What if the key to your health breakthrough lies in viewing food through a spiritual lens through which we can receive natural support and healing for our bodies?
In this blog, we will examine the gift, power, and God-given health benefits of natural foods such as antioxidants, anti-inflammatories, vitamins, minerals and more – and the pathway to wellness they provide.
In a world of convenience foods and pills to quickly “fix” our ailments, it’s easy to forget the incredible power packed into the whole, real foods that God has provided for us since the creation of the world. Beyond sustenance, these natural gifts are brimming with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and countless other compounds designed to nourish, support, and even heal our bodies from the inside out.
Let’s rediscover the divine design of real-food nutrition and explore the amazing health benefits waiting for us in fruits, vegetables, grains, lean proteins, fats, and botanicals.
Why Should We Eat Whole, Natural Foods?
First of all, why should we eat natural foods?
Modern medicine hands out prescription drugs for every discomfort, and while they are convenient, many pharmaceuticals come with uncomfortable and/or dangerous side effects like organ damage and impaired nutrient absorption.
For instance, common medications for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) reduce hydrochloric acid in the stomach, which can contribute to deficiencies in vitamin B12, B9 and C, iron, calcium and magnesium. Issues such as nausea that are treated with medications can often be managed safely and effectively with God’s natural medicine of peppermint and ginger. Similarly, while insulin is essential for type 1 diabetes, many people with type 2 diabetes can reverse their disease with high-fiber plant foods, increased protein, anti-inflammatory fruits, vegetables and herbs, and daily exercise.
As a dietitian who works with gastrointestinal diseases, I often see patients given medications without ever being taught how adjusting their diet and lifestyle habits could heal the root of their chronic discomfort.
This is why we should choose food and toxin reduction as medicine if we’re in a state of chronic disease as often as we can. God gave us foods, herbs, and spices to keep our bodies healthy and whole, helping to prevent disease before it happens and heal ailments with consistent use.
That being said, God also gave us brilliant doctors and life-saving medications. If you are in a state of emergency, severe pain, or acute illness, doctors and hospitals have amazing life-saving interventions that are wise to use when needed!
Divine Nutrition: God-given health benefits of natural foods
From the beginning of time, God set the foundational concept of food as a gift in the perfect garden of Eden. Adam and Eve are granted dominion over the Earth and freely given “every seed-bearing plant on the face of all the earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it” (Genesis 1:29). This initial provision established food not just as a means of survival, but as a gift from our creator. It was an invitation to partake in God’s abundance and enjoy the beauty and pleasure He created.
And this isn’t just a faith story; it’s a scientific observation. Let’s take a look at the science behind “every seed-bearing plant” and how they are so much more than just calories.
Antioxidants
The vibrant colors of fruits and vegetables are not just pleasing to the eye; they are indicators of powerful antioxidants, nature’s defense against cellular damage caused by free radicals. These free radicals, byproducts of everyday life, can contribute to aging, disease, and inflammation. Antioxidants are essential molecules that protect our bodies at the deepest, most fundamental level.
Some key antioxidant sources include:
- Vitamin C: Found in citrus fruits, berries, and leafy greens
- Vitamin E: Found in nuts, seeds, and olive oil
- Beta-carotene: Found in carrots, sweet potatoes, and spinach
- Selenium: Found in seafood, nuts, and whole grains
- Polyphenols: Found in berries, tea, coffee, and dark chocolate
- Lycopene: Found in tomatoes, watermelons, and sweet red peppers
Vitamins & Minerals
Beyond antioxidant power, naturally grown food is full of essential vitamins and minerals, each playing a pivotal role in maintaining our health and vitality. For example:
- Vitamin C, abundant in citrus fruits, strengthens our immune system and aids in collagen production for healthy skin.
- Potassium, found in bananas and sweet potatoes, is crucial for maintaining healthy blood pressure and nerve function.
- Beta-carotene, found in carrots and sweet potatoes, is important for vision.
- Iron, found in leafy greens, carries oxygen throughout our bodies, providing us with the energy we need to face the day.
More Food that Contain Antioxidants, Vitamins and Minerals
- Leafy Greens: From spinach to kale to collard greens, these plants are bursting with vitamins A, C, and K, as well as folate, calcium, and fiber. They’re known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, supporting healthy vision, bone strength, and overall cellular health. God designed these to be readily accessible and incredibly versatile.
- Berries: Blueberries, strawberries, raspberries – more than just delicious. They’re brimming with antioxidants that fight free radicals and protect against cellular damage. Their vibrant colors are clues to their potent phytonutrients, which support brain health, cardiovascular function, and immune strength. They contain vitamin C and K, iron, and B vitamins. God crafted them to be a sweet reward with tremendous health benefits.
- Avocados: This unique fruit is a rich source of healthy monounsaturated fats, which are essential for hormone production, cell function (including brain function), and nutrient absorption. It also has potassium, fiber, and vitamins K, C, and B6. God provided this creamy fruit as a source of healthy fats that can make any dish more tasty.
- Whole Grains: Brown rice, quinoa, and oats are packed with complex carbohydrates, fiber, and essential nutrients like B vitamins, magnesium, zinc and copper. They provide sustained energy, support healthy digestion, can help reduce cholesterol.. God designed these grains to be a reliable and nourishing staple in our diets.
