Are you ready to embark on a journey that takes you back to our very roots of existence? To the original diet that God intended for us? Today, we’re going to explore the fascinating world of seed-bearing plants. These aren’t just any plants; they’re the fruits, vegetables, legumes, and nuts that were the first foods given to Adam and Eve. They align perfectly with a vegan diet, offering a bounty of nutrients that nourish our bodies and souls. So, if you’re ready to delve into the divine blueprint of our diet and discover the power of seed-bearing plants, read on!
What are Seed-Bearing Plants in the Bible?
In the Bible, seed-bearing plants refer to fruits, vegetables, legumes, and nuts. They were the original diet God gave to Adam and Eve (Genesis 1:29).
Exploring the Original Diet of Adam and Eve
In the beginning, when God created Adam and Eve, He provided them with a specific diet. In Genesis 1:29, God says, “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.” This divine blueprint for our diet is rich in fruits, vegetables, legumes, and nuts – all seed-bearing plants.
Understanding Seed-Bearing Plants
Seed-bearing plants are truly nutritional powerhouses. They are packed with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber. They are low in calories and high in nutrients, making them an excellent choice for maintaining a healthy weight and preventing chronic diseases.
Fruits
Fruits are a delightful part of our diet. They come in a wide variety of colors, flavors, and textures. From the juicy sweetness of mangoes and the tartness of berries to the refreshing taste of watermelons, fruits are a treat to our taste buds.
Fruits are rich in essential vitamins and minerals. They are packed with antioxidants, which help protect our bodies from damage by free radicals. They are also high in fiber, which aids in digestion and helps us feel full, preventing overeating.
Eating a variety of fruits can help lower the risk of many health conditions, including heart disease, high blood pressure, and certain types of cancer. Plus, they are a great source of energy and can help keep our skin glowing and healthy.
Vegetables
Just like fruits, vegetables are an essential part of our diet. They are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in a multitude of ways – raw, cooked, in salads, soups, stews, and more. From the crispness of bell peppers to the leafy goodness of spinach, the world of vegetables is vast and varied.
Vegetables are a powerhouse of nutrients. They are loaded with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, and are an excellent source of dietary fiber. They are low in calories and high in nutritional value, making them a great choice for a healthy diet.
Regular consumption of vegetables can help reduce the risk of many health conditions, including heart disease, stroke, and certain types of cancer. They can also help maintain healthy blood pressure levels and support good eye health.
Beans/Legumes
Beans and legumes are a staple in many diets around the world. They are a great source of plant-based protein and are packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
Beans and legumes are incredibly versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes, from salads and soups to stews and curries. They are a great source of iron and can help promote a healthy digestive system due to their high fiber content.
Regular consumption of beans and legumes can help lower cholesterol, decrease blood sugar levels, and increase healthy gut bacteria. They are also filling, which can help control weight by reducing hunger and preventing overeating.
Seeds/Nuts
Seeds and nuts are a great addition to any diet. They are packed with healthy
fats, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. They can be enjoyed raw, roasted, or used in cooking and baking.
Seeds and nuts are rich in heart-healthy fats and are a good source of protein. They also contain antioxidants and various plant compounds that can benefit our health.
Eating seeds and nuts can help improve heart health, reduce the risk of certain types of cancer, and help control weight. They are also known to support brain health and can help reduce inflammation and cholesterol levels.
What about the Sugar in Fruits?
When I encourage people to eat more fruits, I get asked the same question. “Isn’t the sugar from the fruit going to make me fat?”
Sugar in fruit is fructose. This is “good” sugar because it is packed with fiber, minerals, vitamins, and phytonutrients. The sugar you don’t want to eat is “white” sugar. This is noted as “Added sugar” on the nutritional facts label. This sugar has NO nutritional value.
If you still don’t believe me, eat an apple every day instead of having dessert and see how fat you get.
