4 Bible Food Groups
1. Trees - edible yield is bearing seeds.2. Plants - edible yield is bearing seeds.
3. Field plants - herbs, roots, leafy vegetables.
4. Clean Meat
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Rainbow Foods Our food was created to be appealing to all of our senses - especially our senses of taste, smell and sight. Within the skin pigments and edible portion of these living foods lies a vast array of phytonutrients most of which have yet to be fully understood or documented by science. Be joyful and eat for abundant life. |
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Red Foods:
Trees: cherries, apples, cranberries, papaya, pomegranate Plants: tomatoes, strawberries, watermelon, raspberries Herbs: beets, rhubarb, radishes Nutrient: Lycopene |
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Orange Foods:
Trees: oranges, grapefruit, peaches Plants: pumpkin, squash Herbs: carrots, sweet potatoes, yams Nutrient: beta-carotene |
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Yellow Foods:
Trees: lemons, pears, apricots, grapefruit Plants: corn, Squash, wheat, cantaloupe Herbs: rutabagas Nutrient: vitamin C |
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Green Foods:
Trees: avocados, olives, pears, lime Plants: cucumbers, peas, green beans, zucchini Herbs: broccoli, asparagus, greens, spinach, brussels sprouts, kale, celery, green onions Nutrient: lutein |
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Blue Foods:
Plants: blueberries, blackberries, mulberries Nutrient: Anthoocyanins |
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White Foods:
Trees: coconut, dates, pears, nuts Plants: white beans, oats Herbs: onions, cauliflower, garlic, horseradish, potatoes, turnips, mushrooms, parsnips, shallots, ginger Nutrient: Allicin |
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Purple Foods:
Trees: plumbs, prunes, figs Plants: grapes, blackberries, elderberries Herbs: beets, eggplants, cabbage |
Bible Foods and the Pyramid
The Bible diet pyramid displays the relevant merit of the four Bible food groups. Although we should eat more vegetables and herbs by volume, the nobler tree foods nearer the base are more highly esteemed and hold the greater priority when planning meals.
These three plant food groups follow the order of mention in the creation account as well as the subsequent order in which they were given to mankind for food.
The biblical diet plan may seem similar to vegetarian, kosher, halal or vegan diets. However, not all fruit and vegetables are equal. A hierarchy of food relevance is established based on how seeds are propagated within the tree, plant or herb. Each of the three groups of plant food are distinctly individual and satisfy differing nutritional and health needs. We sometimes use the terms fruit and vegetable loosely to describe plant foods, but the Bible makes a clear distinction.
The Bible health plan indicates that fruit, vegetables, nuts, whole grains and legumes are the foundation of a healthy diet. Herbs, exercise, water and sunshine are also essential for happiness. Safe, clean meat; meat by-products and vegetable oils are optional.
Bible Diet Verses
God's Biblical Diet in Scripture
Who is the authority on eating right? God established His diet plan at the foundation of the world and gave it to Adam in Eden. The same principles and simple guidelines have been passed down the ages to us through scripture. If we take a few minutes to understand, and we make an effort to adopt God's plan, we will be rewarded with health, happiness and a more abundant life.
The Original Biblical Diet Plan
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God said, "I have given you every plant with seeds on the face of the earth and every tree that has fruit with seeds. This will be your food."
Genesis 1:29
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| There are two colorful food classes contained within this group for mankind: | |
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Herbs of the Field
Medicinal Foods and Herbs
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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 |
Although fruits and vegetables bearing seed are superior biblical foods, those plants considered to be plants of the field are an invaluable addition to our diet. The benefits of herbs extend beyond nutrition to cleanse the blood and boost the immune system for example. Actually, each variety of herb contributes an unique service to humanity. Everyone should experiment and find those herbs that are useful to them. Many suffer needlessly when natural, helpful remedies are readily available.
Herbs and a healthy diet can work together not only to relieve and cure disease but to actually address the conditions that caused the illness in the first place. Some herbs do provide immediate comfort. However, unlike prescription drugs, most herbs work gradually and in the "by and by" not just to mask symptoms but to actually correct the cause of the illness.
