Biblical superfoods: Ancient healing foods are also useful in modern times

 Ancient scriptures and spiritual teachings, including the Bible, offer profound insights into how we should live and what we should eat. People in the Bible were even said to live beyond 900 years – with Methuselah, the longest-lived person in the Bible, dying at the age of 969.

The Bible emphasizes that we should treat our bodies with care and respect, viewing them as spiritual vessels. Throughout its teachings, four key concepts emerge: cleanliness, good nutrition, fasting and exercise.

What's even more fascinating is that many of the foods mentioned in the Bible aren't just symbols of faith, but are now recognized as superfoods for their healing and therapeutic properties in modern research. Could it be that we've had timeless dietary advice at our fingertips all along?

Let's dive into the Bible's dietary recommendations and compare them to what we know about healthy eating today. You might be surprised to find that ancient wisdom and modern science agree on the health-supporting power of these biblical superfoods.

Bitter herbs: Nature's digestive aid

(Exodus 12:8)

In the Bible, bitter herbs like maror are mentioned during the Passover Seder meal. While their bitterness might make them a challenge for some, it is worth developing a taste for them. These herbs are packed with compounds that aid digestion and support liver function. Modern research shows they can also reduce inflammation and even help regulate blood sugar levels. So, don't shy away from bitter greens, like arugula or dandelion – they're like a natural boost for your gut and overall well-being.   

Fish: Brain food from the seas

(John 21:11-13; Matthew 15:36)

Fish, especially cold-water varieties like cod or salmon, is hailed as one of the healthiest foods on the planet. The Bible frequently refers to fish as a staple – and for good reason. Packed with high-quality protein and omega-3 fatty acids, fish reduces inflammation and supports cognitive function. It is also rich in iodine, which is crucial for thyroid health and metabolism. Modern research shows that people who eat more fish tend to experience slower mental decline as they age. So, when you enjoy fish, you're feeding both your body and brain!

Flaxseed: The tiny superfood

(Proverbs 31)

Flaxseed might be small but they pack a punch – delivering significant health benefits as indicated in a study published in Healthcare. Known in ancient times as a source of nourishment, flaxseed is rich in fiber and omega-3 fatty acids – reducing inflammation, improving digestion and supporting heart health. Today, flaxseed is celebrated for their ability to lower blood pressure, regulate blood sugar and even combat free radicals in the body. Just be cautious and don't overdo it – too many can have a powerful laxative effect and might result in an overly active digestive system!

Grapes: The anti-aging superfruit

(Deuteronomy 23:24; Leviticus 19:10)

Grapes are perhaps the ultimate anti-aging food mentioned in the Bible. They are rich in resveratrol, an antioxidant found in grape skins, which has been linked to longevity. Resveratrol helps activate the "longevity gene," sirtuin, which plays a key role in cellular repair and regeneration, as indicated in a study published in the Journal of Clinical and Experimental Cardiology. This compound is also being researched as a potential treatment for age-related diseases, like osteoporosis. Even wine, made from grapes, carries some health benefits when enjoyed in moderation. Pairing grapes with other anti-aging foods, like broccoli, cabbage and cucumbers, which boost nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) levels in the body, could be your recipe for long-lasting vitality.

Honey: Nature's sweet medicine

(Deuteronomy 8:8; Exodus 33:3; Genesis 43:11; Judges 14:8-9)

Honey, often seen as a symbol of abundance in the Bible, is far more than just a sweet treat – it's a natural sweetener that never spoils. In biblical times, honey was a prized commodity, particularly because processed sugar didn't exist. All honey consumed then was local and raw, ensuring its high quality and potency. The honey of that era would have been quite different from what we commonly find today. Local honey is especially beneficial for people with allergies. Since bees collect nectar from flowers in the local environment, consuming honey from nearby hives introduces small amounts of allergens into the body. Over time, this can help the body build a natural defense, reducing allergic reactions when exposed to the same allergens in the future. 

In ancient times, honey was valued not only as a natural sweetener and energy source but also for its nourishing and healing properties. Packed with antioxidants, honey boosts the immune system, acts as a natural antibacterial, aids digestion and helps manage blood sugar levels. Today, we recognize honey as a much healthier alternative to processed sugar – making it as valuable now as it was in biblical times.

Milk: Nourishment for body and bones

(Exodus 33:3; Job 10:10; Judges 5:25)

When the Bible speaks of a "land flowing with milk and honey," it references two of the most nourishing food staples of the time. In biblical times, people drank raw milk, which is rich in beneficial enzymes, probiotics and nutrients. Raw milk, particularly from goats (and sheep), is easier to digest. Today, modern milk undergoes pasteurization, which removes many of these beneficial components. Research shows that after heat treatment, pasteurized milk has less copper, iron and manganese.

Raw milk is making a comeback for its health benefits. Goat milk (which is also mentioned in the Bible in Proverbs 27:26-27 King James Version) is easier to digest, especially for those with lactose intolerance – making it a powerful option for bone and gut health. According to a study published in Food Science & Nutrition, goat milk contains unique enzymes that help to reduce inflammation in the gut, which may benefit people suffering from chronic inflammatory conditions.

Olives and olive oil: Disease-fighting and heart-friendly

(Isaiah 17:6; Micah 6:15 and Deuteronomy 8:8; Ezra 6:9)

Olives and olive oil have been a cornerstone of the Mediterranean diet for thousands of years and the Bible frequently mentions their importance. Olive oil, particularly extra virgin, is rich in polyphenols and omega-9 fatty acids that support heart health, lower cholesterol and even fight harmful bacteria and viruses. The oil polyphenolic compounds (hydroxytyrosol, oleuropein and their derivatives – potent antioxidants displaying angiogenic, anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory properties) help protect the body from diseases, while the olives themselves are great sources of vitamins A, E, calcium and copper, which support bone and skin health. Whether you're drizzling olive oil on a salad or snacking on the olives themselves. you're consuming foods that have been healing bodies for centuries – for both the heart and the immune system. 

The foods mentioned in the Bible are more than just symbolic, they are packed with health benefits that modern science is just beginning to understand. From bitter herbs that aid in digestion to grapes that support longevity, these foods are nature's medicine – offering healing properties that have stood the test of time. Incorporating these biblical superfoods into your diet may improve your physical health and bring a sense of connection to ancient wisdom.