plant. It contains many B vitamins, some protein, minerals, and healthy fats.

THE ENDOSPERM

The endosperm is the germ’s food supply, which provides essential energy to the young plant so it can send roots down for water and nutrients, and send sprouts up for sunlight’s photosynthesizing power. The endosperm is by far the largest portion of the kernel. It contains starchy carbohydrates, proteins, and small amounts of vitamins and minerals.

WHOLE GRAINS ARE HEALTHIER because whole grains contain all three parts of the kernel. Refining normally removes the bran and the germ, leaving only the endosperm. Without the bran and germ, about 25% of a grain’s protein is lost, and are greatly reduced in at least seventeen key nutrients. Processors add back some vitamins and minerals to enrich refined grains, so refined products still contribute valuable nutrients. But whole grains are healthier, providing more protein, more fiber and many important vitamins and minerals.

Nutrients

  • Grains are important sources of many nutrients, including complex carbohydrates, dietary fiber, several B vitamins (thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, and folate), and minerals (iron, magnesium, and selenium).
  • Dietary fiber from whole grains or other foods may help reduce blood cholesterol levels and may lower the risk of heart disease, obesity, and type 2 diabetes. Fiber is important for proper bowel function. It helps reduce constipation and diverticulosis. Fiber-containing foods such as whole grains help provide a feeling of fullness with fewer calories.
  • The B vitamins thiamin, riboflavin, and niacin play a key role in metabolism – they help the body release energy from protein, fat, and carbohydrates. B vitamins are also essential for a healthy nervous system. Many refined grains are enriched with these B vitamins.
  • Folate (folic acid), another B vitamin, helps the body form red blood cells. Women of childbearing age who may become pregnant should consume adequate folate from foods and in addition 400 mcg of synthetic folic acid from fortified foods or supplements. This reduces the risk of neural tube defects, spina bifida, and anencephaly during fetal development.
  • Iron is used to carry oxygen in the blood. Many teenage girls and women in their childbearing years have iron-deficiency anemia. They should eat foods high in heme-iron (meats) or eat other iron-containing foods along with foods rich in vitamin C, which can improve the absorption of non-heme iron. Whole and enriched refined grain products are major sources of non-heme iron in American diets.
  • Whole grains are sources of magnesium and selenium. Magnesium is a mineral used in building bones and releasing energy from muscles. Selenium protects cells from oxidation. It is also important for a healthy immune system.
     

Health benefits

  • Consuming whole grains as part of a healthy diet may reduce the risk of heart disease.
  • Consuming whole-grain foods that contain fiber, as part of an overall healthy diet, can support healthy digestion.
  • Eating whole grains, as part of an overall healthy diet, may help with weight management.
  • Eating grain products fortified with folate helps prevent neural tube defects when consumed as part of an overall healthy diet before and during pregnancy.

Whole grains may be eaten whole, cracked, split, or ground. They can be milled into flour or used to make bread, cereals, and other processed foods. If a food label states that the package contains whole grain, the “whole grain” part of the food inside the package is required to have the same proportions of bran, germ, and endosperm as the harvested kernel does before it is processed.

How to Cook Whole Grains

Cooking Whole Grains

Compared to refined or “white” grains, whole grains are usually chewier and have a nuttier, fuller flavor. You may find this unfamiliar at first but stick with it until your palate adjusts and then reap the health benefits. The thing about whole grains besides getting used to the taste, it is not always easy to cook them it takes practice to master the skill of cooking them to perfect perfection!

Standard Method

  1. Put the dry, uncooked grain in a pan with the appropriate amount of cool water or broth.
  2. Place over high heat and bring it to a boil
  3. Reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer until the liquid is absorbed.

Pilaf Method

  1. Brown small bits of onion, mushroom, and garlic with a little oil in a saucepan.
  2. Add the dry grain and cook until fragrant, about 1-3 minutes.
  3. Add the appropriate amount of low-sodium broth.
  4. Place over high heat and bring it to a boil
  5. Reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer until the liquid is absorbed.

