fruit

Health – The Apricot

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Apricots are beautifully colored orange fruits full of beta carotene and fiber that are one of the first signs of summer.

This fruit was long thought to have originated in Armenia—note the Latin name—but now is known to have originated in China, the Himalayas, and other parts of temperate Asia. The people of Hunza who live in the Himalayas, with their very limited diet, rely a great deal on dried apricots and edible apricot kernels. These people are world renowned for their unusual longevity. Apricot trees are cultivated all around the world, mostly for their fruit but also for their kernels, which are edible in several varieties.

Apricots are very delicate during their brief season, so most of the time they are eaten dried. The fruit is dried easily and retains nutrients well, including goodly amounts of vitamins A and B2, niacin, magnesium, potassium, sodium and iron.

The kernel of the apricot is the part that most interests herbalists and cosmetic manufacturers. Oil, called Persic Oil, is pressed from the kernels for use in cosmetic preparations and is similar to Oil of Almonds, though not as expensive, and is very softening to the skin, being a smooth, light, richly emollient oil. It can be purchased in health food stores and used for making homemade cosmetic preparations.

Of the most interest to herbalists, however, is the use of apricot kernels to provide a cancer drug called Laetrile which is now available only in Mexico because of restrictions in the United States. It is distributed worldwide, and there are many reports of success in treating cancer with it. Laetrile is said to have antitumor properties and is claimed to be effective in preventing as well as treating cancer. As early as A.D. 502, apricot seeds were used to treat tumors, and in the 17th century, apricot oil was used in England against tumors and ulcers.

Laetrile is present in the seeds of various fruits, such as almonds, cherries and plums, but is most abundant in certain varieties of apricots. Laetrile consists of amygdalin, the bitter-tasting factor in the seeds, chemically known as mandelic nitrile beta-gluruconide, a cyanogenic glycoside. This means that the seeds contain cyanide. The theory goes that small amounts given over a long period will accumulate in cancer tissue and prevent oxygen from reaching the unhealthy tissue. Since cancer tissue is said to have greater beta-glucosidase activity, it cannot detoxify the cyanide in Laetrile very easily. Cyanide is extremely toxic to human beings, and can cause death by asphyxiation even in very small doses, so taking a concentrated extract such as Laetrile even if from a natural substance like apricot seeds seems unwise. Many natural practitioners recommend eating apricot kernels from tree varieties that produce edible kernels as a cancer preventative. This seems to be a safer course than taking the extract, which is reported to have caused hydrocyanic acid poisoning, with symptoms of severe headaches, stupor, convulsions, collapse and respiratory paralysis.

In Chinese medicine, apricot fruits are thought to relate to the heart and are therefore utilized in heart disease. The kernels are crushed and combined with licorice and ginger to act as a cough medicine and expectorant. They are also used particularly as an asthma remedy. The crushed kernels are taken as a remedy for tumors, as we suggest above. Apricot flowers are considered a tonic women’s remedy, used to help in fertility.

The Japanese folk remedy bainiku-ekisu (concentrated Japanese apricot juice) has been used for the treatment of gastritis (stomach inflammation) and enteritis (bowel inflammation) since ancient times, and has recently been studied as a bacteriostatic (stops the growth/reproduction of bacteria) agent.

Apricot kernels are used to treat asthma in various localities around the world; research shows that chemicals in the kernels possess the anti-asthma activity.

In Turkey and Iraq, the oil is pressed and used to soften skin. The seeds are used in various countries against parasites, taken as a vermifuge.

If you are growing apricot trees, select varieties that are suitable for your area. For those in northern areas with short growing seasons, imported varieties from China or the Himalayas can produce well. Do not grow oats near apricots; the root excretions inhibit the growth of young apricot trees.

Right now 97% of the commercial apricot crop is grown in California. Only about 21% of those grown commercially are sold as fresh fruit. The majority are canned, dried or frozen.

