Living Well, Living Long
The Western diet is a long way from ideal, experts testify. But what is the “ideal”? Belinda Burman says the closest to it is probably found in a place where few people would think to look—the Bible!
Most people are interested in their health and wellbeing. Our bodies, according to the Bible, are the “temple” of the Spirit, and we would do well to honour it. And, of course, don’t we all want to live long enough to see our children and grandchildren grow up, become better people, see the world become a better place, and live some of our dreams along the way? Longevity is increasing, and Australians and Enzedders are among the most fortunate, with an expected lifespan at birth of 83 years for females and 77 for males, up more than 10 years on 1950.
The Bible, however, tells of people who lived hundreds of years as a matter of course. Can we live longer—and better? Perhaps. And, perhaps, there’s a link to lifestyle and longevity in that great Book that provides some clues as to how.
Methuselah, the oldest of the biblical chronology, was a Hebrew patriarch. He is mentioned in the Old Testament book of Genesis. According to Genesis, Methuselah lived to 969 years, longer than any other human being before or since. Not that he didn’t have some stiff competition: Jared lived to 962 years; Adam lived to 930 years; and Kenan to 910 years! Alas, since those days, the human life span decreased rapidly, and our own, despite recent improvement, is short in comparison.
When meat was introduced into the human diet after the Great Flood (see Genesis 9:3), longevity dropped considerably (see Genesis 11). It would seem that the message is as important now as it was then: eat meat in moderation.
Today our life span is so short that many consider these biblical figures unbelievable. Even among Christians and biblical scholars, there is debate as to whether these ages are literal, as we would count them, or whether the ages are calculated using some method that in fact represents a shorter life span. But whatever the case, we are talking about a long time, and it would seem science is now heading us in the direction of the biblical scenario. Studies indicate that it is possible to increase human longevity in the West to well beyond 100 years using naturally available methods.
The number of centenarians around the world is projected to increase to 2.2 million by 2050, compared with 145,000 in 1999. Recent statistics indicate that there are approximately 10 centenarians (people who live to 100 years or longer) per 100,000 people in most industrialised countries. Currently, there are only five places on earth where the population routinely lives to well over 100 years of age—none of them, not surprisingly, in the West. One of these places is Okinawa.
On the island of Okinawa in Japan, people live a long time. This population is among the longest living in the world, and it is thought Okinawans may enjoy an extended healthy lifestyle as well.
According to The Okinawa Centenarian Study, conducted by a team of international doctors over the past 30 years, in Okinawa there are 33.6 centenarians per 100,000 people, and the average minimum life span of the remainder of the population is around 80 years of age—and that is 80 or more healthy years, not an old age riddled with debilitating disease.
Many scientific studies have been conducted to determine exactly what it is about those communities that produces such health and longevity in their populations. Some scientists argue there is evidence for a gene that predisposes us to longevity—it’s been called the “Methuselah gene,” for obvious reasons. But scientists do agree that other factors—namely, attitude, exercise and diet—have a far more significant effect on longevity. It’s common sense.
Author Sally Beare, in The Live-Longer Diet: Secrets of the World’s Longest-Living People (2003), looks at the five “long-life hot spots,” interviewing members of each community and sharing their “secrets” for a long and healthy life. In all of the long-life communities studied, regular exercise and some kind of spiritual belief are integral parts of lifestyle. These people also do not smoke, and drink alcohol only moderately—if at all—and then only with their meals.
But it appears to be diet that is the most significant factor in lowering mortality rates, reducing disease and promoting longevity. For example, the US Surgeon-General reports that of the 2.2 million deaths in the US each year, 1.8 million are diet-related.
Naturally, there are many health-engendering foods that contribute to the health and longevity of these communities. These are listed in Beare’s book. But it is interesting to note how frequently the foods the Bible suggests make for the best diet appear. Here’s the list:
figs
Figs can be eaten fresh, baked or stewed. They are a high-energy food and a rich source of thiamine (vitamin B1). Figs also contain omega-3 and omega-6 essential fatty acids.
dates
Dates are an excellent source of energy and contain fibre, niacin, potassium and iron. Puréed dates can be used as a substitute for white sugar in baked foods. In the Middle East, dates are considered an aphrodisiac. (Do your own research on that one!)
olives
Studies indicate that olives and olive oil help lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart attack and some cancers. Olive oil is rich in mono-unsaturated fats, and the Heart Foundation recommends olive oil as a substitute for other fats in the diet.
