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Food for Life – Will Power

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“The power of the will! The tempted one needs to understand the true force of the will. This is the governing power in the nature of man,—the power of decision, of choice. Everything depends upon the right action of the will. Desires for goodness and purity are right, so far as they go; but if we stop here, they avail nothing. Many will go down to ruin while hoping and desiring to overcome their evil propensities. They do not yield the will to God. They do not choose to serve Him.

“God has given us the power of choice; it is ours to exercise. We can not change our hearts, we can not control our thoughts, our impulses, our affections. We can not make ourselves pure, fit for God’s service. But we can choose to serve God, we can give Him our will; then He will work in us to will and to do according to His good pleasure. Thus our whole nature will be brought under the control of Christ.

“Through the right exercise of the will, an entire change may be made in the life. By yielding up the will to Christ we ally ourselves with divine power. We receive strength from above to hold us steadfast. A pure and noble life, a life of victory over appetite and lust, is possible to everyone who will unite his weak, wavering human will to the omnipotent, unwavering will of God.

“Those who are struggling against the power of appetite should be instructed in the principles of healthful living. They should be shown that violation of the laws of health, by creating diseased conditions and unnatural cravings, lays the foundation for the liquor habit. Only by living in obedience to the principles of health can they hope to be freed from the unnatural stimulants. While they depend upon divine strength to break the bonds of appetite, they are to co-operate with God by obedience to His laws, both moral and physical.” Ministry of Healing, 176, 177.

“The power of the will is not valued as it should be. Let the will be kept awake and rightly directed, and it will impart energy to the whole being, and will be a wonderful aid in the maintenance of health. It is a power also in dealing with disease. Exercised in the right direction, it would control the imagination, and be a potent means of resisting and overcoming disease of both mind and body. By the exercise of the will power in placing themselves in right relation to life, patients can do much to co-operate with the physician’s efforts for their recovery. There are thousands who can recover health if they will. The Lord does not want them to be sick. He desires them to be well and happy, and they should make up their minds to be well. Often invalids can resist disease simply by refusing to yield to ailments and settle down in a state of inactivity. Rising above their aches and pains, let them engage in useful employment suited to their strength. By such employment and the free use of air and sunlight, many an emaciated invalid might recover health and strength.” Counsels on Health, 94.

“If Christians will keep the body in subjection, and bring all their appetites and passions under the control of enlightened conscience, feeling it a duty that they owe to God and to their neighbors to obey the laws which govern health and life, they will have the blessing of physical and mental vigor. They will have moral power to engage in the warfare against Satan; and in the name of Him who conquered appetite in their behalf, they may be more than conquerors on their own account. This warfare is open to all who will engage in it.” Counsels on Diet and Foods, 65.

“The will is the governing power in the nature of man, bringing all the other faculties under its sway. The will is not the taste or the inclination, but it is the deciding power, which works in the children of men unto obedience to God, or unto disobedience.” Child Guidance, 209.

August Recipe:

Blueberry Ice Cream

2 cups Water

1 cup Cashews

1 tsp. Vanilla

2 Bananas

1 cup Crust pineapple

1 cup Date pieces

1/2 tsp. Sea salt

Whiz until thoroughly blended, then add:

1 Box Frozen Blueberries.

Continue blending until smooth. Pour into ice cube trays and freeze. When ready to serve, place cubes in Champion Juicer with Solid plate in place. Enjoy delicious, smooth, and healthful ice cream!

Food for Life – July 1996

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“To reach the people, wherever they are, and whatever their position or condition, and to help them in every way possible—this is true ministry. But such effort you may win hearts and open a door of access to perishing souls. “In all your work remember that you are bound up with Christ, a part of the great plan of redemption. The love of Christ, in a healing, life-giving current, is to flow through your life. As you seek to draw others within the circle of His love, let the purity of your language, the unselfishness of your service, the joyfulness of your demeanor, bear witness to the power of His grace. Give to the world so pure and righteous a representation of Him, that men shall behold Him in His beauty . . .

“In all our associations it should be remembered that in the experience of others there are chapters sealed from mortal sight. On the pages of memory are sad histories that are sacredly guarded from curious eyes. There stand registered long, hard battles with trying circumstances, perhaps troubles in the home life, that day by day weaken courage, confidence, and faith. Those who are fighting the battle of life at great odds may be strengthened and encouraged by little attentions that cost only a loving effort. To such the strong, helpful grasp of the hand by a true friend is worth more than gold or silver. Words of kindness are as welcome as the smile of angels.” Ministry of Healing, 156, 158.