For the best flavor, eat tree-ripened fruit. These are rarely available in stores, even those close to the orchard. The next best thing to a well matured apricot is one that is orange-yellow in color, and plump and juicy. Immature apricots never attain the right sweetness or flavor. There are far too many immature apricots on the market. They are greenish-yellow; the flesh is firm with a sour taste. Avoid green and shriveled apricots.

More Benefits of Apricot

Apricots may be eaten raw in a soft diet. Ripe apricots are especially good for very young children and for older people. This fruit is quite laxative, and rates high in alkalinity. Apricots also contain cobalt, which is necessary in the treatment of anemic conditions.

Apricots may be pureed for children who are just beginning to eat solid foods. Blend some apricots for a wonderful desert. They make good afternoon and evening snacks.

The sugar content in dried apricots is six times higher than that of the fresh fruit. Therefore, persons with diabetic conditions must be careful not to eat too many dried apricots. On the other hand, because of its sugar content it is good when an energy boost is needed.

Dried fruit should be put in cold water and brought to a boil the night before, or permitted to soak all night, before eating. Bringing the water to a boil kills any germ life that may be on the fruit. Sweeten only with honey, maple syrup, or natural sugars.

Bible Study Guides – Character Revealed

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March 6, 2011 – March 12, 2011

Key Text

“Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.” Matthew 7:20.

Study help: Christ’s Object Lessons, 150–163; Steps to Christ, 67–76.

Introduction

“A profession of religion has become popular with the world.” The Great Controversy, 386.

1 How do false Christians often deceive themselves? I John 4:20.

Note: “It is the greatest and most fatal deception to suppose that a man can have faith unto life eternal, without possessing Christlike love for his brethren.” “Ellen G. White Comments,” The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 5, 1141.

2 How do loveless Christians reveal their character? Matthew 7:4, 5.

Note: “The sin that leads to the most unhappy results is the cold, critical, unforgiving spirit that characterizes Pharisaism. When the religious experience is devoid of love, Jesus is not there; the sunshine of His presence is not there. No busy activity or Christless zeal can supply the lack. There may be a wonderful keenness of perception to discover the defects of others; but to everyone who indulges this spirit, Jesus says, ‘Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother’s eye’ [Matthew 7:5]. He who is guilty of wrong is the first to suspect wrong. By condemning another he is trying to conceal or excuse the evil of his own heart. It was through sin that men gained the knowledge of evil; no sooner had the first pair sinned than they began to accuse each other; and this is what human nature will inevitably do when uncontrolled by the grace of Christ.” Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing, 126.

3 When the love of Christ is lacking in the heart, how does this become evident? Revelation 3:17; Matthew 7:20.

Note: “Love of self excludes the love of Christ. Those who live for self are ranged under the head of the Laodicean church who are lukewarm, neither cold nor hot. The ardor of the first love has lapsed into a selfish egotism. The love of Christ in the heart is expressed in the actions. If love for Christ is dull, the love for those for whom Christ has died will degenerate. There may be a wonderful appearance for zeal and ceremonies, but this is the substance of their self-inflated religion. Christ represents them as nauseating to His taste.” “Ellen G. White Comments,” The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 7, 962.

4 How do men deceive themselves through self-love and self-confidence? Jeremiah 17:9; Matthew 15:19.

Note: “It is difficult for us to understand ourselves, to have a correct knowledge of our own characters. The word of God is plain, but often there is an error in applying it to one’s self. There is liability to self-deception and to think its warnings and reproofs do not mean me. ‘The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it’ [Jeremiah 17:9] Self-flattery may be construed into Christian emotion and zeal. Self-love and confidence may give us assurance that we are right when we are far from meeting the requirements of God’s word.” Testimonies, vol. 5, 332.

“Man’s great danger is in being self-deceived, indulging self sufficiency, and thus separating from God, the source of his strength. Our natural tendencies, unless corrected by the Holy Spirit of God, have in them the seeds of moral death. Unless we become vitally connected with God, we cannot resist the unhallowed effects of self-indulgence, self-love, and temptation to sin.

