Some of today's healthiest known foods are part of the biblical diet. These include olives, olive oil, pomegranates, grapes, goat milk, raw honey, lamb, and bitter herbs. Bitter herbs are probably better taken in capsule form or made into tea. Bitter Herbs Include:
- Dandelion
- Gentian root
- Wormwood
- Artichoke leaf
- Chamomile
- Yarrow
- Hops
Scripture also contains a few accounts of people eating highly unusual and supernatural foods such as manna, but that was a temporary situation. This "grocery list" consists of spices, fruits, vegetables, seeds, grains, fish, fowl, meats, and drinks to eat on a daily basis. They range in taste and aroma from sweet to savory to pungent. References to the passages are provided for each of the Bible foods.
Seasonings, Spices, and Herbs
Spices and herbs consumed as food in the Bible were used to flavor bread, cakes, meats, soups, stews, and were taken as digestive aids. Coriander, the seed of cilantro, is known today to be a powerful antioxidant with natural cleansing qualities.
- Anise (Matthew 23:23
- Anise contains chemicals that might have estrogen-like effects, decrease swelling, and help fight off insects. People use anise for indigestion, constipation, migraine, menopausal symptoms, and many other purposes.
- Coriander (Exodus 16:31; Numbers 11:7)
- Cinnamon (Exodus 30:23; Revelation 18:13)
- Cumin (Isaiah 28:25; Matthew 23:23)
- Dill (Matthew 23:23)
- Garlic (Numbers 11:5)
- Mint (Matthew 23:23; Luke 11:42)
- Mustard (Matthew 13:31)
- Rue (Luke 11:42)
- Externally, rue is applied as a skin antiseptic and insect repellent, as well as a poultice against rheumatic pain. Due to its toxicity, the use of this plant is now considered obsolete by modern scientific herbalism (phytotherapy).
- Salt (Ezra 6:9; Job 6:6) Sea salt is best
Fruits and Nuts
People of the Bible ate many of today's most nutritious "superfoods" in this grouping of fruits and nuts. Pomegranates, for example, are believed to have highly beneficial anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, and anti-tumor properties.
- Apples (Song of Solomon 2:5)
- Almonds (Genesis 43:11; Numbers 17:8)
- Dates (2 Samuel 6:19; 1 Chronicles 16:3)
- Figs (Nehemiah 13:15; Jeremiah 24:1-3)
- Grapes (Leviticus 19:10; Deuteronomy 23:24)
- Melons (Numbers 11:5; Isaiah 1:8)
- Olives (Isaiah 17:6; Micah 6:15)
- Pistachio Nuts (Genesis 43:11)
- Pomegranates (Numbers 20:5; Deuteronomy 8:8)
- Raisins (Numbers 6:3; 2 Samuel 6:19)
- Sycamore Fruit (Psalm 78:47; Amos 7:14)
- Pecans, peanuts, walnuts, and coconuts
Vegetables and Legumes
God provided vegetables and legumes packed with nutrients, fiber, and protein to power the people of the Bible. In Babylon, Daniel and his friends observed a diet of only vegetables (Daniel 1:12).
- Beans (2 Samuel 17:28; Ezekiel 4:9)
- Cucumbers (Numbers 11:5)
- Gourds (2 Kings 4:39) Yellow squash and acorn squash
- Leeks and green onions (Numbers 11:5)
- Lentils (Genesis 25:34; 2 Samuel 17:28; Ezekiel 4:9)
- Onions (Numbers 11:5) All types of onions
- Many other vegetables are also healthy
Grains
Healthy grains are a primary staple. Grains are some of the easiest natural foods to keep preserved for years. Throughout the Bible, bread is a symbol of God's life-sustaining provision. Jesus Himself is the "Bread of Life"—our true source of spiritual life. The bread that Jesus represents never perishes or spoils.
- Barley (Deuteronomy 8:8; Ezekiel 4:9)
- Bread (Genesis 25:34; 2 Samuel 6:19; 16:1; Mark 8:14) I prefer whole wheat bread.
- Corn (Matthew 12:1; - refers to "grain" such as wheat or barley)
- Flour (2 Samuel 17:28; 1 Kings 17:12)
- Millet (Ezekiel 4:9)
- Spelt (Ezekiel 4:9)
- Spelt, with its mild, nutty flavor, is a popular alternative to wheat. It also provides several essential nutrients, such as iron, magnesium, and zinc. Consuming spelt and other whole grains may improve heart health, aid digestion, reduce the risk of diabetes, and help people achieve or maintain a healthy weight.
- Unleavened Bread (Genesis 19:3; Exodus 12:20) Unleavened bread is usually eaten at Passover time.
- Wheat (Ezra 6:9; Deuteronomy 8:8)
Fish
Seafood was another staple in the Bible. However, only certain fish and
other seafood were suitable for eating. According to Leviticus 11:9,
edible seafood had to have fins and scales. Shellfish was prohibited.
Today we know that fish such as Tuna, Salmon, Cod, Red Snapper, and many
others are high in protein and healthy omega fats, which can help
reduce inflammation, lower blood pressure, and provide many other health
benefits.
Only eat fish that have scales and fins
- Matthew 15:36
- John 21:11-13
Fowl
These birds are healthy and suitable for eating according to the Bible. (provided they are range fed)
- Partridge (1 Samuel 26:20; Jeremiah 17:11)
- Pigeon (Genesis 15:9; Leviticus 12:8)
- Quail (Psalm 105:40)
- Dove (Leviticus 12:8)
- Although not mentioned by name, range fed chicken and turkey are good for human consumption.
Animal Meats
The Bible distinguishes between clean and unclean animals. According to the book of Leviticus, clean healthy meats are those from animals that have a cloven hoof and chew the cud. Dietary laws teach God's people not to eat the blood of animals or any meat that had been sacrificed to idols. These foods are unclean. Healthy clean animal meats of the Bible are:
- Calf (Proverbs 15:17; Luke 15:23)
- Goat (Genesis 27:9)
- Lamb (2 Samuel 12:4)
- Oxen (1 Kings 19:21)
- Sheep (Deuteronomy 14:4)
- Venison (Genesis 27:7
Dairy
Along with bread, fish, meat, olives, grapes, and other fruits and vegetables, dairy products are important foods of the Bible. They provided great variety and significant nutrition to the ancient world. Fresh, raw products from grass-fed cows, sheep, and goats constituted the dairy portion of the biblical diet.
- Butter (Proverbs 30:33)
- Cheese (2 Samuel 17:29; Job 10:10)
- Curds (Isaiah 7:15) curds is cottage cheese
- Milk (Exodus 33:3; Job 10:10; Judges 5:25) Half & Half and whole cow's milk. No non-dairy "nut-milk"
Miscellaneous Foods of the Bible
Many of these foods of the Bible, such as raw honey, contain disease-fighting and energy-boosting nutrients, allergy defense builders, and probiotic support.
- Eggs (Job 6:6; Luke 11:12)
- Grape Juice (Numbers 6:3)
- Raw Honey (Genesis 43:11; Exodus 33:3; Deuteronomy 8:8; Judges 14:8-9)
- Olive Oil (Ezra 6:9; Deuteronomy 8:8) No canola or soybean oil
- Vinegar (Ruth 2:14; John 19:29)
- Wine (Ezra 6:9; John 2:1-10)
- Organic fruits and vegetables grown without toxic chemicals.