Time Varies when Cooking Grains
Grains can vary in the time they take to cook. When they are tender, they are done! If the grain is not as tender as you like when “time is up,” simply add more water and continue cooking. On the other hand,if everything seems fine before all the liquid is absorbed, simply drain the excess liquid.

Whole Grain Cooking Shortcuts
Let grains sit in the specified amount of water for a few hours. After soaking, add extra water if necessary, then cook (time will be shorter).

• Cook whole grains in big batches. They will keep for 3-5 days in your fridge and take just minutes to warm up. Add a little water or broth if needed. You can also use the leftovers for salads, grain bowls, or soup.

Fixing Sticky Bottoms
If the whole grains are sticking to the bottom of your pan, turn off the heat, add a very small amount of liquid, put a lid on the pan, and let it sit a few minutes. The grain will loosen, for easier serving and cleanup.

God’s Dietary Laws a Blueprint for Health and Healing

Sometimes it takes for our health to take a downturn before we quickly begin to question our eating habits and diet. Yet the solution is simple if you look at it from a biblical perspective.

The Bible says in Proverbs 3: 1-2   not forget God’s teaching, but keep His commands in your heart, for they will prolong your life many years and bring you peace and prosperity. God has made it clear, that we are “not to forget his teaching. According to the bible God shaped us, molded us, and formed us from the dust of the earth. God knew us even before we were formed in our mother’s womb, Jeremiah 1:5., and according to Luke 12:7, even the hairs on our head are numbered.

Who better to tell us what food we need to incorporate into our diets that will lead to a long and healthy life, but God? Among other things, the purpose of the Bible is to reveal who God is, and his will for mankind. The Holy Scripture is the first text revealing the utility of plants for man, as natural sources of food, wood, fibers, oils, and medicinal herbs.

God’s Dietary Laws

From the bible we know that the people living during biblical times got their instructions from God as to what they were to eat, they were to follow God’s Dietary Laws”. Starting with the very first book of the Bible, God makes it clear the foods HE has provided for our consumption. Genesis 1:29 -2:16 – And God said, Behold, I have given you every herb producing seed that is on the whole earth, and every tree in which is the fruit of a tree producing seed: it shall be food for you.

The diet God gave people, in the beginning, was herbs, fruit, whole grains, and nuts. 
Vegetables were added a little later in Genesis 3:18. Scientific research has revealed that leafy greens and green herbs are the most nutritionally dense foods known to man and the most healthful nutritional base for any diet.

Meat

Genesis 9:3 3Everything that lives and moves about will be food for you. Just as I gave you the green plants, I now give you everything. In the Book of Leviticus God is more specific about the type of animals we are to consume. Not all animals were considered clean to eat.

Leviticus 11: 1-8 (NIV) The Lord said to Moses and Aaron, “Say to the Israelites: ‘Of all the animals that live on land, these are the ones you may eat: You may eat any animal that has a divided hoof and that chews the cud. “‘There are some that only chew the cud or only have a divided hoof, but you must not eat them.

The camel, though it chews the cud, does not have a divided hoof; it is ceremonially unclean for you. The hyrax, though it chews the cud, does not have a divided hoof; it is unclean for you. The rabbit, though it chews the cud, does not have a divided hoof; it is unclean for you. And the pig, though it has a divided hoof, does not chew the cud; it is unclean for you. You must not eat their meat or touch their carcasses; they are unclean for you.

Birds / Fowls

Chicken and turkey birds are common foods eaten in most households, if not all. The bible does not specifically mention chicken or turkey. In Genesis 9:3 the bible tells us, that everything that lives and moves about will be food for us. The Bible also points out which birds or fowl we are not to eat.