“In order to receive help from Christ, we must realize our need. We must have a true knowledge of ourselves. It is only he who knows himself to be a sinner that Christ can save. Only as we see our utter helplessness and renounce all self-trust, shall we lay hold on divine power.

“It is not only at the beginning of the Christian life that this renunciation of self is to be made. At every advance step heavenward it is to be renewed.” The Ministry of Healing, 455.

5 How does a counterfeit type of missionary work contrast with the genuine? Titus 3:2, 3; James 3:14–16; Proverbs 6:18, 19.

Note: “God will never say to us, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant’ [Matthew 25:23], at the end of our journey, if we now cherish a spirit which craves to crowd out and supplant others. Malice, guile, hypocrisy, envy, and evil speaking are things which God abhors, and no one who reveals those fruits in his life will enter the kingdom of heaven. …

“Those who make faultfinding their work, may appear to be constantly anxious and interested in regard to the welfare of others. They may seem to be actively engaged in good work. But their work does harm, and by the Lord it is not regarded as of any value. ‘They say,’ is whispered here and there; by blind suggestions, other minds are filled with suspicion and distrust; uneasiness is created. Those who have listened to the ‘They say,’ call to mind something they have observed in their brethren, which might have been wrong, and much is made of that which is worthy of but little notice. These apparently innocent words strike long, fibrous roots into the minds of those that hear them, and untold harm is done. Seeds of bitterness are planted; evil suggestions rankle in human hearts, and the seed springs up to bear an abundant harvest.

“The enemy of all righteousness sets in operation objectionable missionary work of this kind. One who is professedly working for Christ is tempted by him to probe the minds of others, and ask their opinions of words which have been spoken. In this way suspicion and envy are planted in many breasts. If those who carry on this missionary work could see it as it is regarded by the Lord of heaven; if for one day they could trace the course of their work, and see its baleful results, they would repent.

“To do good to all, to faithfully perform our home duties, to devote our time to comparing our lives with the life of Christ, praying for a humble, sanctified mind—this is the missionary work which the Lord requires us to do.” “Ellen G. White Comments,” The Seventh-day Bible Commentary, vol. 7, 940.

6 What attitude too often destroys the peace of the church? Matthew 18:1–4.

7 Describe the attitude spread by those who boast in their own self-sufficiency over righteousness and truth. Isaiah 5:20; 65:5.

Note: “[Isaiah 5:19–23 quoted.]

“The class here represented, in order to exalt their own opinions, employ a reasoning which is not authorized by the word of God. They walk in the sparks of their own kindling. By their specious reasoning, they confuse the distinction that God desires to have drawn between good and evil. The sacred is brought down on a level with common things. Avarice and selfishness are called by false names; they are called prudence. Their rising up in independence and rebellion, their revenge and stubbornness, in their eyes are proofs of dignity, evidences of a noble mind. They act as though ignorance of divine things were not dangerous and even fatal to the soul; and they prefer their own reasoning to divine revelation, their own plans and human wisdom to the admonitions and commands of God. The piety and conscientiousness of others are called fanaticism, and those who practice truth and holiness are watched and criticized. They deride those who teach and believe the mystery of godliness, ‘Christ in you, the hope of glory’ [Colossians 1:27]. The principles underlying these things are not discerned by them; and they go on in wrongdoing, leaving the bars open for Satan to find ready access to the soul.” The Review and Herald, December 22, 1896.

8 What will be the influence of capable but unconverted men, and what will be their end? II Peter 2:1–3.

Note: “Men may possess capabilities given them in trust of God, but if they are not humble men, daily converted men, as vessels of honor, they will do the greater harm because of their capabilities. If they are not learners of Christ Jesus, if they do not pray and keep their natural hereditary and cultivated tendencies under control, traits of character that God abhors will pervert the judgment of those who associate with them.” “Ellen G. White Comments,” The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 4, 1138.

