Divine Health By Design II - By Lucy Abah

Our body is given to us by God to care for. God’s desire is for this body to be healthy. To attain this sound health, we must be careful with what we eat. Since the devil is out to oppose God’s pleasure for our lives, he presents those food that are harmful to our body as very attractive. This piece is a warning to be careful with what we eat. It is a continuation of the article in our last edition of health Issues titled: Food or Fooled?

Unfortunately most flour in the stores/market has been processed and all nutrients removed. This then is used to make foods like meat pies, cakes, pizza, hotdog etc. These are referred to as junk foods. They are generally prepared with unhealthy white flour, saturated fat and white sugar. They should be avoided from a health standpoint. The more they are eaten the more they cause diseases like diabetics, cancer, caries (dental), cholesterol, high blood pressure, etc. Use of baking powder is also harmful to the body. Natural yeast is preferable. Please eat whole flour meals brown bread and brown pasta not white refined flour.

FRIED FOODS
Fried meals are the tastiest of all. When I was young, I really enjoyed meals like fried yam, chips and fried meat and fish. The tomatoes of the stew were often well fried with no tomatoes juice to make it taste sour. All these looked so “good” then. With experience, I have realized that fried foods are dangerous to our health. The smoke from the frying causes cancer just like cigarette and frying food destroys the nutrients. And certain ones form toxic substances which are carcinogenic and promote the development of malignant tumors. Tumors like breast cancer, endometrial cancer, ovarian cancer, etc can be noticed especially in women. Foods should rather be boiled or steamed instead of being fried for consumption.

MILK
Undoubtedly, milk is one of the most complete single foods. The human milk which God provided for the human species is the richest in monoun saturated fatty acids similar to those found in nuts and seeds. These fatty acids are necessary for the development of the human brain. When we talk of milk, people think more about the cow milk. It is widely believed that cow milk also contains nutrient that helps in growth. People take it a lot but studies have shown that unlike human milk, the several diseases occur as a result of milk intake. Examples of such diseases are arteries, lymphoma, ovarian cancer, prostate cancer and coronary diseases. Saturated fats in cow milk foster cholesterol production in the body.

If you must take milk at all, you are advised to take non-fat milk. The protein in milk called casein increases the cholesterol level, constipation and diarrhea. Milk causes digestive disorders in many adults. Patients that have undergone stomach surgery, experiences what is known as dumping syndrome some 15-30 minutes after milk intake. It causes nausea, dizziness, cramps, etc. These symptoms will disappear when you avoid milk and sweetened foods. Also, many livestock keeper injects Bovine Somatotropin (a hormone for increase in milk production). It has negative effect in human health because part of it is found in the milk is a very good alternative to animal milk.

SOFT DRINKS
These are carbonated drinks with no nutritional value. They are made from sugar and other unnatural ingredients which are harmful to the body. They consist of carbon dioxide which God has ordained man to breathe out, acids which are harmful to the blood, etc. Fruit flavoured drinks has so much of additives like preservatives, coloring, flavoring, etc. We have caffeine in cola drinks. Diet/light drinks contain aspartame which is synthetic sweeteners. All these are harmful to the body. You are advice to desist from taking them because they destroy God's temple your body given to you to care for. They weaken the immune system and eventually lead to untimely death. They don't kill you in one day. They are like drops of water that form an ocean, which drowns a man.

RAW FOODS
As I write this piece , what comes to my mind is exotic breed birds we popularly refer to as 'agric' and local chicken. If we are familiar with these two species of birds, it will serve as good illustration. The 'agric' birds are fed on growth hormone for few months and are ready for food. Some broilers take 10-12weeks to be ready. They are prone to diseases, (epidemic) bird flu and dirty. Hundreds of them can die in one day leaving their owners heart broken.