Spoiler alert: No one has ever gotten fat from eating apples. They get fat from eating apple pies
Taste the Rainbow
The rainbow is a symbol of God’s love for us. After the Flood, God told Noah:
“I will remember my covenant between me and you and all living creatures of every kind. Never again will the waters become a flood to destroy all life. Whenever the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and all living creatures of every kind on the earth.” So God said to Noah, “This is the sign of the covenant I have established between me and all life on the earth.” Genesis 9:15-17
The National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys put out a report stating that 8 out of 10 people in the US are falling short in virtually every color category nutrient. Based on the report,
- 69% of Americans are short in green
- 78% of Americans are short in red
- 86% of Americans are short in white
- 88% of Americans are short in purple and blue
- 79% of Americans are short in yellow and orange
How Much Seed-Bearing Plants to Eat?
Do you remember the food pyramid that taught us we need to eat 2-4 servings of fruits and 3-5 servings of vegetables a day? While there is no bible verse with an exact number for recommending servings, there is one pretty popular verse about fruit, Galatians 5:22-23
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things, there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23
When you count how many fruits of the spirit there are you get nine. How many servings did the food pyramid tell us to have 5-9? While it would be silly to suggest that this is God’s way of telling us that we need to eat 9 servings of seed-bearing plants a day, it is an interesting coincidence.
The Vegan Lifestyle: Seed-Bearing Plants Today
Today, more and more people are turning to a vegan lifestyle. Seed-bearing plants play a crucial role in this diet. A vegan diet excludes all animal products, and seed-bearing plants provide a rich source of nutrients needed for a balanced and healthy diet.
Eating a diet rich in seed-bearing plants can provide all the necessary nutrients your body needs. It doesn’t hurt that it also aligns perfectly with the original diet given to Adam and Eve. It’s a way of eating that not only benefits our health but also honors God’s design for our diet.
Other Seed-Bearing Plants Diets
A vegetarian is someone who does not eat any meat, poultry, game, fish, shellfish, or by-products of animal slaughter.
Vegetarian diets are fruits, vegetables, grains, nuts, and seeds. If you eat dairy and eggs depend on the subtype of the vegetarian diet you choose to follow.
The most common subtypes of vegetarians include:
- Lacto-Ovo vegetarians: avoid all animal flesh, but do consume dairy and egg products.
- Lacto vegetarians: who avoid animal flesh and eggs, but do consume dairy products.
- Ovo vegetarians: avoid all animal products except eggs.
- Pescatarians: who do not eat meat or poultry but do consume fish
- Flexitarians: part-time vegetarians
The Christian Vegetarian Association
In 1999 Nathan Braun and Stephen H. Webb, a Professor of Religion at Wabash College founded the Christian Vegetarian Association (CVA). CVA’s main mission is to promote stewardship of God’s creation through plant-based eating. The CVA advocates vegetarianism from a biblically-based, Christian perspective. They see being a Christian vegetarian as a valid way to bear witness to Christ’s ministry. They also encourage Christians to reduce or eliminate animal products as part of their calling to be good stewards of God’s Creation.
Should You Be A Christian Vegetarian/Vegan?
From creation God wanted us to eat a Christian vegetarian diet. He gave us 3 healthy habits to follow. Eating a vegetarian diet should be our foundation for eating as Christians. With that said after the floods, God told Noah…
Everything that lives and moves about will be food for you. Just as I gave you the green plants, I now give you everything. Genesis 9:3
God gave us animals to eat too. I do think we need to be very aware of how we treat animals we use as food. Treat them with the respect and gratitude they deserve.
Seed-Bearing Plants Conclusion
So, there you have it, my friend! Seed-bearing plants are not just a part of our diet. They are a gift from God, designed to nourish our bodies and keep us healthy. They are the original diet, the diet that God intended for us. By embracing this diet, we are not just taking a step towards better health, but we are also honoring God and His design for our lives.
Remember, it’s not just about eating right; it’s about living right. And when we align our diet with God’s design, we are taking a step toward a healthier, more vibrant life. So, let’s embrace the power of seed-bearing plants and embark on this journey toward better health together!