Wellness

Eat Wise, Live Wise

God created humans, Adam and Eve, to live in nature, be physically active, be in communication with God and eat a diet of fruits, vegetables, grains, nuts and seeds. Eden was bathed in sunlight, had the freshest of air, they drank spring water and they ceased their work on the 7th day to worship the God of creation.

While numerous elements play a role, two main factors influence our health, genetics and phenotypes: they are particularly significant. Our genotype, the genetic material inherited from our ancestors, influences our health, but it is ultimately our actions that determine how we utilise this genetic foundation.

In contrast, our phenotype is shaped by controllable factors such as our environment, diet, and life experiences. Although we cannot change our genetic inheritance, we can influence our health trajectory through lifestyle choices, potentially altering what we pass on to future generations. Today we are living in a fast paced world, many reside in built-up spaces in order to have work. We eat meats, fruits , nuts and vegetables but rarely are these organic, instead they are contaminated by chemicals, or microplastics. We spend our working life in the office, taking public transport to work and bathing ourselves and our homes in various chemical products. Thus we have exchanged fresh air for smog, organic foods for gas ripened foods or quick access processed fast foods instead of a simple raw or natural diet. We ingest caffeine and energy supplements to give us a pick up, only to feel a crash later.

Exercise is limited as we have become time poor and we are predominantly inside whilst the sun is shining. We no longer use simple products for cleaning the house or our skin and our reliance on pharmaceuticals has increased. With the increase in medication use, comes side effects to the medication and more medication is required to combat the side effects. We are now putting in and on our bodies products where the ingredients have moved away from their natural source to become chemical compounds, thus we do not know the impact this is having on our health.

No one is born with perfect genetics or perfect environments, however our health outcome is influenced by the choices we make throughout our lives either in a positive or negative way. By adopting low cost, healthier habits, we can break negative cycles and reduce the risk of hereditary conditions. Our phenotype offers the most direct avenue for health improvement, as it allows us to identify and address factors within our control.

Within our health section we aim to provide information that will educate and encourage everyone to try to remove the negative influences and install positive influences into our daily habits in order to improve your health outcome. Foster Vernon stated “the key to success is many small steps help climb the mountain. The key to growth is following the light of truth as it opens to you, and live one day at a time as it takes discipline to build new habits”.

God, as our creator and designer, has provided us with an owner’s manual—a practical guide that instructs us on how to care for our body, in which Gods spirit resides. 1 Corinthians 3:16-17. The Bible serves as a resource for navigating the challenges we face in life, reflecting God’s love for our well-being. He has a unique plan for each of us, outlining a lifestyle that aims to reduce stress, suffering, disease, and despair.

As stewards of Gods gifts, we are entrusted with time, opportunities, abilities, and the resources of the earth. It is our responsibility to maintain our health and utilise all opportunities gifted to us by God. Acknowledging God's ownership involves caring for our bodies and optimising nature to achieve the best health possible.

The acronym STEWARDS captures Gods essential health principles:

S = Self-control,
T = Trust in God,
E = Exercise,
W = Water,
A = Air,
R = Rest,
D = Diet,
S = Sunlight.

By incorporating these principles into our lives with divine assistance, we can foster healing and restoration for our troubled minds and weakened bodies.

Self Control

Self-control, otherwise referred to as temperance, involves refraining from harmful behaviours while wisely engaging in beneficial ones. Proverbs 25:28 illustrates this concept “he that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls.” Suggesting the person is vulnerable and defenceless if he lacks self control.

Many individuals set resolutions to abandon negative habits, but these efforts frequently result in only short-lived success, leading to eventual disappointment. Self-control is not an abstract concept reserved for the exceptionally strong; rather, it is a skill that can be learnt through focus and practice. It is essential to recognise that true self-control is not limited to isolated aspects of life but is a fundamental character trait that influences all areas, as highlighted in Galatians 5:22-23, where it is described as a fruit of the Spirit bestowed upon those who embrace it.

Our best example in regards to self control is Jesus Christ. Jesus came to earth to reveal how God felt about mankind, he came to show the way of truth and love. Before returning to heaven, he declared his mission to be completed saying:

John 4:19. "He who has seen me has seen my Father."