“True temperance teaches us to dispense entirely with everything hurtful, and to use judiciously that which is healthful.” CG, 398.

“There is everywhere a work to be done for those who through intemperance have fallen. In the midst of churches, religious institutions, and professedly Christian homes, many of the youth are choosing the path to destruction. Through intemperate habits they bring upon themselves disease, and through greed to obtain money for sinful indulgence they fall into dishonest practices . . . self-indulgence is not only a moral sin, but a physical disease . . . In dealing with the victims of intemperance we must remember that we are not dealing with sane men, but with those who for the time being are under the power of a demon . . .

“Many have to battle against strong hereditary tendencies to evil. Unnatural cravings, sensual impulses, were their inheritance from birth. These must be carefully guarded against. Within and without, good and evil are striving for the mastery. Those who have never passed through such experiences cannot know the almost overmastering power of appetite or the fierceness of the conflict between habits of self-indulgence and the determination to be temperate in all things. Over and over again the battle must be fought . . .

“Those who put their trust in Christ are not to be enslaved by any hereditary or cultivated habit or tendency. Instead of being held in bondage to the lower nature, they are to rule every appetite and passion. God has not left us to battle with evil in our own finite strength. Whatever may be our inherited or cultivated tendencies to wrong, we can overcome through the power that He is ready to impart.” Ministry of Healing, 171–176.

July Recipe:

Cashew Pie Crust

1 1/2 C. Quick Oats (ground fine in a blender)

1 1/2 C. Raw Cashews (ground fine in a blender)

2 T. Date Sugar or Fruit Source

1/2 t. Sea Salt

4–5 T. Cashew or Soy Milk

Mix thoroughly in a dish to the right consistency, and then roll between waxed paper the size of of your pie plate. If this is to be pre-baked, place in oven at 350 degress for 10–15 minutes. This recipe makes two pie crusts.

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Food for Life – Heart Disease and Blood Pressure, part 2

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We are continuing from last month to list lifestyle changes that can help the heart and blood pressure. First we will list food sources which are high in magnesium: nuts, dried beans (especially soy beans and peas), and whole grains. Nuts have the additional advantage of being the best sources of trace minerals, with second place going to whole grains. Although there are rare exceptions, both nuts and whole grains should be part of your diet every day.

4. Last month we mentioned the advisability of a low-fat diet. The easiest way to decrease the quantity of the fat that you eat is to become aware of those foods which are mostly fat, and decrease your intake of these foods. These foods include butter, margarine, oils, shortening, and most types of cheese—anything that feels oily or greasy. The easiest way to increase the quality of the fat that you eat is to get your fat from natural vegetable sources. Vegetable fats in general do not have the harmful effects of animal fats (two exceptions are fat derived from cocoa or chocolate and coconut). Valuable vegetable sources of fat include all types of nuts but especially walnuts, sunflower seeds and flax seeds if you are seeking unsaturated fats; almonds if you are seeking calcium and vitamin E and sesame seeds if you are seeking a high source of calcium. Avocados and especially ripe olives (not “pickled”) in addition to providing a high quality of fat are soothing to the digestive and blood purifying organs.

5. As much as possible avoid chemicals—over-the-counter drugs and medications. Many of these have adverse effects on the heart and circulatory system.

6. Drink water—at least six to eight glasses per day. “If anything is needed to quench thirst, pure water, drank some little time before or after the meal, is all that nature requires. Never take tea, coffee, beer, wine, or any spirituous liquors. Water is the best liquid possible to cleanse the tissues.” Review and Herald, July 29, 1884.