Not every plant is suitable for food. We need to discriminate. Some spices and drinks that we have adopted into our diet are more harmful than good. For example, overuse of black pepper, cinnamon, coffee and some teas can be an irritant to our system. However, many herbs that are not edible may still be beneficial used externally as a poultice. Keep a book of herbs at hand in your home and become familiar with simple, natural remedies. You will be rewarded with a higher quality of life.
A Time and a Season
Choose fruits and vegetables locally grown and in season as much as possible. Nature has a way of considering our climate and producing the foods our bodies need at the right time. For example, what season would you choose for watermelon to ripen? Of course, watermelon is a refreshing summertime treat. Also, we do well to store up those foods that ripen in late autumn to stay healthy during winter.
It is wonderful to have exotic fruit from all over the world, but be mindful that many imported fruits and vegetables are picked well before they are fully ripened. Sometimes, preservatives are added to prevent spoilage during transport.
Agriculture is a dominant theme of the Bible. The fruits of God and bountiful harvests come from good soil. Select a grocer who deals with a reputable farm that maintains fertile soil and otherwise employs wise farming methods to produce the most colorful, vibrant and living foods possible.
Do not mix fruits with vegetables at the same meal. Eat fruits and vegetables that are compatible and require the same types of enzymes and time to digest.
If tolerable, try to eat plant foods the way they are served up by nature. Sometimes, the best vitamins and phytonutrients are found in the pod, rind or seeds.
Always wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly before serving them. This removes residual pesticides, waxes and incidental impurities if present.
Avoid canned foods, pickled foods, refined foods and spicy condiments. Whole grains are superior to processed flours.
For a balanced diet, make your plate appealing by combining fruits or vegetables from the colorful rainbow of promise. If you look down at your plate and see gray, bleached-white, dull brown or artificially colored foods, you may wish to consider dietary reforms.
Except for festive occasions, fewer courses are better than many. Not exceeding three or four colorful food items on the plate is best for digestion.
Do not snack throughout the day. When you sit down to meals, eat freely of bible foods until you are satisfied. Then, stay away from food until your next full meal. Let your digestive system complete its cycle which takes about four or five hours.
Drink copious amounts of crystal clear water between meals except about a half hour before, during and after meals. Too much fluid during meals can dilute digestive acids. A small glass of fruit juice, carrot juice, herbal tea or milk if desired is great.
Plan your larger meal when the activities of the day are still ahead of you and your smaller meal toward the end of the day. Never skip breakfast. The purpose of food is to provide energy to prosper and flourish in the work of our hands and mind. Breakfast truly is the most important meal of the day.
It is normal to feel sleepy after a meal because the digestion process is taxing on our life forces. Try to resist napping. Take a brisk walk or engage in routine exercise after meals. This also aids digestion.
Eat at least one meal at the table with your family or loved ones. Keep the atmosphere pleasant, positive and joyful. This may not be the best time to discuss bills for example. Of course, give thanks together and ask God's blessing for the foods you eat because herein lies the greatest dietary supplement known to man.
Eating Meat
Meat Laws
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You are therefore to make a distinction between the clean animal and the unclean, and between the unclean bird and the clean; and you shall not make yourselves detestable by animal or by bird or by anything that creeps on the ground, which I have separated for you as unclean. |
The Bible dietary restrictions regarding clean meat are easy to understand. For land animals to be considered clean, they must both chew the cud and have a divided or cloven hoof. Fish must have both scales and fins. Generally, birds are considered to be clean. The exceptions are birds of prey, bats, winged insects (excepting grasshoppers), scavenger birds etc.
Biblical Diet Food Summary
Bible Diet
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1. Tree fruit bearing seed. 2. Plant food bearing seed. 3. Helpful herbs. 4. Optional clean meat. These foods hold the seeds that yield a bountiful life and are essential to the biblical diet health food plan. |