Live healthy! Bible Food I

“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

The Bible gives us much information on food and many rules about healthy nutrition. These simple and modest foods can provide a complete food palette underlining healthy eating and the subject of the postage stamp issue “Live Healthy!”.

Since the tendency to return to nature and generally the natural products has accentuated over the past few years, one should adopt a diet that ensures complete nutrition to maintain the body’s energy, without leading to the weakness of body and soul.

When God addressed the chosen people He said: “For the Lord thy God bringeth thee into […] a land of wheat, and barley, and vines, and fig trees, and pomegranates; a land of oil olive […].” Deuteronomy 8:7-9

Using grain since ancient times is mentioned in the Bible. In ancient beliefs, bread had the attribute of a living being, sometimes being even considered the embodiment of God.

Wheat, flour, and bread dough are loaded with meanings and symbols as current and appropriate as they are old, a sign of joy and abundance. In biblical times the bread was made from wheat or barley. Both grains are rich in vitamins, fiber and cellulose, being symbols of life and rebirth and constituting essential and crucial food for both humans and animals.

The fig tree is mentioned several times in the New Testament and the Old Testament. Biblical references to the fig tree are symbolic and subject to many interpretations.

The Bible attests the figs nutritional value, but also their value as health remedies.. They can be eaten both fresh and dried and contain very high levels of potassium.

Since ancient times the pomegranate was used for medicinal purposes because of its amazing properties. The pomegranate was and is considered a symbol of health, fertility and eternal life.

Rich in antioxidants, these fruits, which were attributed curative qualities ever since antiquity, help improve blood circulation and strengthen the immune system. Pomegranates are used as an ingredient for drinks or food in many countries and rhodium flowers are used in traditional medicine for their astringent effect.

Popular worldwide, the vine is a symbol of life, health, and especially joy. In the Bible we find many references to vines and wine, all with deep meanings, and loaded symbols.

In Christian worship, wine from the grape, turned during Mass into the Blood of Christ, is the source of life.

The wine, along with bread, honey and oil are considered a staple food, symbol of wealth.

In addition to the very good taste, grapes are miracle foods for the body. Vitamins and minerals make grapes a very healthy choice and, therefore, it is appropriate to eat them more often.

The olive tree is considered the “eternally fruitful tree”, being a tree with an extraordinary length of life, having amazing regenerative power, remaining over time a symbol of peace, wisdom and purity.

Considered some of the most nutritious fruits, olives are also real medicine. Olives, green fruit, fleshy, becoming black-purple when ripe, contain fewer carbohydrates and are an excellent source of mono-unsaturated fatty acids. Therefore can be a light and delicious snack, but can also be used as ingredients for different dishes.

As the fruit of the olive tree produces a rich and viscous oil which can be burned in lamps for religious rituals, the olive tree was considered sacred. Used daily in the diet, olive oil reduces the risk of heart disease and is recommended in diets.

Romfilatelia thanks the Diocese of Alexandria and Teleorman and the photographer George Avanu for the support granted in the creation of this postage stamp issue.