The advent of the corona virus has shaded our view from other important and dangerous diseases that kill more people annually. As of December 2020, the WHO reported that ischaemic heart🫀 diseases, stroke, diabetes, Alzheimer’s and cancer kill millions of people annually. Particularly, people dying from ischaemic heart diseases rose by more than 2 million to 8.9 million deaths in 2019. Currently, more than 50% of all deaths are through these non-communicable diseases (NCDs)…
More worrying is the number of people dying from Alzheimer’s and other dementias, which are the 7th most fatal diseases globally. Sadly, all these NCDs have been associated with lifestyle and diet. Increasing evidence point to the importance of plant-based diets and aerobic exercises in preventing these diseases. Plants contain compounds called phytochemicals, which includes flavonoids, carotenoids, phytoestrogens, antioxidants, sulphides, and anthocyanins.
Flavonoids are found in grains, vegetables, and fruits. They include phytoestrogens that help prevent oestrogen-associated cancers and menopausal symptoms. Carotenoids are common in fruits and vegetables, providing unique yellow colours and antioxidant activities that prevent several cancers and give beautiful skin tone and appearance.
Anthocyanins provide the dark colours seen in grapes, blueberries🫐, cranberries, and raspberries. They provide antioxidant and antitumor activities. In addition to anthocyanins, resveratrol, another phytochemical found in grapes and berries🫐, also protect the heart🫀 from inflammation-mediated ischaemic heart diseases.
Sulphides are common in garlic and onions, which strengthens the immune system and protects against several respiratory diseases, increased blood sugars, lipids, and cholesterol. The list is endless, but the benefits of a plant-based diet only confirm God’s original diet for man in Eden: a purely plant-based diet (Genesis 1.30). Adding substantial amounts of vegetables, fruits, unrefined grains/cereals, nuts/seeds to our diet daily shall be a blessing to our health and age.
Indeed, antioxidants in plants have been found to slow ageing, which is accelerated by animal diets, sugary foods, and free radicals that destroy the cell membrane. The wisdom of God, in thus feeding Israel with only Manna in the wilderness, is herein shown. None of the Israelites had a disease for the 40 years except when they lusted for the fleshpots of Egypt.
May we reflect on our diet and lifestyle that we may live a fruitful and healthy life into a ripe old age. May we rest and refresh our tiring bodies today. A blessed rest day to all.