Fiber-Rich Foods for Heart Health & Weight Management
Fiber is another one of the essential God-given health benefits of natural foods. Foods rich in fiber are slow-digesting so they contribute to a feeling of fullness, helping to regulate appetite and prevent overeating and cravings. Fiber aids in digestion, is the gut microbiome’s best friend, helps balance blood sugar, reduces cholesterol, and supports weight management.
Top fiber foods include:
- Chia Seeds
- Flaxseeds
- Oats
- Almonds
- Beans
- Peas
- Lentils
- Whole grains
Anti-Inflammatory Foods
Chronic inflammation in the body is at the root of many diseases (or states of dis-ease), so reducing foods that contribute to inflammation while increasing anti-inflammatory foods can help strengthen our immune system, gut health, and prevent and reduce chronic diseases.
- Nuts and Seeds: Walnuts, chia seeds, flaxseeds are some of the only food sources of essential omega-3 fatty acids with healthy fats, protein, and fiber. They support heart health, brain function, and provide sustained energy and are anti-inflammatory foods. God gave them a satisfying crunch to contrast the softer fruits and vegetables found in a garden, making them a perfect on-the-go midday snack.
- Berries, leafy green, whole grains, avocado, olive oil – all of the foods previously listed are ALSO anti-inflammatory foods which can help fight disease, aging, digestive problems, and auto-immune conditions.
If you want some great meal ideas that include anti-inflammatory, antioxidant foods, you can download my free anti-inflammatory meal plan here.
The Healing Power of Herbs and Spices
For centuries, herbs and spices have been more than just flavor enhancers. They’ve been cornerstones of traditional medicine, offering a wealth of health benefits. From soothing digestion to fighting inflammation and warding off harmful microbes, spices can be a powerful ally in your quest for optimal health.
Some of the most potent herbs and spices and how they can contribute to your health:
Anti-Inflammatory Powerhouses:
- Turmeric: This vibrant yellow spice contains a powerful compound called curcumin, renowned for its anti-inflammatory properties. Chronic inflammation is linked to a host of health problems, including heart disease, arthritis, and even some cancers. Incorporating turmeric into your meals, smoothies, or even a golden milk latte can help combat inflammation and promote overall well-being.
- Ginger: Similar to turmeric, ginger boasts potent anti-inflammatory compounds. It’s particularly effective in reducing muscle soreness after exercise, alleviating nausea, and easing symptoms of osteoarthritis. Fresh ginger, ginger powder, and ginger tea are all excellent ways to reap its benefits.
- Cinnamon: This tasty spice contains cinnamaldehyde, an active ingredient in Ceylon cinnamon, which may reduce the body’s inflammatory response. It can add natural sweetness to baked goods or spice up the flavor of oatmeal, yogurt, smoothies, and meat dishes.
Antimicrobial Herbs:
- Oregano: This Mediterranean staple is packed with carvacrol and thymol, powerful compounds with antimicrobial properties. Oregano essential oil is often used to fight bacterial, fungal, and viral infections. However, even using dried oregano in your cooking can provide a boost to your immune system.
- Thyme: Another herb rich in thymol, thyme is known for its antiseptic and antifungal properties. It’s traditionally used to treat coughs, sore throats, and respiratory infections. A simple thyme tea can be a soothing remedy during cold and flu season.
- Garlic: While technically a vegetable, garlic acts like a potent spice. It contains allicin, a compound with strong antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties. Regular garlic consumption can boost your immune system and may even help lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Plus, it adds a punch of flavor to just about any dish!
Digestive Aids:
- Basil: This aromatic herb not only adds a delightful flavor to Italian dishes but also aids digestion. Its anti-inflammatory properties can help soothe the digestive tract, relieving bloating and gas.
- Cumin: This warm and earthy spice is known for its ability to stimulate digestive enzymes, helping the body break down food more efficiently. It can be particularly helpful for those struggling with indigestion or slow digestion.
- Peppermint: While not strictly a spice, peppermint contains menthol, which has antispasmodic properties that can relax the muscles of the digestive tract. Peppermint tea is a popular remedy for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and indigestion.
- Ginger: as previously mentioned under Antioxidants, ginger can help reduce nausea and calm tummy trouble.
Thrive With the God-Given Health Benefits of Natural Foods
Each fruit, vegetable, grain, seed, and herb is a miniature miracle of life-giving energy. They didn’t require a laboratory or a complicated formula. They were created by God to nourish, protect, and optimize our health.
Intricate, nutritious benefits, from every food source, are not random. Our creator is giving us what we need to thrive. Embracing a spiritual perspective on food is not about rigid rules or restrictive diets, but about cultivating a deeper awareness of the interconnectedness of our physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. It’s about approaching food with reverence, gratitude, and intention, allowing it to nourish us on every level- body (our physical part), spirit (breath of life that God formed in us), and soul (our mind, will, and emotions).
Overly-processed, man-made foods that are stripped of their vital nutrients leave us depleted, low on energy, and sick. Let’s move away from simply consuming food, and move toward gratefully embracing a diet rich in whole, unprocessed foods, helping our bodies to function optimally and thrive with God’s divine creation.
6 Weeks to Renewal Weight Loss & Health Program
Want to learn more about God-given foods, healthy eating and exercise that can transform body, mind and spirit? Enroll in my 6-week faith-based health coaching online course for women! You can start anytime and do it on your own schedule, with weekly video teachings and a downloadable meal plan and workout program to follow!