7. At least four times per week you should obtain aerobic exercise . Walking is best. Of course, if you spend a lot of time with a shovel, or hoe, or other type of physical work activity which is continuous for at least 30 minutes you are getting moderate physical activity. Notice how important this is: “The chief if not the only reason why many become invalids is that the blood does not circulate freely, and the changes in the vital fluid, which are necessary to life and health, do not take place. They have not given their bodies exercise nor their lungs food, which is pure, fresh air; therefore it is impossible for the blood to be vitalized, and it pursues its course sluggishly through the system. The more we exercise , the better will be the circulation of the blood. More people die for want of exercise than through over fatigue; very many more rust out than wear out. Those who accustom themselves to proper exercise in the open air will generally have a good and vigorous circulation. We are more dependent upon the air we breathe than upon the food we eat. Men and women, young and old, who desire health, and who would enjoy active life, should remember that they cannot have these without a good circulation. Whatever their business and inclinations, they should make up their minds to exercise in the open air as much as they can. They should feel it a religious duty to overcome the conditions of health which have kept them confined indoors, deprived of exercise in the open air.” Testimonies, vol. 2, 525, 526.

April Recipe:

Tofu Cheese Cake

16 Oz. Tofu

1 Tbsp. Lemon Juice

1 Tbsp. Vanilla

20 Oz. Can Crushed Pineapple

1 Tbsp. Agar Powder

1 Large Banana

1 1/2 Cups Date Rolls or Pieces

Blend thoroughly in your blender and pour in cashew pie crust. Bake a 300 degrees until crust is lightly browned on the sides. May be served with a topping of any seasonal fruit or your choice of berries.

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Food for Life – Heart Disease and Blood Pressure, part 1

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This month’s subject is heart and blood pressure. Alternative medicine has always been in the minds of many as a perfect solution to “drugging,” and its “baleful effects.” Testimonies, vol. 5, 311; Selected Messages, vol. 2, 280. The ideal agent for lowering blood pressure would be one that causes no undesirable side effects, is affordable and is easily tolerated, and actually reduces risk for serious disease of the circulatory system. At the present time no drugs are known that meet all of these criteria. Some of the side-effects of drugs for controlling blood pressure are fatigue, daytime drowsiness, dry cough, constipation, loss of sexual desire, impotence, and light-headedness, a general feeling of malaise, and sometimes depression. Some recommended lifestyle changes that often result in a lowering of blood pressure are:

1. Reduce salt intake to between 2 and 3 grams per day (about 1 teaspoon). Be cautious when buying processed foods, read the labels before you buy. Beware of food additives, preservatives, tenderizers, and food enhancers, particularly monosodium glutamate (MSG). Common processed foods that contain a high amount of sodium include: salted nuts, chips, canned vegetables, powdered and canned soups, diet soft drinks (including tonic or sparkling water), soy sauce, pickled foods, and animal products (especially cheese and processed meats).

2. Adopt a high-fiber, low-fat diet. If possible eat at least five servings of fresh fruit and vegetables each day. Such a diet will increase your levels of vitamin C, magnesium, calcium and potassium. An increased intake of calcium-rich foods such as kale or other dark greens, white navy or other dried beans, raisins, figs, sesame seeds, and almonds are advisable for many. A high potassium intake is associated with a lowered blood pressure and reduced risk of stroke as well as cardiac arrythmia, especially if you are on diuretics. Fruits, vegetables, and most grains are good sources of potassium. The concentrated vegetarian sources of potassium include: bananas, carrots, potatoes, tomatoes, avocados, almonds, pecans, walnuts, peanuts, lima beans, peas, dates, greens such as cress and spinach, and whole wheat flour.

3. Many people with high blood pressure have been advised to take 200 to 400 milligrams of supplemental magnesium each day. In the future we will list common food sources high in magnesium and talk about fat and high blood pressure.

March Recipes:

Lo-Calorie Dressing (Italian)

Place in Blender:

2 cups Distilled Water

1 tsp. Sea Salt

1 1/2 cups Tomato Puree

1 Tbsp. Onion Powder

1-2 tsps. Garlic Powder

1/2 cup Lemon Juice

3 tbsps. Apple Concentrate

1 tsp. Ground Dill

3/4 tsp. Sweet Basil

3/4 tsp. Italian Seasoning

3/4 tsp. Salad Herbs

Whiz in blender on high speed until thoroughly blended.

Sun-Nut Burgers

Bring to a Boil:

1/3 cup Braggs Aminos (or substitute a beef style flavoring)

2 1/2 cups Water

Mix together:

1 Onion, Chopped

1 Clove Garlic, Minced

1/2 tsp. Italian Seasoning

1/2 cup Ground Raw Walnuts

1/2 cup Raw Sunflower Seeds

3 cups Quick Oats

Pour water and Braggs over dry mixture. Stir and let sit for about 15 minutes. Bake a 350 degrees for 20 minutes on each side.