“And these you shall detest among the birds; they shall not be eaten; they are detestable: the eagle, the bearded vulture, the black vulture, the kite, the falcon of any kind, every raven of any kind, the ostrich, the nighthawk, the seagull, the hawk of any kind. Leviticus 11:13-16 All other birds and fowl were considered clean to eat.

Seafood

Leviticus 11:9 “‘Of all the creatures living in the water of the seas and the streams you may eat any that have fins and scales. In the book of Deuteronomy. 14:10 10 And whatsoever hath not fins and scales ye may not eat; it is unclean unto you.

Warning About Fat and Blood

God warns us about the fat and blood of meat in Leviticus 7:23 (NIV)” Say to the Israelites: ‘Do not eat any of the fat of cattle, sheep or goats. The saturated fat found in meat has also been associated with significantly raised risks of colon cancer.

God says In Leviticus 3:17(NIV) This is a lasting ordinance for the generations to come, wherever you live: You must not eat any fat or any blood.” Modern health research findings agree on the dangers of eating meat fat and blood.

7 Biblical Species Recognized as Having Great Health Benefits…

In the book of Deuteronomy God has brought his chosen people the children Israel out of slavery honoring the oath he made to their ancestors. Deuteronomy 7:6 (NIV) God Speaking to the children of Israel, his chosen people He says: For you are a people holy to the Lord your God. The Lord your God has chosen you out of all the peoples on the face of the earth to be his people, his treasured possession. God makes it clear he loves his chosen people and they mean everything to HIM! Question: When you love someone you want only the what for them?. Answer: The very best!

In the book of Deuteronomy 8: 7-8 (NIV) God -tells His beloved people, for the Lord your God is bringing you into a good land—a land with brooks, streams, and deep springs gushing out into the valleys and hills;  a land with wheat and barley, vines and fig trees, pomegranates, olive oil and honey. God leads his people to specific foods, and points out the fact that the land he will be leading his chosen people too , will be good land and he makes of point of naming the good foods, this is an important fact ! Why? Because the 7 foods mentioned in the bible in Deuteronomy 8: 7-8 (wheat and barley, vines and fig trees, pomegranates, olive oil and honey)are refereed to as the biblical seven species , they were the staple foods consumed by the Jewish people in the land of Israel during biblical times.

The Biblical 7 Species Recognized as Having Great Health Benefits..

It is interesting to note that Israel, the Holy Landis part of the Mediterranean region in the middle east. The Mediterranean diet has it roots in the biblical traditional diet .
The Mediterranean diet is considered one of the healthiest diets in the world! The biblical seven species are now scientifically recognized as healthy foods, and further improve the many beneficial effects of the Mediterranean Diet and additional Mediterranean fruits, has great health advantages.

The Biblical 7 Species Nutritional Facts:

1. Wheat

Whole Grain wheat products has proven to have many heath benefits. Studies has consistently shown that consumption of whole grains reverses the risk of major chronic diseases such as certain types of cancer, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. Dietary fiber has been reported to be responsible for the health effects of Whole Grain consumption.

2. Barley

Studies have consistently shown that regular consumption of whole grain barley reduces the risk of developing chronic diseases. The presence of barley fiber, especially β-glucan in whole grain barley, has been largely credited for these health benefits.

However, it is now widely believed that the actions of the fiber component alone do not explain the observed health benefits associated with the consumption of whole grain barley. Whole grain barley also contains phytochemicals including phenolic acids, flavonoids, lignans, tocols, phytosterols, and folate.

These phytochemicals exhibit strong antioxidant, antiproliferative, and cholesterol lowering abilities, which are potentially useful in lowering the risk of certain diseases. Therefore, the high concentration of phytochemicals in barley may be largely responsible for its health benefits.

3. Vine Foods (Grapes )

A popular vine food used in biblical times was Grapes, Grapes, are one of the most popular and widely cultivated and consumed fruits in the world, are rich in phytochemicals.