“Men who repudiate the teachings of the Spirit of God are not the proper persons to be placed in offices as leaders in the church. There is danger that the teachings of men who are not soundly converted may lead others into by and forbidden paths.” Loma Linda Messages, 465.

9 How are today’s popular ministries and professed Christians making Satan happy? II Timothy 3:1–5.

Note: “A profession of religion has become popular with the world. Rulers, politicians, lawyers, doctors, merchants, join the church as a means of securing the respect and confidence of society, and advancing their own worldly interests. Thus they seek to cover all their unrighteous transactions under a profession of Christianity. The various religious bodies, re-inforced by the wealth and influence of these baptized worldlings, make a still higher bid for popularity and patronage. Splendid churches, embellished in the most extravagant manner, are erected on popular avenues. The worshipers array themselves in costly and fashionable attire. A high salary is paid for a talented minister to entertain and attract the people. His sermons must not touch popular sins, but be made smooth and pleasing for fashionable ears. Thus fashionable sinners are enrolled on the church records, and fashionable sins are concealed under a pretense of godliness.” The Great Controversy, 386.

10 What warning is given to us who profess to believe in the third angel’s message? Matthew 23:25, 27.

Note: “Many who profess to be serving God are in the same position as Saul—covering over ambitious projects, pride of display, with a garment of pretended righteousness. The Lord’s cause is made a cloak to hide the deformity of injustice, but it makes the sin of tenfold greater enormity.” “Ellen G. White Comments,” The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 2, 1017.

Review and Thought Questions:

1 To what is Christian love an index?

2 What are the characteristics of self-love?

3 How are seeds of bitterness scattered by self-righteous believers?

4 What are often the far-reaching ill effects of walking in the sparks of your own kindling?

5 What is often used as a cloak to hide injustice?

©2005 Reformation Herald Publishing Association, Roanoke, Virginia. Reprinted by permission.

Editorial – The Forbidden Fruit

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Eve found out, to her great sorrow, that God meant what He said when she and Adam, her husband were forbidden to eat of the fruit of the tree of knowledge of good and evil.

Concerning this prohibition, Ellen White says, “The tide of woe that flowed from the transgression of our first parents is regarded by many as too awful a consequence for so small a sin, and they impeach the wisdom and justice of God in His dealings with man. But if they would look more deeply into this question, they might discern their error. God created man after His own likeness, free from sin. The earth was to be peopled with beings only a little lower than the angels; but their obedience must be tested; for God would not permit the world to be filled with those who would disregard His law. Yet, in His great mercy, He appointed Adam no severe test. And the very lightness of the prohibition made the sin exceedingly great.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 60.

But there is forbidden fruit today, and multitudes are eating it and will be deprived of eating of the tree of life. This month we will look at just one of these forbidden fruits described in the Bible. Although it is forbidden, many who call themselves Adventists are eating of it today. Concerning this fruit we are told that we are not to touch it, or taste of it, and we are not to finger it (handle it).

Many people have read this strict injunction in Colossians 2:20 without bothering to check out what it is talking about. It is described by a pronoun, which means that we must look in previous Scriptures to discover what it is. Colossians 2:20, 21 says, “If then you died with Christ from the fundamental principles of the world, why, as living in the world are you under ordinances—do not touch, do not taste, do not finger.” [Literal translation.] Obviously, what we are not to touch or taste or even finger, are ordinances.

What are these ordinances? Paul said that they are handwritten ordinances, which makes it impossible for them to be the Ten Commandments, because the Ten Commandments were not handwritten, but were written by the finger of God. Every time God wrote something, as recorded in the Bible, He wrote with His finger; when man writes, it is handwritten. Paul said that these ordinances were blotted out and that they were contrary to us and against us, and that they were taken out of the midst (removed) and were nailed to the cross. He also states that these ordinances involved food and drink and feast days and new moons and Sabbaths which were shadows of things coming. Future editorials will deal more with the ordinances of the Lord’s house.