The layers lay eggs that are twice the size of the natural organic eggs. It is so because of the hormones they are fed on and therefore are big for nothing. This type of chicken cannot endure stress and for any reason if they have to run they just take two or three steps and lay on the ground. The local chicken is not so. It feeds on organic raw foods. It does not get sick easily. Not bothered by bird flu, endure stress, can run and ready for food in about 2years i.e. 96weeks as compared to just 12weeks.

This is the situation with man who feeds on raw foods (either fruits or vegetables) and those who feed on cooked and fried junks foods. These days we have so many 'agric chicken' children in the entire globe. They cannot think properly. They cannot go through the stress of studying and sitting for examination. Certificates are bought for them by their parents. What a shame! They behave and grow like 'agric chickens' and we are so proud of them. A girl of 8-9years of age has grown breasts. The fault is not theirs but the parents who will not feed them with the right kinds of food - the proper diet that will develop them and keep them alert. Thank God that the medical scientists have come to realize that God have put all essential nutrient in the mothers breast milk for the babies mental and physical development.

It is true that we are brought up to eat cooked fried foods but we can allow ourselves to be “born again” in our diets. We are born into sin but we will not remain sinners the moment we realize it. We seek for Gods forgiveness and change our ways.

Dan 1:8, 16-20 “But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king's meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself. Thus Melzar took away the portion of their meat, and the wine that they should drink; and gave them pulse.
As for these four children, God gave them knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom: and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams.
Now at the end of the days that the king had said he should bring them in, then the prince of the eunuchs brought them in before Nebuchadnezzar.
And the king communed with them; and among them all was found none like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah: therefore stood they before the king.
And in all matters of wisdom and understanding, that the king inquired of them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and astrologers that were in all his realm. (KJV)

One of the wonders of God is embedded in raw vegetables and fruits. All raw food contains three elements namely: natural distilled or pure water, roughages or fiber and nutrients. The body of man is 70% water and raw fruits and vegetables contain the purest water for man's use. Roughages or fiber is necessary to keep the colon clean and function properly. It is liken to broom or brush. Lack of it causes constipation. Nutrients are the smallest element present in raw fruits/vegetables but when received raw into the body provide all we need to be properly nourished.

At a point my daughter was always complaining of fever. One day I decided to flush her bowel using ENEMA method. I mixed warm water and raw lemon juice together which I used in flushing her bowel. I gave her a bowl of vegetable salad with no salad cream, egg, mayonnaise or baked beans. She woke up the next day okay and since then she has not complained about fever. Part of our meals in the house is raw fruits /vegetables. Eating vegetables salad has become a time of joy on our table now than when we first started. Initially it was not fun for my family but I persisted. Our best soup was okro. I insisted on the half cooked vegetable soups made up of all kinds of vegetables like bitter leaf, water leaf, sweet potato leaf, spinach and moringa. I discovered children generally do not like it but they must be taught. At times I mix some of the vegetable especially leaves blend with water melon, sweet melon (to sweetened), sieve and the family drinks.

Dr. George Malkmus book “GOD'S WAY TO ULTIMATE HEALTH” emphasized so much on the need to eat raw fruits and vegetable. God has arranged it in such a way that at each season of the year, we have different types of fruit such as mangoes, guavas, oranges, pineapple, grapes, water melon, sweet melon, lemon, etc. There will always be one of these fruit in season at each point in time.

When I decided to go into my first two-month of eating only fruits and vegetable, my husband tried to persuade me not to because I was weak and frail to do that. I told him that 'by two months time I will be the healthiest person in the house'. When I did a medical check- in South Africa including test of my blood, the Doctor exclaimed: “your blood is beautiful” . It worked for me. I am a living testimony.

Sometimes ago, I traveled to visit my dad and he was complaining about the BP drugs he was using and that he was tired of taking the drugs. He had problem sleeping at night. Most times, he will not be able to sleep until around 11pm and will wake up between 1-2am with a terrible headache. I stressed the need for him to dwell more on fruits and vegetables. He accepted. Two weeks later he called me to say that he sleeps by 9pm and wake up by 5:00am and his BP has gone down. Since then his diet is dominated by fruits and vegetables.