The phytochemicals present in fruits and vegetables may play an important role in deceasing chronic disease risk. Extensive evidence has linked the consumption of grapes with reduced risk of chronic diseases, including certain types of cancer and cardiovascular disease.

Other studies have shown that grapes have strong antioxidant activity, inhibiting cancer cell proliferation and suppressing platelet aggregation, while also lowering cholesterol.

4. Figs

Compared with vitamins C and E, dried fruits such as Figs have superior quality antioxidants with figs and dried plums being the best. Dried figs is a good source of fiber and a source of calcium, magnesium, potassium, and vitamin K.

Foods high in antioxidants are know to protect us against cancer. The A I C R posted an article which claims vitamin k should be apart of your cancer fighting foods. According to the article, some studies show that people who eat more vitamin K-rich foods have stronger bones than those who eat less.

5. Pomegranates

Accumulating data clearly claimed that Pomegranate has several health benefits. Pomegranates can help prevent or treat various disease risk factors including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, oxidative stress, hyperglycemia, and inflammatory activities.

It is demonstrated that certain components of pomegranate such as polyphenols have potential antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticarcinogenic effects ( anticarcinogenic inhibits or prevents the development of cancer).

6. Olive Oil

The Mediterranean diet, in which olive oil is the primary source of fat, is associated with a low mortality for cardiovascular disease. Consumption of olive oil within the Mediterranean diet has been long known to have many health benefits.

There is converging evidence on the benefits of olive oil for preventing several CVD risk factors, including diabetes. Olive oil is also implicated in preventing certain cancers, with the most promising findings for breast and digestive tract cancers, although the data are still not entirely consistent and mainly from case-control studies. These health benefits are supported by strong mechanistic evidence from experimental studies.

7. Honey

Most ancient population, including the Greeks, Chinese, Egyptians, Romans, Mayans, and Babylonians, consumed honey both for nutritional aims and for its medicinal properties.
Honey is one of the most appreciated and valued natural products introduced to humankind since ancient times. Honey is used not only as a nutritional product but also in health described in traditional medicine and as an alternative treatment for clinical conditions ranging from wound healing to cancer treatment.

Many evidences suggest the use of honey in the control and treatment of wounds, diabetes mellitus, cancer, asthma, and also cardiovascular, neurological, and gastrointestinal diseases.

The information contained in this article is not to replace seeking the help of a medical specialist or any medical diagnosis or treatment. It is not necessarily the views of the author of this article. The information contained in this article was cited from various published works by various experts as listed below.

The Middle Eastern and biblical origins of the Mediterranean diet. -Berry EM1, Arnoni Y, Aviram M.
Bioactive phytochemicals in barley  Idehen E1, Tang Y1, Sang S2.
Whole grain wheat and their health-promoting effects- WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim
The role of olive oil in disease prevention: -Buckland G1, Gonzalez CA
Honey and Health: A Review of Recent Clinical Research -Saeed Samarghandian, Tahereh Farkhondeh,1 and Fariborz Samini
Phytochemicals in whole grain wheat and their health-promoting effects – Elsevier B.V.
Grape phytochemicals and associated health benefits. –Yang J1, Xiao YY.
Potent health effects of pomegranate -Aida Zarfeshany, Sedigheh Asgary,1 and Shaghayegh Haghjoo Javanmard

The Health Benefits of Biblical Herbs

I get excited when I read the scripture that says: He causes the grass to grow for the cattle, and herb for the service of man: that he may bring forth food out of the earth; Psalm 104:14 AKJV

For the service of man is powerful because we know that herbs have a lot of health benefits!
Herbs have been used for cooking, medicine, aromatherapy, religious ceremonies, pest control, and simply for decoration, since pre-Biblical times.

Herbs can be used for culinary and medicinal purposes. Plants that are referred to as “herbs” are not used as food, but are grown and consumed as a garnishment, for flavor enhancement, for aroma, and sometimes for alleged healing properties.