Recipe – Wild Rice Salad

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3 cups water

2 cups uncooked wild rice

2 cups finely chopped dried apricots

2 cups dried cherries

1 cup chopped walnuts

½ cup olive oil

1/3 cup lemon juice

2 Tbsp. maple syrup

1 ½ tsp. salt

 

In a large saucepan, bring water and rice to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 45-50 minutes or until rice is tender. Drain if necessary. Transfer to a large bowl; cool completely. Meanwhile, place apricots in a small bowl; cover with boiling water and let stand for 5 minutes; drain. Stir the apricots, cherries, and walnuts into rice. In small bowl, whisk the olive oil, lemon juice, maple syrup, and salt, Pour over rice mixture and mix well. Refrigerate for at least 20 minutes.

Food – Life-saving Produce

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Care should be taken to have all food in as good condition as possible. In the end, good food is the cheapest. Vegetables that are stale or of poor quality are likely to be unpalatable and unwholesome. So, with fruits. Ripe and fresh, they are as wholesome as they are delicious; but green, partly decayed, or overripe fruit should never be eaten raw. When cooked, unripe fruit is less objectionable. So far as possible, however, we should use fruit in its natural state. The more we accustom ourselves to use it fresh from the tree, the greater will be our enjoyment of fruit, and the more benefit we shall receive from its use.” Life and Health, July 1, 1905.

Unless you’ve purposely ignored reading anything about nutrition for the past 30 years, you know that message number one is that eating lots of fresh produce—including both fruits and vegetables—can substantially lower your risk of diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, and many other diseases. And if you have a chronic health issue like high blood pressure or diabetes, regular consumption of green, red, blue, orange, and purple produce can help you reverse the condition.

You are encouraged to eat as many fruits and vegetables as you want—provided they’re as close to their natural state as possible. That means fresh fruit and minimally cooked vegetables. It also means limiting canned produce (which is often packed minus the skin, an important source of fiber) and opting for either fresh or frozen to get the most fiber and nutrients.

The best way to approach produce is to eat as many different kinds as often as possible. Don’t think of that as a chore. Many people tend to reach for the same produce, shopping trip after shopping trip, and then complain that fruits and vegetables are boring or unsatisfying. Cut out the monomania. Diversify your shopping cart. It just might save your life!

Below are the top 20 pieces of produce that pack the most antioxidants. Antioxidants prevent and slow down oxidative damage to your body—a chemical reaction you want to avoid as much as possible. Why? When your body cells use oxygen, they produce free radicals that can cause damage to your internal organs. Antioxidants act as free-radical scavengers and snuff them out, preventing and repairing damage done by these evil-little free radicals. Health problems such as diabetes, heart disease, macular degeneration, and cancer are all linked to the oxidation process and free radicals.

Try a different piece of produce each week. You’ll never get bored and you’ll be getting a ton of nutrients that stabilize your blood sugar and fight off a host of long-term diseases. Here are the top 20, life-saving, fruit and vegetable picks:

Fruits Vegetables
1. Prunes 1. Kale
2. Raisins 2. Spnach
3. Berries 3. Brussels sprouts
4. Plums 4, Alfalfa sprouts
5. Apples 5. Broccoli
6. Oranges 6. Beets
7. Red grapes 7. Red bell peppers
8. Cherries 8. Onions
9. Kiwi fruit 9. Corn
10. Grapefruit 10. Eggplant

 

Food – Tomato, Fruit or Vegetable?

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To really figure out if a tomato is a fruit or vegetable, you need to know what makes a fruit a fruit and a vegetable a vegetable. The big question to ask is, does it have seeds? If the answer is yes, then technically (botanically) you have a fruit. This, of course, makes the tomato a fruit. Now don’t go looking for tomatoes next to the oranges in your grocery stores! Fruits like tomatoes are usually (alas, incorrectly) referred to as vegetables in most grocery stores and cookbooks. Most of us use the tomato as we do vegetables, primarily in savory dishes.