AGEING AND MENOPAUSE
Some of us are trying so hard to remove wrinkles from our faces. You do not need cream to do that. You only need change of diet. Everywhere I go people say I am looking younger instead of older. “I simply say it is the glory of God”. Raw fruits and vegetables rejuvenate the body cells. They contain a lot of vitamin E.

Menopause was never a problem in the life of woman of the Bible, not even their menstrual cycle. But today the story is different. What went wrong? Young women complain of pre-menstrual syndrome or menstrual pain as it is popularly known. While the older women complain of various ailments at menopause ranging from, hot flush, arthritis, depression, headaches, high blood pressure, etc. As a young lady I dreaded my menstrual period. My prayer always was “God please let this cup pass over me”.

Before I started having my babies I will vomit, roll on the bed in pains. I was rushed to the hospital on several occasions by my parents only to be told by doctors that it is nothing serious. I was being given pain killer drugs. When I started having my babies the pain reduced. A friend told me of the pain on waist and breast due to menstrual period. I simply told her to take more of raw fruits and vegetables in her diet, it worked like magic. She called the day her next period came that “I cannot believe I am in my period without pain and the usual nagging. God is indeed interested in our diet”.


The Healing Power of Laughter

One of the greatest stress relievers God has given us is laughter. It not only makes us feel better, but it actually releases healing throughout our system. When we laugh, it restores and rejuvenates what the pressures of life have taken out.

Proverbs 17:22 puts it like this, "A happy heart is like a good medicine and a cheerful mind works healing." Notice, when we're good-natured and full of joy, taking time to laugh and play, it's like taking a good medicine. That's what helps us to stay healthy. People that laugh regularly are 40% less likely to have a heart attack than people that don't laugh regularly. Laughter triggers the right side of the brain, which helps release creativity and helps us to make better decisions.

There is too much sickness in our world today. Much of it is related to sadness. It's directly related to the fact that we don't smile enough. We live uptight and stressed out.

But even during trials and hard times, God says to us, "I've got a solution. In difficulties, cheer up. In famine, laugh. Keep your joy." You can laugh your way to victory, to better health and to more energy.

God knows the end of the story. He knows the final outcome. The good news is you and I win. God always causes us to triumph. We should have a spring in our step, a smile on our face, joy in our hearts and unshakeable faith. God's plan for our lives is for good and He has the answer to our every question. Knowing this, we can laugh at the days ahead!

Food or Fooled?

 Now the serpent was more cunning than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said to the woman, "Has God indeed said, 'You shall not eat of every tree of the garden'?" 2 And the woman said to the serpent, "We may eat the fruit of the trees of the garden; 3 but of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God has said, 'You shall not eat it, nor shall you touch it, lest you die.' " 4 Then the serpent said to the woman, "You will not surely die. 5 For God knows that in the day you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil." 6 So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree desirable to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate. She also gave to her husband with her, and he ate. 7 Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves coverings. Gen 3:1-7

Starting from creation at the garden of Eden, the devil is  out to destroy man. His effort did not just stop at the garden of Eden. Even now, he is working at it. He comes in subtle ways making you feel he is a trusted friend whereas he is not. When he visited Eve in the above passage, he presented himself as  friend  and projected God as unfriendly, insincere  in creation  and does not want His creatures  to be like Him. Until now the devil still do the same. Some of such  deceits are: painting junk food as good for the body, divorce as better than mending our homes, all in the bid to destroy the beautiful body and homes that God has given us to enjoy.  

 “And God said behold I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed, to you it shall be for meat” (Genesis 1:29). 

Here, the creator or simply put the manufacturer of the machine called man was kind enough to have given man the guide on how to keep the body well.  If anything contrary goes in to the body, it is death. The three fold ministry of the devil as recorded in  John 10:10 which is to kill, steal and destroy were put into play since the garden of Eden. He does this by presenting the opposite of what God asked His children to eat. In our days he diverts people's attention from fresh fruits to processed foods. With  this we ignore all the nutrients which are supposed to keep the body away from diseases and go for chaff  which are of no VALUE to the body.  Instead of fresh juices/fruits  we opt for canned and packaged  drinks with so much preservatives, sugar, caffeine, etc. which are harmful to the body.