Herbs mentioned in the bible and their health benefits:

Aloe (Aloe vera) (Numbers 24:6 KJVA)

Cinnamon (Exodus 30:23; Revelation 18:13)

Flax Seed (Exodus 9:30-32)

Garlic (Numbers 11:5)

Mint (Matthew 23:23; Luke 11:42)

The Bible also mentions: 

  • Anise or Hyssop (Matthew 23:23 )
  • Coriander (Exodus 16:31; Numbers 11:7)
  • Cumin (Isaiah 28:25; Matthew 23:23)
  • Dill (Matthew 23:23)
  • Mustard (Matthew 13:31)
  • Rue (Luke 11:42)
  • Salt (Ezra 6:9; Job 6:6)
The Questions Is Are Herbs Safe?

The question are herbs safe would depend on which herb and how often you use it. Always read up on the heath benefits and possible side effects of the herb you are using on a regular basises.

Disclaimer/ Disclosure

This information contained in this article is for information purposes only and. and it is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your health care provider(s). We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with your health care provider. According to the NCCIH the mention of any product, service, or therapy is not an endorsement by NCCIH nor do I endorse any products or methods used in the herbal informational facts.

A-List Of Foods Found in the Bible

Ready to start that healthy diet? Why not start with the foods found in the bible. This list of healthy foods found in the Bible may be just what the doctor ordered! After all, it didn’t seem to hurt people living during bible times since scripture tells us they lived a long time. They had to be doing something right! The Scripture Reference is also included:

Fruits and Nuts

  • Apples (Song of Solomon 2:5)
  • Almonds (Genesis 43:11; Numbers 17:8)
  • Dates (2 Samuel 6:19; 1 Chronicles 16:3)
  • Figs (Nehemiah 13:15; Jeremiah 24:1-3)
  • Grapes (Leviticus 19:10; Deuteronomy 23:24)
  • Melons (Numbers 11:5; Isaiah 1:8)
  • Olives (James 5:14 Isaiah 17:6; Micah 6:15)
  • Pistachio Nuts (Genesis 43:11)
  • Pomegranates (Numbers 20:5; Deuteronomy 8:8)
  • Raisins (Numbers 6:3; 2 Samuel 6:19)
  • Sycamore Fruit (Psalm 78:47; Amos 7:14)

Vegetables and Legumes

  • Beans (2 Samuel 17:28; Ezekiel 4:9)
  • Cucumbers (Numbers 11:5)
  • Leeks (Numbers 11:5)
  • Lentils (Genesis 25:34; 2 Samuel 17:28; Ezekiel 4:9)
  • Onions (Numbers 11:5)

Grains

  • Barley (Deuteronomy 8:8; Ezekiel 4:9)
  • Bread (Genesis 25:34; 2 Samuel 6:19; 16:1; Mark 8:14)
  • Corn (Matthew 12:1; KJV- refers to “grain” such as wheat or barley)
  • Flour (2 Samuel 17:28; 1 Kings 17:12)
  • Millet (Ezekiel 4:9)
  • Spelt (Ezekiel 4:9)
  • Unleavened Bread (Genesis 19:3; Exodus 12:20)
  • Wheat (Ezra 6:9; Deuteronomy 8:8)Dairy
    • Butter (Proverbs 30:33)
    • Cheese (2 Samuel 17:29; Job 10:10)
    • Curds ( Yogurt) (Isaiah 7:15)
    • Milk (Exodus 3:8- 33:3; Job 10:10; Judges 5:25)
    Misc:
    • Eggs (Job 6:6; Luke 11:12)
    • Grape Juice (Numbers 6:3)
    • Honey (Exodus 33:3; Deuteronomy 8:8; Judges 14:8-9)
    • Olive Oil (Ezra 6:9; Deuteronomy 8:8)
    • Vinegar (Ruth 2:14; John 19:29)

Fish

  • Matthew 15:36
  • John 21:11-13

Animal Meats

  • Calf (Proverbs 15:17; Luke 15:23)
  • Goat (Genesis 27:9)
  • Lamb (2 Samuel 12:4)
  • Oxen (1 Kings 19:21)
  • Sheep (Deuteronomy 14:4)

Was Daniel Of The Bible The First Vegan?