What health benefits do tomatoes give? In November 1998, a press release from the Heinz Institute of Nutritional Sciences touted the benefits of lycopene, a dietary carotenoid found in high concentrations in processed tomato products. Lycopene is an antioxidant, which purportedly fights the free radicals that can interfere with normal cell growth and activity. These free radicals can potentially lead to cancer, heart disease and premature aging. Tomatoes are also high in vitamin C (concentrated the most in the juice sacs surrounding the seeds) and contain goodly amounts of potassium, iron, phosphorus, vitamin A and vitamin B.

Unfortunately, the tomato is included in the list of the top ten foods to which most people are allergic. In the United States today, tomatoes are second in consumption only to potatoes.

There are thousands of varieties of tomatoes in an array of shapes, colors and sizes. The most common shapes are round (Beefsteak and Globe), pear-shaped (Roma) and the tiny cherry-sized (Cherry and Grape). Yellow varieties tend to be less acidic and thus less flavorful than their red counterparts.

When selecting tomatoes at the market, use your nose. Smell the blossom (not stem) end. The most flavorful ones will have a rich tomato aroma. Select tomatoes that are round, full and feel heavy for their size, with no bruises or blemishes. The skin should be taut and not shriveled. Store fresh ripe tomatoes in a cool, dark place, stem-side down, and use within a few days.

Refrigeration is the enemy of the tomato as it nullifies flavor and turns the flesh mealy.

When wintering your garden, you can salvage some of those tomatoes that haven’t yet ripened by wrapping them in newspaper and storing in a cool area between 55 and 70 degrees F for two to four weeks. Store them no more than two deep and check them often to use the ones that have begun to ripen. Don’t expect them to be as good as ones you’ve ripened on the vine, but they will probably still be better than store-bought.

Health – Practical Suggestions

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In 1863, through His chosen messenger, God gave health reform principles to the early Adventist church. Some of those principles seemed quite radical, but were, in time, proven scientifically to be accurate.

More than one hundred and fifty years later, based on endless scientific studies on what he saw work best in his patients, James L. Marcum, M.D. in his book, The Ultimate Prescription, M.D., Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. (2010), Carol Stream, Illinois, sets out a number of simple principles that if followed result in good health.

Practical Suggestions

  1. Eat a balanced diet with lots of fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts, whole grains, legumes, and seeds. This would include soy, rice, beans, and whole-grain pastas. Fad diets can be harmful.
  2. Drink more water, and avoid soft drinks. Stay away from anything that contains corn syrup.
  3. Avoid foods with a high fat content. These are basically fried foods, meats, French fries, cheese, eggs, margarine and butter, ice cream, doughnuts, cookies, gravy, potato chips, and so on. These are high in trans-saturated fats (trans fats), which cause all sorts of stress and chemical problems in the body.
  4. Sparingly use monounsaturated fats like olive oil and canola oil. You might learn how to leave them out completely. The body doesn’t process such fats. It stores them. I don’t have to tell you where.
  5. Reduce salt intake by diminishing your use of table salt and processed foods. Remember, too much salt can increase blood pressure, which can lead to cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, osteoporosis, and kidney stones. In fact, half the people on dialysis are there because of high blood pressure. Try Bragg Liquid Aminos instead of salt to enhance taste without loading your body down with sodium.
  6. Avoid eating only for pleasure. Eat when you are hungry; stop when you are full. Eat small portions slowly. By the way, foods high in fiber (plant-based foods) send a clear “I’m full” signal to the brain, which switches off the hunger sensation at just the right moment. Non-fiber foods (animal products and highly processed foods) do not. Something to think about!
  7. Eat most of your calories in the morning. Not hungry when you get up? Simply eat a smaller supper and nothing after seven in the evening. The chemical reactions that result from skipping breakfast make it very hard for you to make good food choices later in the day.
  8. Become a vegetarian. Even most animals are vegetarians. When you eat meat, you’re getting your calories secondhand. In addition, the diseases the animals might have, the steroids used to promote growth, and chemicals added to the animals’ foods are passed on to you. Animal products are also absolutely loaded with fat. “But I’ll just eat fish or only organic animal products,” many patients say. While this is certainly a step in the right direction, meat is meat, and we weren’t designed to process it in any form.
  9. Avoid processed foods and the chemical additives found in them. Here’s a simple rule: look for packaged foods with the fewest ingredients. Again, if you can’t pronounce an ingredient, you probably can’t digest it.
  10. Eliminate caffeine and alcohol from your diet. These are two powerful toxins that do much more harm than good.
  11. Be careful with supplements and herbs. Take the time to learn about them from a reliable source. Some herbs interfere with cardiac medications. It’s always best to get your nutritional needs from whole foods—foods as they were grown.
  12. Eat plenty of antioxidants. These amazing micronutrients have the incredible ability to fight the development and spread of cancer cells. Where do we find these antioxidants? In plant-based foods like fruits and legumes.
  13. Find foods with omega-3, -6, -9 fatty acids—the healthy fats. Again, choose plant-based foods—like flaxseed for omega-3. Grind flaxseed before adding it to your diet.