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Food for Life – A New Year

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Happy New Year!  Another year now opens its fair unwritten pages before you. The recording angel stands ready to write. Your course of action will determine what shall be traced by him. You may make your future life good or evil; and this will determine for you whether the year upon which you have just entered will be to you a happy new year. It is in your power to make it such for yourself and for those around you. Let patience, long-suffering, kindness, and love become a part of your very being; then whatsoever things are pure and lovely and of good report will mature in your experience.

“Angels of God are waiting to show you the path of life . . . Decide now, at the commencement of the new year that you will choose the path of righteousness, that you will be earnest and true-hearted, and that life with you shall not prove a mistake. Go forward, guided by the heavenly angels; be courageous; be enterprising; let your light shine; and may the words of inspiration be applicable to you— ‘I write unto you, young men, because you are strong and have overcome the wicked one.’

“If you have . . . given yourself to Christ, you are a member of the family of God and everything in the Father’s house is for you. All the treasures of God are open to you, both the world that now is and that which is to come. The ministry of angels, the gift of His Spirit, the labors of His servants—all are for you. The world, with everything in it is yours so far as it can do you good. Even the enmity of the wicked will prove a blessing, by disciplining you for heaven. If ‘ye are Christ’s’ ‘all things are yours.’ ” My Life Today, 5. [Ellipsis in the original.]

“For Christ’s sake, my brethren and sisters, make the most of the hours of the New Year to place the precious light of present truth before the people. The Angel of the covenant is empowering His servants to carry the truth to all parts of the world. He has sent forth His angels with the message of mercy; but, as if they did not speed on their way fast enough to satisfy His heart of yearning love, He lays on every member of His church the responsibility of proclaiming this message. ‘Let him that heareth say, come.’ Every member of the church is to show his loyalty by inviting the thirsty to drink of the water of life. A chain of living witnesses is to carry the invitation to the world. Will you act your part in this great work?” Colporteur Ministry, 18.

“A new year has commenced. What has been the record of the past year in your Christian life? How stands your record in heaven? I entreat you to make an unreserved surrender to God. Have your hearts been divided? Give them wholly to the Lord now. Make a different life history the coming year from that of the past. Humble your souls before God . . . put away all pretense and affectation. Act your simple, natural self. Be truthful in every thought and word and deed, and ‘in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than themselves’ . . . As long as you look to Christ, you are safe.” Testimonies, vol. 4, 521, 522. [Emphasis supplied.]

Shall we not reform our diets also this New Year? One of the main subjects in the Spirit of Prophecy is healthful living. “In the judgment we shall see how seriously God regards the violation of the laws of health.” Counsels on Diets and Food, 40.

January Recipe:

Oat Crackers

4 Cups quick oats – (ground in a blender)

4 Tbs. date sugar or date rolls *

1 tsp. sea salt

1 Cup finely ground walnuts

*Place dates in blender with nuts or oats to pulverize.

Mix all ingredients well. Add enough water, cashew milk, or soymilk to knead the mixture into dough. Measure out 1/2 of the above dough and roll out very thin on parchment paper between sheets of plastic.

Bake on parchment or cookie sheet or any of the modern non-stick sheets until done, about 20 minutes at 300° degrees.

Thanks to Frances Brown of San Antonio, Texas, for this delicious recipe. We used it in our live-in clinic in Texas.

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Food For Life – Christmas Fudgies & Cashew Cream

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Let us remind ourselves that we must treat our bodies with the same care and self-denial that we would treat our animals or anything else that we love supremely! In Counsels on Diets and Foods, 17 we read, “Every law governing the human machinery is to be considered just as truly divine in origin, in character, and in importance as the word of God. Every careless, inattentive action, any abuse put upon the Lord’s wonderful mechanism, by disregarding His specified laws in the human habitation, is a violation of God’s law.” On the same page, “It is as truly a sin to violate the laws of [ health ] our being as it is to break the ten commandments. To do either is to break God’s laws.”

So with these pertinent statements in mind let us continue last month’s discussion about the cancer link between what we eat and this dread disease. What is the solution? “Avoid eating the foods that are the biggest culprits (that is, animal products.) And help your body get the antioxidants it needs to fight off the free radicals that you do come in contact with through the food you eat.