The Daniel Fast is based on the prophet Daniel’s fasting experiences as recorded in the Bible. The concept of Daniel Fast comes from Daniel 1:8-14 (NIV), “But Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine, and he asked the chief official for permission not to defile himself this way.

Now God had caused the official to show favor and sympathy to Daniel, but the official told Daniel, ‘I am afraid of my lord the king, who has assigned your food and drink. Why should he see you looking worse than the other young men your age? The king would then have my head because of you.’

Daniel then said to the guard whom the chief official had appointed over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, ‘Please test your servants for ten days: Give us nothing but vegetables to eat and water to drink. Then compare our appearance with that of the young men who eat the royal food, and treat your servants in accordance with what you see.’

So he agreed to this and tested them for ten days.” Other Biblical translations replace the word “vegetables” with “pulse”, which indicates “food grown from seed”. An additional reference to this fast is found in Daniel 10:2-3 (NIV): “At that time I, Daniel, mourned for three weeks. I ate no choice food; no meat or wine touched my lips, and I used no lotions at all until the three weeks were over.”

Based on this latter passage, a Daniel Fast is most commonly partaken for 21 days, although fasts of 10 and 40 days have also been observed. A Daniel Fast involves ad libitum intake of specific foods, but the food choices are restricted to essentially fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, and oil.

The plant-based diet is being hailed as the best thing this side of heaven! Testimonies are coming out of the woodwork. Looking at the bible you see that an official decree issued by a legal authority (God ) originally assigned Fruits, and vegetables to man at the very beginning of the bible. From the bible, we know that the Daniel fast was inspired by God.

A Daniel Fast resembles a vegan diet, which has been reported to yield health-enhancing properties. However, a Daniel Fast is more stringent, in that aside from the exclusion of all animal products, there are no processed foods, white flour products, preservatives, additives, sweeteners, flavorings, caffeine, or alcohol allowed in this plan. It is amazing that the foods Daniel chooses not to defile his body with are the same foods health sciences centuries later now know are harmful to our body.

The Daniel Fast consisted of plant-based foods, research shows that plant-based diets are cost-effective, low-risk interventions that may lower body mass index, blood pressure, HbA1C, and cholesterol levels. They may also reduce the number of medications needed to treat chronic diseases and lower ischemic heart disease mortality rates. This plant-based diet resembles a vegan diet, which has been reported to yield health-enhancing properties.

What is a plant-based diet?

  • A plant-based diet does not mean vegetarian or vegan

A plant-based diet contains:

Vegetables, beans and legumes, fruits, whole grains, nuts, and seeds.

It does not include:

Meat, poultry, wild game, seafood, eggs, dairy (milk, yogurt, cheese), or any other foods that contain these products.

Why Do People Choose a Plant-Based Diet?

  • Healthy Body Weight. On average those who follow a plant-based diet weigh
  • less than those who follow a Standard American Diet (SAD).
  • Heart Health. A plant-based diet can help prevent or reverse heart disease, the
  • number 1 killer of Americans.
  • Cancer Prevention. A plant-based diet has been associated with greater
  • protection against all types of cancer.
  • Diabetes Prevention and Management. Plant-based diets have been shown
  • effective in preventing, managing, and treating diabetes.
  • Protect the Environment. Plant-based diets are more environmentally
  • sustainable than diets rich in animal products because they use fewer natural
  • resources, such as water, and are associated with less environmental damage.
  • Animal Rights.