I hope you’re not overwhelmed after reading the list. Instead, I hope you’re encouraged. There is hope for you and your family. There is a plan you can follow to bypass the bypass, to reduce the risk of contracting cancer, to shield yourself from the diseases that are filling doctors’ offices and hospital beds.

Choose a couple of items from the list and try to follow those suggestions for a month. I guarantee you will feel better. Once those become habits, pick another suggestion from the list and work on it as well. After all, you only have one body and one life to live. You are in charge of your choices. When it comes to lifestyle diseases, you decide how sick—or how healthy—you want to be.

Inspiration – Consecration

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The people of God will be tested and proved. A close and searching work must go on among Sabbathkeepers. Like ancient Israel, how soon we forget God and His wondrous works, and rebel against Him. Some look to the world and desire to follow its fashions and participate in its pleasure, just as the children of Israel looked back to Egypt and lusted for the good things which they had enjoyed there, and which God chose to withhold from them to prove them and thereby test their fidelity to Him. He wished to see if His people valued His service, and the freedom He had so miraculously given them, more highly than the indulgences they enjoyed in Egypt while in servitude to a tyrannical, idolatrous people.

All true followers of Jesus will have sacrifices to make. God will prove them and test the genuineness of their faith. I have been shown that the true followers of Jesus will discard picnics (in 1800s picnics consisted of extravagant feasting and frivolity), donations, shows, and other gatherings for pleasure. They can find no Jesus there, and no influence which will make them heavenly minded and increase their growth in grace. The word of God obeyed leads us to come out from all these things and be separate. The things of the world are sought for, and considered worthy to be admired and enjoyed, by all those who are not devoted lovers of the cross and spiritual worshipers of a crucified Jesus.

There is chaff among us, and this is why we are so weak. Some are constantly leaning to the world. Their views and feelings harmonize much better with the spirit of the world than with that of Christ’s self-denying followers. It is perfectly natural for them to prefer the company of those whose spirit will best agree with their own. And such have quite too much influence among God’s people. They take part with them, and have a name among them, and are a text for unbelievers and the weak and unconsecrated ones in the church. These persons of two minds will ever have objections to the plain, pointed testimony which reproves individual wrongs. In this refining time these persons will either be wholly converted, and sanctified by obeying the truth, or they will be left with the world, where they belong, to receive their reward with them.

