Introduction
Seventh-day Adventists have long been known for combining an emphasis on health and spirituality. But, at one time, the Seventh-day Adventist group was no different in health than any other population or church group, suffering the same illnesses and degenerative diseases as their friends and relatives of all other denominations and population groups.
As the small group formed in the mid to late 1800's and began to study the Bible more deeply, along with the spiritual information they were discovering they developed a very distinctive approach to health, some of which was similar to other health reformers of the day, others which were very distinctive. Some of these practices help Adventists and others who follow this lifestyle live longer and healthier than those who do not practice these habits.
Seventh-day Adventists believe that these health principles are very beneficial for anyone and encourage you to study this information for yourself.
These principles were given to be a blessing for all mankind.
Q&A
What was the original diet for the people on earth?
Seventh-day Adventists believe that the diet that was first intended for people was recorded in the ancient scriptures and changed slowly over time depending on a variety of circumstances. The original diet for humans was a totally plant based vegetarian diet composed mainly of, fruits, nuts and grains. According to these earliest recorded writings, God's ideal diet was given at creation as fruit, nuts and grains. Genesis 1:29
Later, the record shows that green leafy and other vegetables and herbs were added to man's diet. Genesis 3:18
After some time, in Genesis 9:3, everything that lives and moves was added to the diet with some major restrictions that included:
1. No blood. Genesis 9:4
It was after this time, according to the Biblical account that man's life span began to decrease dramatically.
Later, as the Israelites, or Hebrew (Jewish) race left Egypt, they were given specific instructions on health habits and types of foods and animals that they were permitted to eat in order to avoid the diseases that were the main causes of death for the Egyptians, such as cancer, diabetes, heart problems and infectious diseases.
2. No unclean animals. Leviticus 11; Deuteronomy 143. No blood or fat. Leviticus 3:17
How did Seventh-day Adventists develop their distinctive views of health?
After the group of Seventh-day Adventists began studying and praying together, many important spiritual beliefs were discovered including the fact that God wanted people to be healthy. Mrs. Ellen G. White, an early Adventist leader and writer, and whom the Seventh-day Adventists believe was a special messenger of God, was given health information messages in dreams and visions which confirmed the groups findings from scripture and further developed the Adventists' emphasis and knowledge of health principles. She received a vision in 1863 which marked the beginning of the emphasis on health. Earlier she had been warned about the dangers of tobacco, tea, and coffee. Many of the health reforms were being promoted also by other reformers of the day, but many also were recommending harmful practices which God led her to warn against. Her contribution to the health message was setting the correct tone and focus. She taught that all healing ultimately came from God.
What were some of the things that Ellen White recommended or warned against?
Over 100 years ago she warned of the harmful effects of tobacco while doctors were still prescribing smoking for health. She urged moderation in using high-fat foods, especially meats, encouraged a diet of fresh fruits, vegetables and grains, and recommended plenty of exercise and fresh air. The distinctive teachings that Ellen White received in her 1863 vision can be divided into seven main areas.
1. Vegetarianism
2. Avoidance of intemperance in eating and drinking
3. Value of pure water both internally and externally
4. Keeping rooms of the house well ventilated
5. Importance of cleanliness
6. Connection between proper health principles and Christian duty
7. Physical health is dependant upon the right use of the will and mental attitude in depending upon God and claiming divine power.
References from Ellen White regarding
3. Excluding animal products in the original diet
5. Are all the "food nutrients" found in a total plant diet?