Vegetables

Vegetables are the healthiest foods on the planet. They are naturally low in calories, high in fiber, and high in nutrients. Green leafy vegetables are essential for optimal health and you should eat them every day. Vegetables should be the basis of your diet.

Beans and Legumes

Beans are a great source of healthy protein and carbohydrates. They contain lots of fiber and resistant starch, which helps fill you up and prevent you from absorbing 100% of the calories in beans. Canned beans are ok – look for low-sodium and reduced-sodium options.

Whole Grains

Whole grains are a great source of fiber and are satisfying and filling. Whole grains that are in their natural form contain the most nutrition and fiber. Enjoy these whole grains alongside different beans and vegetables.

Nuts and Seeds

Nuts and seeds are the best sources of fat because they also provide fiber, vitamins, & minerals. The eating of nuts is associated with longevity.

Traditionally people follow the Daniel fast for religious purposes in an attempt to become “closer to God” during a time of extended prayer, anecdotal reports indicate that maintenance of the fast can be achieved by most. But from what we have learned about Daniel fast we understand that Daniel had the right idea when he said he would not defile his body but only eat choice food which we now know can lead to better overall health.

Plant-Based Alternatives To Toxic Chemical Pesticides

These are simple recipes for effective natural pesticides. Applied to gardens, they can replace toxic, commercial brands that can produce harmful health and environmental side effects. These pest controls must be applied at least once a week, and twice if it rains.

Hot Pepper Solution

A general repellent, it is effective for caterpillars, cabbage worms, ants, aphids, beetles, and cutworms.
Recipe: Finely chop 15 peppers and add 1 liter of water. Steep for 24 hours, strain, and apply.

Onion Brew
Onion brew repels a variety of insects, including ants, aphids, army worms, and especially borer insects such as caterpillars.
Recipe: Finely chop 4 cups of onion and add to 2 liters of water. Steep for 24 hours, strain, and apply. Best used when fermented.

Garlic Brew
This brew works to repel many insects, including ants, aphids, and caterpillars, as well as nematodes.
Recipe: Finely chop one-half cup of garlic and add to three-fourths liter of water. Soak for 24 hours, strain, and apply to plant and surrounding soil.

Mint (Mentha)
Mint is relatively easy to grow, if given a lot of water, and once established, can be hard to stop. It can be grown alone or planted among other vegetables, though it should be kept away from cucumbers. It can be used as a repellent against aphids, cabbage pests, and flea beetles, as well as against bacterial diseases.
Recipe: Cut fresh mint leaves and citrus (orange or lemon) peels to make a repellent. Place the pieces in a small pan covered with water, and bring to a boil. Soak overnight and apply during the evening watering.

Tomato-Leaf Spray
This is a particularly effective repellent for aphids and caterpillars, but should not be used on tomatoes, eggplants, peppers, or potatoes.
Recipe: Pack 1 quart of tomato leaves in a sturdy, heat-resistant bucket. Pour 1 quart of boiling water over the leaves, and let the mixture steep for one hour. Next, strain the mixture through a cloth, squeezing the leaf dregs to remove as much liquid as possible. Dilute the mixture with water before using.

Wood Ash
Sprinkling a layer of wood ash around the base of plants a couple of times each week will repel some surface-feeding insects, slugs, and snails by causing dehydration. Wood ash is very fine and gritty, so it works well to deter chewing insects when dusted over certain crops. Once ash gets wet, however, it loses its deterring properties. Continuous use of ash may increase the soil pH or accumulate salts to levels harmful to plants.

Neem (Azadirachta indica)
Neem trees are abundant in many regions and can be used as a very potent natural bioinsecticide. Neem’s extracts have an effect on nearly 400 species of insects, including major pests (moths, weevils, beetles, and leaf miners). The most effective insecticide comes from the seed, but the leaves can also be used. These extracts do not kill insects directly but effectively prevent their reproduction.
Recipe: Dry leaves in shade, as UV rays from the sun break down azadirachtin, their principal chemical compound. When leaves are dry, pound and mix a generous handful of the powder with 10 liters of water. Let steep for 12 to 24 hours. Strain and apply during the evening watering.