“By their fruits ye shall know them (Matthew 7:20).” All the followers of Christ bear fruit to His glory. Their lives testify that a good work has been wrought in them by the Spirit of God, and their fruit is unto holiness. Their lives are elevated and pure. Those who bear no fruit have no experience in the things of God. They are not in the Vine. “Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in Me. I am the Vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in Me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without Me ye can do nothing” (John 15:4, 5).

If we would be spiritual worshipers of Jesus Christ, we must sacrifice every idol and fully obey the first four commandments. “Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment” (Matthew 22:37, 38). The first four commandments allow no separation of the affections from God. Nor is anything allowed to divide, or share, our supreme delight in Him. Whatever divides the affections, and takes away from the soul supreme love to God, assumes the form of an idol. Our carnal hearts would cling to our idols and seek to carry them along; but we cannot advance until we put them away, for they separate us from God. The great Head of the church has chosen His people out of the world and requires them to be separate. He designs that the spirit of His commandments shall draw them to Himself and separate them from the elements of the world. To love God and keep His commandments is far from loving the world’s pleasures and friendship. There is no concord between Christ and Belial. The people of God may safely trust in Him alone and without fear press on in the way of obedience.

Testimonies, vol. 1, 287–289.

Food – Best Good-for-You Foods

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It would be well for us to do less cooking and to eat more fruit in its natural state. Let us teach the people to eat freely of the fresh grapes, apples, peaches, pears, berries, and all other kinds of fruit that can be obtained. Let these be prepared for winter use by canning.” Testimonies. Vol. 7, 134.

“Intemperate eating is often the cause of sickness, and what nature most needs is to be relieved of the undue burden that has been placed upon her. In many cases of sickness, the very best remedy is for the patient to fast for a meal or two, that the overworked organs of digestion may have an opportunity to rest. A fruit diet for a few days has often brought great relief to brain workers. Many times a short period of entire abstinence from food, followed by simple, moderate eating, has led to recovery through nature’s own recuperative effort. An abstemious diet for a month or two would convince many sufferers that the path of self-denial is the path to health.” The Ministry of Healing, 235.

Green Beans

High-fiber foods like green beans can help you prevent weight gain and even promote weight loss—without dieting.

Boosting fiber by 8 grams for every 1,000 calories consumed resulted in losing 4 ½ pounds.

Also try raspberries, chickpeas and strawberries.

Watermelon

Watermelon is a good source of vitamin C. It also has lycopene, an antioxidant that may help protect against heart disease and some types of cancer.

Eating foods that are full of water, such as watermelon (92 percent), helps keep you satisfied on fewer calories. (Interestingly enough, drinking water alongside foods doesn’t have the same effect.)

Also try cucumbers (95 percent water), salad greens (90 percent), and strawberries (91 percent).

Blueberries

The diverse range of polyphenol—health-promoting plant compounds that include athocyanins and ellagic acid—provided from berries, like blueberries, can help keep your heart healthy.

Eating just under a cup of mixed berries daily for 8 weeks can increase levels of “good” HDl cholesterol and lower blood pressure.

Also try red raspberries and strawberries.

Tomatoes

Eating more vitamin-C-rich foods—such as tomato—may be a secret to smoother skin.

Vitamin Cs can have youthful effects on skin, like lowering the risk of wrinkles and age-related dryness in middle-age women. Its antioxidant properties help protect against ultraviolent in keeping skin firm via collagen synthesis.

Also try oranges, strawberries, and broccoli.

www.eatingwell.com

Recipe – Fruit on a Stick and Vege Kebab

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Fruit on a Stick

¼ cup pineapple chunks

¼ cup blackberries

¼ cup chopped apple

¼ cup peeled orange sections

¼ cup grapes

4 wooden skewers

Wash fresh fruits. Dress each skewer, alternating with different fruit.

Vege Kebab

8 cherry tomatoes

1/8 cup pineapple chunks

1/8 cup cucumber chunks

1/8 cup baby carrots

3 Tbsp. soy dressing

4 wooden skewers

Dress each skewer, alternating with different vegetables. Dip or spread dressing on each kebab.