“The best food sources of antioxidants are organically grown fruits and vegetables, grains, nuts, and seeds. These foods have low fat contents, no antibiotics, and few preservatives. They are also excellent sources of protein–without the risk of excessive free radical damage

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“In addition to these food sources of antioxidants, you should be supplementing your diet with antioxidant herbs, vitamins, and minerals.

“New scientific evidence shows that cell changes in breast tissues (which lead to cancer) are caused by bile acids. What exactly, does that mean? Namely, that there is a mechanism for the food we eat to move from the gut to the blood stream to the ducts and cysts of the breast. Or, breast cancer comes from food.

“Poor diet is linked to many diseases, breast and colon cancer being just two. In my estimation, diet may be responsible for 60% to 70% of all cancers.” Robert D. Willix Jr. MD

So you see that over one hundred years ago, God knew what He was talking about when He said that the majority of tumors and inflammatory diseases were caused by meat eating.

A statement form Dr. Clive McKay, former Professor of Nutrition at Cornell University: “Among the thousand historical acquaintances in my files, one of the most worthwhile is Ellen G. White. As near as one can judge by the evidence of modern nutritional science, her extensive writings on the subject of nutrition and health in general, are correct in their conclusions. This is doubly remarkable: not only was most of her writing done at a time when a bewildering array of new health views–good and bad–were being promoted, but the modern science of nutrition, which helps us to check on views and theories, had not yet been born. Even more singular, Mrs. White had not technical training in nutrition, or in any subdivision of science that deals with health. In fact, because of her frail health from childhood she completed only a part of grammar school education . . . Whatever may be the reader’s religion, he can gain much in the midst of this confused world in which we live, by a study of the writings of Mrs. White. Also every thoughtful modern nutritionist must be impressed by the soundness of Mrs. White’s teachings in spite of the fact that she began to write nearly a century ago. (this article was written in 1981) When one reads such works by Mrs. White as Ministry of Healing or Counsels on Diets and Foods he is impressed by the correctness of her teaching in the light of modern nutritional science. One can only speculate how much better health the average American might enjoy, even though he knew almost nothing of modern science, if he but followed the teachings of Mrs. White.”

December’s Recipes:

Cashew Topping

(whipped cream substitute)

1 Cup White Grape Juice

1/3 Cup Granular Fruit Source

1/4 Tsp. Sea Salt

2 Tsps. Vanilla

2 Cups Cashews

Blend thoroughly on high speed, and refrigerate.

Christmas Fudgies

1/3 Cup Millet Powder

1/2 Cup Soy Powder, sifted

1/2 Cup Carob, sifted

2/3 Cup Fruit Source Syrup

2-3 Tbsps. Hot Water

1/2 Cup Chopped Peanuts

2 Tsps. Vanilla

2/3 Cup Chopped Peanuts (coating)

Combine soy and millet flour and carob. Add syrup–stir in hot water–then peanuts and vanilla (any nuts may be used.) Form into balls and roll in chopped nuts. Store in refrigerator–makes approximately two dozen balls. If you have a problem with securing this Fruit Source you may use any good grade honey or rice syrup.

Food for Life – Spices and Condiments

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If we knew that our choice between right and wrong at this moment settled our eternity, we think it would be easy to choose. But there comes a time in every life when the choice is the last one, though no one but God knows when. And every choice between now and the last choice is determining what the last choice shall be. To a man sorely tempted came the thought, ‘If I knew that my choice at this time settled my victory or defeat for all time, I would not hesitate an instant.’ Then there went up the prayer, ‘Father, make this the victory for all time, and I will decide for Thee.’ Like a flash came the answer, ‘Eternity depends on your choice now,’ and the victory was won. What reason have we to suppose that we can choose to do wrong today, and tomorrow turn from the wrong and take the right? The final decision is not the decision of a moment; it is the decision of a life. Today you are choosing for life or for death.” Signs of the Times, July 19, 1905

“Will you not give up indulgences that are doing you an injury? Words of profession are cheap: let your acts of self-denial testify that you will be obedient to the demands God makes of His peculiar people.” Unpublished Messages, 428

