| Frank A. Curto Jr. , Master Herbalist |
21ST CENTURY NUTRITION The bible describes animals with split hooves and that chew the cud as “CLEAN” and acceptable as food. They are plant-eating (herbivores) classified as ruminants. Ruminant is a name given to grazing animals that have highly specialized digestive systems (four chambered stomachs) that effectively process and purify their food thus making the consumption of their flesh acceptable for human health.
Examples of CLEAN animals include: Cattle (Beef, Veal), Bison (
BIBLICAL PRINCIPLES FOR MODERN DAY WELLNESS
What is 21st century nutrition?
A preventive approach to wellness that focuses on eating by PRINCIPLES rather than PREFERENCES
Eating for health by honoring biblical principles supported by sound science vs. eating without recourse based on convenience, junk science, clever marketing and personal preferences.
(The standard American Diet)
What are biblical eating principles?
Eating how God intended us to eat.
Chosing GOD-MADE foods over MAN-MADE foods.
GOD foods include fresh, organically grown fruits, vegetables, grains,nuts, seeds as well as animals, birds and fish designated as "Clean" and suitable as food.
"Clean" vs. "Unclean"
The dietary laws of the Old Testament are a very controversial yet often overlooked subject. As a Christian I do not relate these laws to righteousness or salvation. However, I do honor the bible as the inerrant, infallable, inspired Word of God and feel it is unwise to completely disregard the relevence of these scriptures without seeking an understanding of their essence.
As a Christian in the Holistic Health field, the Old Testament Dietary laws intrigue me because of my passion for nutrition, my love for God and respect for His amazing creation...the human body. The research I have done on the subject suggests (in my opinion) that God's intent for giving His people the dietary guidelines of Leviticus and Deuteronomy had nothing to do with law and sin and everything to do with His love.
God wants the best for His people but has given us free will to make the best decisions for our lives based on the principles He has provided. It is with this in mind that I offer facts that support the biblical concept of "Clean vs. Unclean" and ask people to consider these facts when making their dietary choices.
The truth is that despite our advances in science and medicine, our country is in an absolute health crisis. While we represent a mere 4 % of the global population, we use over 70% of the drugs used worldwide! Despite this, illness and disease are at an all time high.
This is NOT God's will for us!
Perhaps getting away from our worldly ways and getting back to God's word can help shed some light on this???
After all, He is the Great Physician!
LAND ANIMALS
Leviticus 11:3-8,27 Deuteronomy 14:4-8
Animals which either do not chew the cud or divide the hoof are described in the bible as “UNCLEAN” and therefore prohibited as food. They are classified as carnivores (meat eaters) and omnivores (meat & plant eaters). The animals from these groups are generally recognized as scavengers and/or predators, eating dead and decaying environmental matter or preying on weak/diseased animals. Their eating habits generally described as gluttonous and non-discriminating. Subsequently, their flesh is often associated with high levels of toxins, parasites and infectious disease.
Examples of UNCLEAN animals include:
Pig, Boar, Camel, Equine (Horse, Donkey, Mule),Zebra, llama
Also all animals that go on their paws such as:
All Felines, Canines, Bear, Beaver, Raccoon,Squirrel, Rabbit, Oppossum
BIRDS The following birds are proclaimed in the bible as “CLEAN”:
Pigeon ,Dove,Chicken,Pheasant,Quail, Partridge, Grouse, Turkey,Duck,Geese All water life that does not have fins and scales are described in the bible as “UNCLEAN” and as detestable! Most “unclean” fish and shellfish are either bottom dwellers or predatory scavengers eating dead and decaying matter and sea life. Mollusks (mussels, clams & etc) pump large amounts of water over their mucous covered gills sifting for tiny particles of food. In the process they collect concentrated amounts of pathogenic viruses/bacteria, heavy Examples of UNCLEAN fishes/marine life:
Leviticus 11:13-19, Deuteronomy 14:11-20
Example of UNCLEAN Birds include:
Vulture, Buzzard,
FISH/SEAFOOD
Leviticus 11:9-12,Deuteronomy 14:9-1
Any fish that has fins and scales are deemed as biblically clean. These fish are generally free swimming in open bodies of water.
These include:
Bass,Crappie,Flounder,Cod,Haddock,Pike,Salmon,Sunfish,Mackerel,Snapper,
Trout, Perch,Smelt,Grouper,Tuna
metals and toxins therefore making their flesh unsuitable for food.
Shrimp,Lobster,Snails,Clam, Mussel, Scallop,Shark,Crabs,Eels,Catfish
Octopus, Squid, Cuttlefish, Jellyfish,Sea Mammals (Dolphin, Whale, Seal, Otter)
CREEPING THINGS
All creatures that creep along the ground are deemed UNCLEAN
Mole Mouse, Rat,snakes,Gecko,Crocodile, Alligator ,Lizard ,Chameleon, Salamander,Turtle,Frog, toad
Eating "UNCLEAN" foods won't keep you out of Heaven but you might get there alot sooner!