Gliricidia (Gliricidia sepium)
Gliricidia is a wonderful tree for soil amelioration due to its ability to fix nitrogen. Its leaves can also provide an insecticide that is effective on both chewing and boring insects.
Recipe: There are two ways to use Gliricidia. First, pick leaves and place near plants to be protected. When they become dry, remove or leave as mulch, and reapply fresh ones. Second, pound a generous amount of leaves, add a small amount of water, and soak for 24 hours. Strain and apply during the evening watering.

Tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum)
Tobacco contains nicotine, which can be used as a potent insecticide. (Be careful, as nicotine is a poison and high concentrations can be lethal.) Target organisms include aphids, cabbage worms, caterpillars, flea beetles, grain weevils, leaf miners, mites, stem borers, thrips, rust, some fungi, and leaf-curl virus. Note: Do not use on tomatoes, eggplants, peppers, or potatoes.
Recipe: First, dry and pound the leaves. Add 20 grams of tobacco to 1 liter of water, soak overnight, and apply during the evening watering.

Soap Solution
Certain brands of hand soap, particularly the local homemade varieties that are plant-based, and some liquid dish detergents can be used in solution as a contact insecticide. (Dry dish soaps and clothes washing detergents should not be used.) To be effective, a soap spray must be applied directly and must thoroughly cover the insect. Most soft-bodied insects and mites are susceptible to soap sprays, including aphids, caterpillars, lace bugs, leaf hoppers, mealy bugs, mites, liver worms, saw flies, scale crawlers, spittlebugs, springtails , thrips, and white flies. Soap solutions can be harmful to certain plants, so caution must be used. If in doubt, test a small area on the plant and wait 24 hours to see if there is an effect. To be safe, always rinse the area treated with water a few hours after application of soap spray.
Recipe: Use 2 tablespoons of grated soap per 1 1/2 liters of water. Apply directly with watering can or homemade broom.

Bug Juice Spray
Gardeners use these sprays effectively to control pests. Pests of a given species will not feed on the plants if members of their colony are found dead on those plants. The smell serves as a repellent and as a warning for the other incoming pests. This is an especially effective insecticide for small garden plots or nursery spaces, but not practical for large-scale operations.
Recipe: Liquefy one-half cup of the targeted beetles, bugs, caterpillars, or slugs in 2 cups of lukewarm water by grinding and straining. (It’s easiest to make this concoction by mashing the bugs and slowly adding in the water.) Dilute one-fourth cup of the bug juice with 1 1/2 cups of water, and spray all plant surfaces thoroughly.

Hillbilly Breath
This homemade insecticide can be used as a catch-all as it deters many different types of insect pests.
Recipe: Mix together in water some chopped mint, ash, garlic, tobacco, and no more than 1 tablespoon of soap. Steep the concoction for 24 hours, strain, and apply the solution with a watering can or a homemade broom.

Beer
Beer attracts slugs. Place a saucer or cup just below the soil surface and fill it with beer. Slugs finding their way into the container will not be able to get out and will drown.

Standard Procedures for the Preparation and Application of Homemade Extracts

  1. Use utensils for the extract preparation that are not used for food preparation, for drinking, or as cooking water containers. Clean all the utensils thoroughly after using them.
  2. Do not have direct contact with the crude extract while in the process of preparation or during application.
  3. Make sure to place the extract out of the reach of children and house pets when leaving it overnight.
  4. Harvest all of the mature and ripe fruits from any plant before extract application.
  5. Always test the extract formulation on a few infected plants before going into large-scale spraying.
  6. Wear protective clothing while applying the extract.
  7. Wash hands after handling the extract.

These recipes are courtesy of the Peace Corps Gardens Training Package..