One common indulgence that injures the stomach is irritating spices such as capsicum. Ruth Winter says in her book, A Consumer’s Dictionary of Food Additives. “Cayenne Pepper. Pepper, Red. A condiment made from the pungent fruit of the plant. Used in sausage and pepper flavoring, for beverages, ice cream, ices, candy condiments, meats and soups. Reported to retard growth of Mexicans and South Americans and Spanish who eat a great deal of these peppers. Rats fed the ingredient of pepper, a reddish-brown liquid called capsaicin, used in flavoring vinegar and pickles, were stunted in growth. Capsicum, Africa Chilies, Cayenne Pepper, Tabasco Pepper. The dried fruit of a tropical plant used as a natural spice and ginger ale flavoring for beverages, ice cream, ices, candy, and baked goods; also meats and sauces. The oleoresin form is used in sausage, spice, ginger ale, and cinnamon flavorings for beverages, candy, baked good, chewing gum, meats, and condiments. Used internally as a digestive stimulant. Irritating to the mucous membrane, it can produce severe diarrhea and gastritis.”

Here is what God says about common irritating spices.

“In this fast age, the less exciting food, the better. Condiments are injurious in their nature. Mustard, pepper, spices, pickles, and other things of like character irritate the stomach and make the blood feverish and impure.” Counsels on Diets and Foods, 345

Use of spices can also lead to use of alcohol. The appetite for liquor is encouraged by the preparation of food with condiments and spices. These cause a feverish state of the system . . . The effect of such food is to cause nervousness. Healthful Living, 200

Carrot Rice Loaf

4 cups grated carrots

1/2 cup chopped onions

4 cups cooked brown rice

1 cup bread crumbs or Grapenuts

2-3 Tbsps. peanut butter mixed in 1/2 cup water

1/8 tsp. thyme

1 cup chopped walnuts

Mix all ingredients thoroughly. Bake at 350 degrees for one hour. May serve with cashew gravy, or for low calorie diet serve with brown gravy.

Food For Life – Salt and Hypertension

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Let us take a look at the subject matter for this month’s article—preservatives. You may like this, or you may not but: the “proof is in the pudding!” And what I read is not necessarily what I like to read; but it is a viable fact that man cannot live by “bread alone,” but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of the Lord. With this in mind, let us look at various articles printed on this subject. First of all let me talk to you about salt! Is it bad or is it essential? “Food should be prepared in as simple a manner as possible, free from condiments and spices, and even from an undue amount of salt.” “I use some salt, and always have, because from the light given me by God, this article, in place of being deleterious, is actually essential for the blood. The whys and wherefores of this I know not, but I give you the instruction as it is given me.” “Good baked or boiled potatoes served with cream and a sprinkling of salt are the most healthful. The remnants of Irish and sweet potatoes are prepared with a little cream and salt and re-baked, and not fried; they are excellent.” Counsels on Diets and Foods, 340, 344, 323. [All emphasis supplied.]

Today, the use of an excess amount of that delicious flavoring is well known to increase the risk of high blood pressure. The incidence of high blood pressure in populations using large amounts of sodium is well documented. The amount of salt needed every day can be as low as between 200 and 300 milligrams for a sedentary person up to well in excess of 2 grams for a laborer in extremely heated conditions (such as roofing in the summer or hard physical labor in tropical conditions or in a boiler room etc.) Since most Americans consume between 6 and 13 grams of salt per day obtaining adequate amounts is seldom a problem.

A person who is using large amounts of preprocessed foods can obtain large amounts of sodium without knowing it (over 20 grams per day). One of the easiest ways to decrease sodium is to decrease the foods eaten which have large amounts of salt added. Most health reformers have discarded most of these foods already for other reasons. They include all foods which contain monosodium glutamate, baking soda or baking powder, foods that are cured, smoked, pickled, salted or prepared in salty brines such as sauerkraut, pickles, soy sauce (and many other sauces), all regular chips such as potato chips, corn chips, popcorn, salted crackers, and salted nuts. The next step is moderate use of salt in cooking and especially at the table. Most experts recommend that the sedentary person not consume more than about 1 teaspoon of salt per day (or between 2 and 3 grams) which is an easy range to be in if you are using natural foods (not highly processed) and are moderate in the use of salt in cooking and on the table.

The National Academy of Sciences and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration have advised everyone to cut down on salt to prevent high blood pressure. Although many people are getting too much salt that does not mean that less is always better—in the summer especially when people are spending alot of time out of doors many people do not get enough of it. While experts agree that many of the nation’s fifty million or so hypertensives should decrease their salt intake, ‘there is not conclusive scientific evidence that the general population should adopt a low-sodium diet.