Olive oil also helps to: strengthen the immune system; prevent viral diseases such as shingles and glandular fever; prevent sore throats, sinusitis, hay fever, bronchitis and pneumonia; and reduces the symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome.
An olive contains calcium, iron, vitamins A, C and E, anti-oxidants and omega-3 essential fatty acids.
fish
Fish and seafood is the primary source of omega-3 fatty acids, with salmon containing the highest levels. It contains essential amino acids and minerals such as calcium, zinc and iron. Fish is also an excellent source of high quality protein and is generally lower in fat than beef, pork or chicken—the Heart Foundation recommends two to three fish meals per week in preference to other meats.
barley
Barley is a grain, and can be used for baking, or can be added to soups and casseroles. It is a source of soluble and insoluble fibre, and contains tocotrienols, which can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. Studies show barley reduces blood cholesterol levels and heart disease. Type-2 diabetics (non-insulin dependent diabetics) showed improved blood-glucose levels when barley was incorporated into the diet.
take the initiative
There you have it—biblical dietary wisdom supported by modern scientific research. Grown organically, unprocessed and cooked only as much as necessary, these foods will promote health and longevity.
Before making rapid changes or drastic changes to your diet, consult your doctor or holistic health practitioner, especially if you are pregnant or suffer a medical condition.
Look for recipes to turn these foods into interesting, tasty meals—there are plenty to be found. I know it’s easier to do this in Okinawa than it is in Australia and New Zealand—our cultures and lifestyle are so different, and busy lives don’t always permit us the luxury of time even to prepare a healthful meal.
But incorporating even just a little more of these foods into your diet, properly prepared, will make a significant difference to your health and wellbeing. And, of course, remember to exercise and be God-centred. And maybe the next time someone tells you you’re as old as Methuselah, you really will be!
the Bible diet
From the beginning, God has given us all that
we need to live long and healthful lives:
“God said, ‘I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it. They will be yours for food’” (Genesis 1:29, 30).
grains and olives
“The Lord your God is bringing you into a good land—a land with streams and pools of water, with springs flowing in the valleys and hills; a land with wheat and barley, vines and fig-trees, pomegranates, olive oil and honey” (Deuteronomy 8:7, 8).
dates
En Gedi is an oasis with lush vegetation, medicinal plants and high quality date trees: “Their fruit will serve for food and their leaves for healing,” the Lord told Ezekiel (see Ezekiel 47:1-13).
fish
Certain fish were considered “clean” and wholesome for food. Fish with fins and well-defined scales tend to be lower in the food chain, and also aren’t the ocean’s waste disposals.
God told Moses: “Of all the creatures living in the water of the seas and the streams, you may eat any that have fins and scales” (Leviticus 11:9).
sounds fishy?
While Signs of the Times generally promotes a vegetarian, meat-free diet, for meat eaters the research indicates that fish is best. It, along with fish oil, have at least the following health-giving effects:
- Reduces joint pain
- Helps prevent colds and flu
- Contributes to healthy skin
- Reduces cholesterol
- Helps to heal wounds and prevent scarring
- Strengthens the immune system
- Produces anti-oxidants
- Reduces breathing difficulties and helps ease asthma symptoms
- Promotes brain and eye function
- Eases rheumatoid arthritis
- Has a positive effect on lupus, kidney disease, cancer and possibly even depression
- Decreases the risk of premature birth, giving baby more time to grow and develop.
Home - Archive - Topics - Podcast - Subscribe - Special Offers - About Signs - Contact Us - Links
 |
 |
|
Copyright © 2006 Seventh-day Adventist Church (SPD) Limited ACN 093 117 689
