Why is Biblical Food So Good for Us? What Did Jesus Not Eat

When it comes to biblical food, there is often a curiosity about the nutritional benefits and the specific diets of historical figures like Jesus. Many wonder about the healthful qualities of food that didn't include preservatives and the specific food choices made by Jesus.

On the Benefits of Preservative-Free Food

Unprocessed and preservative-free food is generally recognized for its better nutritional value. Ancient recipes and dietary practices were often simpler, focusing on natural ingredients like grains, vegetables, and fruits, which are now highly valued for their health benefits. Natural foods without added preservatives tend to retain their nutrients better, making them more conducive to a healthy diet.

Common Foods in Biblical Times

The typical diet in Jesus' time was quite different from what we are accustomed to today. Most foods were more heavily seasoned to preserve them, with salt being the most common preservative. Bread was often unleavened, as leavening agents such as yeast were reserved for the wealthy. This volcanic or famine-induced diet lacked the variety of modern ancestors, but it certainly had its own unique benefits.

What Did Jesus Eat?

While we don't have a detailed record of every meal that Jesus ate, historical and biblical accounts suggest that his diet was simple and often centered around locally available foods. Given that Jesus was the son of a carpenter and lived in a generally poorer area, it is likely that he did not eat much meat, which was costlier and more rare.

Common Staples of His Time

The preferred beverage in that region was wine, often consumed as a safer alternative to water which could be contaminated. Olives, both green and black, were staples of the diet. These olives, sometimes prepared without pimentos, were not only a common snack but an important source of healthy fats and vitamins. Olive oil was used in cooking and as a seasoning, highlighting its significant role in the diet.

Dietary Laws and Practices

While Jesus did not adhere strictly to Jewish traditional dietary laws from the outset, there is no indication that he openly broke those laws, especially during his younger years. This suggests a practical approach to dietary restrictions. Fish would have been a regular part of his diet if available, given the proximity to water sources and fishing being a common trade.

Health Implications of Their Diet

Recent archaeological findings have shed light on the average diet of people like those living during Jesus' time. Excavations of Roman gravesites from around 2000 years ago show that the average skeletal remains were around 30 years old, indicating poor nutrition and health. Evidence suggests that the majority of the population subsisted on a diet that would today be considered nearly starvation.

Preservation and Staples

Without preservatives, food preservation methods relied heavily on natural techniques such as sun-drying, smoking, and pickling. Most grains were stored in dry conditions, and meat was often salt-cured. These methods preserved food, but the lack of variety and quality nutrients meant that the average diet was rather monotonous and often nutritionally inadequate.

Nutritional Benefits of Biblical Eats

Despite the limitations, the diet of Jesus and his contemporaries had some nutritional benefits. The emphasis on whole grains, legumes, and vegetables, while unprocessed, provided a range of vitamins and minerals. This diet, while crude by modern standards, was rich in natural fiber, anti-inflammatory compounds, and antioxidants that are now known to be beneficial for health.

Ancient Wisdom Today

Today, modern diets can learn a lot from these ancient practices. While we now have advanced methods of food preservation and a broader range of foods available, the principles of consuming natural, whole foods remain valuable. The healthier aspects of biblical food, such as the emphasis on whole grains, legumes, and fresh vegetables, align with current dietary recommendations for better health and well-being.