Salt—sodium chloride—is an essential ingredient of the blood. Sodium is necessary to maintain proper blood volume and controls the water-balance in body cells. It is required for transmission of nerve impulses and the proper utilization of carbohydrates and proteins. Chloride is needed for proper pH and for production of hydrochloric acid by the stomach and for certain enzymes.

People who are afraid of getting too much salt and are getting strenuous activity in warm or hot conditions may actually need more of it than they normally obtain.

Corn Spread

1 cup Millet Flour

2½ cups soft Water

1 Tsp. Sea Salt

Place these ingredients in your small mini-crock pot. Stir well, and let cook overnight.
Cook 1 – 16 oz. pkg. of frozen corn according to pkg. directions and when finished place in blender, whiz on high until very smooth. Drop by spoonfuls the millet flour mixture which has cooked.

Add Seasonings:

2 tsps. Butter flavoring

1 tsp. Coconut flavoring

½ tsp. Sea Salt

½ cup Cashews

Whiz again to mix properly. If you wish a thicker butter, drain the cooking water off the corn.

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Food for Life – Fiber

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Nutritional research discovers more each year about the chemistry of food and the intricate ways in which it is utilized by the body to keep us healthy and strong.

Investigation has revealed that the fashionable, highly refined diet that has become so popular over the years is often lacking in fiber. As a consequence, researchers have observed a corresponding increase in health problems.

Constipation, colon cancer, diverticulitis, varicose veins, diabetes, high blood cholesterol, and hardening of the arteries are a few of the common conditions that are the result of an inadequate fiber intake. The incidence level of these diseases and abnormalities was dramatically lower at the turn of this century. Most cereal products were in a less refined state. For this reason, an increasing number of people are reverting back to a natural, unrefined diet that is rich in fiber.

An adequate fiber intake offers many benefits, especially for those who wish to lose weight. Fiber, often referred to as roughage or bulk, is found only in plant foods and characteristically passes through the system without being digested and absorbed into the blood stream. Dispensing with refined foods and increasing the intake of natural, unrefined food will provide the volume to achieve satiety with a reduced caloric content. Such a revitalized diet, coupled with a regular fitness program, can go a long way in resolving a person’s weight problem.

In addition, fiber adds “body” to waste food residues enabling the bowel to convey them more easily along within the digestive tract. It also ensures that waste is not able to accumulate within the colon for long periods of time, increasing the risk of disease.

An astronomical amount of money is spent on laxatives and stool softeners each year in the United States by millions of people who fight a never-ending battle with constipation. In most cases, a natural, high-fiber diet would quickly resolve the problem.

Greater affluence over the last several decades has seen more people to afford richer and more expensive animal foods. Apart from meat and dairy foods containing a high level of cholesterol and saturated fat (not to mention other detriments), they are notoriously low, or completely devoid of fiber intake. Low intake can also, in part, be attributed to drinking the juice of fruit or vegetables instead of eating the items themselves. While there may be nothing wrong with juices, they should not be used to the exclusion of whole fruits and vegetables.

The perfect way to ensure an abundant fiber intake, along with all of the nutrients necessary for life, is to eat a variety of fruits, grains, nuts, and vegetables. Whole-wheat bread is an example of one basic food within this category which is rich in fiber. Wheat bran can also be added to certain items, such as homemade granola and cookies, or even sprinkled onto salads. It should be remembered, however, that while a little extra bran taken in this way may be helpful for those who need it, an excess may prove far from beneficial. Moderation is the key principle here in order to avoid the digestive upset that can result from too much of a good thing.

Legumes such as beans and garbanzos are also rich in a fiber that differs from the type found in wheat and which especially enables the body to manage fats and cholesterol in a beneficial way. Eating potatoes in their jackets is another example of how a food can be eaten more naturally without dispensing with its valuable fiber content.

Many books and tables are available which provide information about the fiber content of various foods. Also, with the increasing awareness of the importance of fiber among consumers, more and more food packaging contains fiber information. While such information can be very useful, as a general rule, a vegetarian diet of unrefined foods will supply adequate fiber to the diet.

