From the smallest child to the aged, sugar is one of the most addictive pleasures that we as a people seem so unable to eliminate from our diet. We brag about being vegetarians, at least 49% of us, and a small part of us have even eliminated all animal products from our diet. A few more have given up caffeine in its various forms, but what about sugar? A few years ago we were up to about 130 lbs. per year, per capita. Now the average is 150 lbs. What are we doing to the temple which God has given us to use for Him in His service?
First let us review what God in His great mercy revealed to Ellen White in order to prepare a people to stand before Him, a perfect people without blemish.
“Sugar clogs the system. It hinders the working of the living machine.” Counsels on Diet and Foods, 327. “The free use of sugar in any form tends to clog the system, and is not infrequently a cause of disease.” Ibid., 197. “Sugar is not good for the stomach. It causes fermentation, and this clouds the brain and brings peevishness into the disposition.” Ibid., 327. From the Natural Health Bulletin I quote, “If we jailed sugar instead of criminals, we might well have less crime in our society.” This study was done by a group of food-behavior specialists in Los Angeles County, headed by Dr. Bernard Mason of the County task Force on nutrition and behavior. They reported that a change from sugary “junk” food to “health food” helped control criminal tendencies. Basic Rule. “As little sugar as possible for the imprisoned,” says Dr. Mason. “The reason is that we believe it is responsible for many bizarre behavioral attitudes—even homicidal and suicidal.” He explains that 90% of criminals in custody have hypoglycemia, low blood sugar, because of the modern junk foods, alcohol, and dope that most criminals are on.” Dr. Mason made a diet change among the confined. No soft drinks and French fries wee given. Instead, the inmates were given raw zucchini, fresh fruit, broccoli, apples, bananas, peaches, and yogurt. Cooks were instructed how to use tofu in combination with brown rice, spaghetti, and meatless enchiladas. Dr. Mason reports, “There has been a change in the actions and attitudes of criminals, leading to increased stability, a more cooperative attitude, and a willingness to improve their lives.” He feels it was the “no sugar” rule, which resulted in correcting their hypoglycemia, which led to reduced mental disturbance and less crime.
According to a Scottish study conducted by G. Hems from the Department of Community Medicine, Foresterhill, Aberdeen, we read that “woman who eat less refined sugar, less total fat, less animal protein, and fewer animal calories have the best chance of avoiding breast cancer.” He analyzed breast cancer rates in relation to child-bearing, various differences in diet, and other factors in forty-one countries. For the first time, sugar was implicated as a possible cancer-causing substance.
When we refer back to God’s original diet for the human race, we find that “Adam and Eve came forth from the hand of their Creator in the perfection of every physical, mental, and spiritual endowment. God planted for them a garden, and surrounded them with everything that was lovely and attractive to the eye, which their physical necessities required. . . . A benevolent Creator had given them evidence of His goodness and love in providing them with fruits, vegetables, and grains, and in causing to grow out of the ground every variety of tree for usefulness and beauty.” Confrontation, 10. God created us with taste buds that we might enjoy the food we eat, but we have perverted those taste buds. Can they ever be normal again? Give God a chance, and you will see that in a short time those abnormal cravings cease and there will be true enjoyment in eating wholesome, unrefined, and nutritious food.
Christ is soon to return to take His faithful ones home. Forever remember that, “True conversion to the message of present truth embraces conversion to the principles of health reform.” Letter 62, 1909.
February’s Recipe:
Sugar Free Sunflower-Oat Waffles
Place in blender:
1-1/2 cups water
1/2 cup sunflower seeds
1/4 cup sesame seeds
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
2 Tablespoons date sugar
Whiz until well blended, and then slowly add 2 cups quick oats. Let stand for 5 minutes. Bake in medium-hot, non-stick waffle iron for 8-10 minutes. Do not test before waffle is ready. For a special treat as well as nutrition, add ½ cup walnuts or pecans. This recipe can also be used for pancakes.