As I sat in theater waiting to be operated on the breast for cancer, a doctor came to me and said, madam, after the operation I advice you to eat “good food”. I asked what kind of food do you refer to as good food because I believe in balance diet - protein, carbohydrates, vitamin etc. He answered prepare your food with plenty fish, meat, vegetables etc. I thanked him for that information. The devil has fooled us to make us think that, “good food” is plenty fish, meat etc.

 I remember a sight I saw in a restaurant one day. A man sat for a plate of pounded yam with a bottle of malt, pepper soup of chicken with plenty meat popularly referred to in Nigeria as roundabout or kayan chiki. In my heart I thought this man was enjoying himself. I felt maybe his wife might be suffering at home. With what I know now, I recall the event and I feel sorry for him. He was “enjoying” himself in ignorance.

MANUFACTURER'S GUIDE 

Every manufacturer has a guide on how to use, handle and maintain their product called the manual. The manual  always accompany the product. You are suppose to study the manual so as not to make mistake in its usage and thereby last longer,  as per life span. For example, if you buy a car you are suppose to study the manual to know whether you are to use diesel or petrol. You also need to study to know where to pour the water etc. If you use petrol instead of the recommended diesel by the manufacturer you will get your car knocked. So also it is with the body. The manual given by the creator (manufacturer) for the upkeep of this body is Gen.1:29. What that means is that herbs and fruits are what we need for the maintenance of the body. He has his reasons for saying that. The same thing goes to the animals. Gen. 1:30. 

Reading/studying the Bible we discover that until the time of Noah, men were living hundreds of years. The word of God said Noah was six hundred years old when the flood came(Gen. 7:6). At this age Noah was still strong, mentally alert and had good sight all because of the kind of the food he was eating. After this period, the life span of man started dropping on the face of the earth and now it is worst. We even  hardly get to the 70years promised for our generation in Ps. 90:10 “The days of our years are threescore years and ten; and if by reason of strength they be fourscore years, yet is their strength labour and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away”(KJV). Today, So many sicknesses, diseases and infirmities have invaded the land and some doctors tagged it INCURABLE.

To understand why God said the herbs and fruits (raw vegetables and fruits )are for food unto man, we need to know and also understand how this body is made to function. The first thing we need to realise is that the body is a living organism made of millions of living cells. Each cell requires nutrients and oxygen to generate the power needed by the body. The body also has a defence mechanism call the immune system. The nervous system transmits impulses throughout the body. Respiratory system controls our oxygen intake. Indeed the Bible was right when in Psalms 139:14 it says “I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well”(KJV). 

Cooked foods generally looses a lot of its nutrient which the cell need. Our environment is polluted with industralisation therefore the air we breathe is no longer pure. There is scarcity of portable water especially in Nigeria where pure clean water is meant for the rich. With these the cells get weaker and  weaker by the day and thereby causing us to be sick. That is the reason why these days by 40years of age about 70% of the human population has a sickness or diseases which the doctor calls genetic and incurable etc. Nobody in the Bible were told had genetic ailment. We read in the Bible that “and he died” Not “and he had an incurable disease and died”. We shall talk about some of the diseases called incurable or terminal later. But let me quickly mention here that sickness like cancer, diabetics, high blood pressure(BP) are just our bodies reacting to foods we eat which the Almighty creator never planned for us to take into the body. If we want to reverse the situation then we must go back to the manufacturers guide -fresh herbs and fruits. By following this guide the immune system takes care of any unwanted visitor (sickness) and we will not need to spend  so much money on drugs (which also has side effect).

* This is an extract from Lucy Abah’s book,  How God Delivered me From Cancer Through Eating Fruits and Vegetables.