August Recipe:

Old Fashioned Bread Pudding

Mix together gently in a bowl:

6 cups 1″ bread cubes

½ cup coarsely chopped walnuts

½ cup raisins

1 cup chopped apples

4 cups sweet cashew milk

Sweet Cashew Milk

Blend until smooth:

1 cup cashew pieces

1 cup hot water

Then add:

3 cups water

¼ cup honey

2 tsp. vanilla

pinch salt

1 tsp. orange rind

Pour into an 8X8 lightly oiled baking dish. Bake at 350 degrees for about 45 minutes. This recipe will serve 4-5 people.

Food for Life – Counsel on the Use of Fresh Foods

by

This is the time of the year when we are beginning to enjoy the wonderful fresh food that God has allowed to grow for the nourishment of our bodies. Hopefully many of us will be able to reap the benefits of the garden. What a difference in the flavor of sun-ripened food!

There are many extenuating circumstances of our lives when it may not be possible to fulfill God’s ideal for us. In this case, we are to rest in God’s care. “Some are continually anxious lest their food, however simple and healthful, may hurt them. To these let me say; Do not think that your food will injure you; do not think about it at all. Eat according to your best judgment; and when you have asked the Lord to bless the food for the strengthening of your body, believe that He hears your prayer, and be at rest.” Counsels on Diet and Foods, 109. We must never, however, let this assurance lead us to presumption.

When choosing our fresh foods, it is of vital importance that we meticulously sort and discard any moldy fruits or vegetables. It is not always enough to just cut away the mold. “Nicely prepared vegetables and fruits in their season will be beneficial, if they are of the best quality, not showing the slightest sign of decay, but are sound and unaffected by any disease or decay. More die by eating decayed fruit and decayed vegetables which ferment in the stomach and result in blood poisoning, than we have any idea of.” Ibid., 309.

Dr. Craig, a former teacher in the Department of Nutrition at the School of Health, Loma Linda University, recently wrote: “Moldy peanuts or grains are commonly contaminated with penicillin and aspergilus molds which produce carcinogenic substances like aflatoxins. Furthermore, blemished sweet potatoes have been found to contain high levels of liver toxin, ipomeamarone. Patulin is a carcinogenic substance found in moldy apples and also apple juice or cider made from moldy apples.

“Yes, it is true. Plant foods as well as animal products may contain toxicants which can produce ill health or even death. But we have seen that proper methods of cooking and processing legumes and vegetables will reduce the risk of hazardous substances found in raw foods.

“The selection of the best quality fruits, vegetables, nuts, and grains which are free of decay is essential for good health. Dryness during storage is a must in preventing microbial toxins from contaminating our foodstuffs.”

The health of the mind is closely associated with our physical health. We can be so thankful that we have the health message to help us preserve our bodies in the best possible health as we face the delusions of the last days.

July Recipes:

Grapenut-Squash Casserole

1 lb. yellow squash 1/2 tsp. celery seed

3 cups grapenuts 1/2 tsp. garlic powder

1 green pepper 1/2 tsp sage

1 large onion 1 tsp. sweet basil

2 cups cashews 2 tbsp. parsley or chives

1-1/2 cups water 2-4 tbsp. sesame seeds

1-1/2 tsp. sea salt

Wash and cube squash (summer). Parboil in steamer until tender. (Do not overcook.) Dice pepper and onion and sauté with the above seasonings in 1/2 cup water over low heat. Place the 1-1/2 cups water in the blender and add cashews gradually, blending until smooth. Remove squash from steamer; add sautéed onion, pepper, and seasonings and stir slightly until squash is slightly mashed. Add grapenuts, and nut mixture and blend well. Pour into casseroles; sprinkle with sesame seeds and bake 1 hour at 325 degrees.

 

Stuffed Green Peppers

2-1/2 cups cooked lentils 1 tsp. Italian seasoning

1-1/4 cups cashew or soy milk 1-1/2 tbsp. food yeast

1-1/4 cups bread crumbs 1 cup chopped walnuts

1 tsp. salt 2 cups cooked brown rice

Cut 6 green peppers in half, removing white membrane and seeds, and steam for 30 minutes to soften. Remove from steamer and fill with the above mixture which has been combined thoroughly. Place filled pepper halves in baking dish and pour tomato sauce over all. Bake at 400 for 30 minutes covered, then 10 minutes uncovered.