Jesus life was an example of courage and concentration as he focused on being an example for bringing us in harmony with God’s law of love. Jesus was so much in control of himself, he could face the attacks of prejudice with composure and dignity, he never retaliated, all miracles and power he attributed to God not himself and with patient forbearance and humility he mingled with all kinds of people, friends and enemies.

As he faced a cruel death, beaten and mocked before the rulers, Jesus never fought back and he forgave those who spat on him and mocked him as he hung on the cross. Jesus proved, that as a human being, the power given by God can allow for mastery over self. This mastery over our lusts, character traits, temptations etc, can be enjoyed by every individual on earth, if they too daily seek help from Jesus as their source of help. Jesus said in John 5:30. “I can of mine own do nothing … I seek not mine own will but the will of my father which hath sent me.”

While God provides the strength to overcome negative habits and character traits, the choice to exercise self-control remains ours. This discipline must extend to every facet of life, including appetite, exercise, rest, work, leisure, and relationships. As we practice self-control, the positives from self control improves every aspect of our life including our health and wellbeing, a sentiment echoed by Ellen G. White, who emphasised that temperance is the cornerstone of all divine graces and victories.

“Temperance alone is the foundation of all the graces that come from God the foundation for all victories to be gained.” Review and Herald Feb 21, 1882.

Trust in God

The only God that can meet our innermost needs is the one who created us and the
universe in which we live. He reveals himself in nature and through the scriptures of
the bible. He needs us to surrender our lives to him as He will not force his way into our lives. Our God is a God of love. This is His character, He can’t help but love us
unconditionally.

He does not come uninvited. We must seek him. Hebrews 11:1 writes “faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen”. Faith is believing in God, no matter what our circumstances are. He is the potter and we are the clay. God works all things for the good of those who love Him, Romans 8:28. This scripture doesn’t say we will like all the circumstances in our life.

But is does say that when all things in our life come together, it will be for good.
Proverbs 3:5 tells us to “Trust God with all our heart.” Trust is believing that God will keep the promises He has given us in the bible and that whatever happens in our lives, if we are doing right in His sight, it is His will. Trusting God in difficult times is a gift from God, it is him letting us know we are not alone. As we learn to trust God more, we begin to see that God is working on our behalf to make the wrong things right. Trusting in God completely, in all situations, brings a calmness and peace to our soul. God helps overcome the fears and anxieties caused by the cares of this world that rest heavily on our shoulders. God loves His saints so much he has promised them eternal life.

Titus 1:2. “In hope of eternal life, which God, who cannot lie, promised before the world began.” This scripture shows us God cannot lie, and as all texts were given by God, to the prophets, see 2 Timothy 3:16-17, all scriptures within the bible are true. The bible gives us words of encouragement, comfort and guides us to the right path.

Here are some bible verses to read to know that God loves you and that you can trust him:

1) Proverbs 3:5-6. "5 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. 6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy path."

2) Isaiah 12:2. "Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the LORD JEHOVAH is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation."

3) Romans 15:13. "Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost."

4) Jeremiah 29:11-13. "11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. 12 Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you. 13 And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart."

5) Psalm 9:10. "The LORD also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble."

6) Psalm 28:7. "The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him."

7) Psalm 56:3-4. "3 What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee. 4 In God I will praise his word, in God I have put my trust; I will not fear what flesh can do unto me."

8) 2 Corinthians 1:3-4. 3 Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; 4 Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.

9) John 14:1. "Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me."

10) Isaiah 41:10. "Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness."

11) Romans 8:38-39. "38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, 39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord."

12) Isaiah 43:1-2. "1 But now thus saith the LORD that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine. 2 When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee."

13) Isaiah 25:8. "He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord GOD will wipe away tears from off all faces; and the rebuke of his people shall he take away from off all the earth: for the LORD hath spoken it."

14) Jeremiah 17:7-8. "7 Blessed is the man that trusteth in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is. 8 For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit."

15) Psalm 20:6-7. "6 Now know I that the LORD saveth his anointed; he will hear him from his holy heaven with the saving strength of his right hand. 7 Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God."

16) Isaiah 26:3-4. "3 Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. 4 Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength."

Trust in God, faith, and the understanding of his love can significantly enhance both mental and physical well-being, especially when facing illness, or hardship positively influencing how we manage the situation. God asks us to forgive and to love our neighbour as ourself as toxic thoughts, stress, anxiety, grief, discontent, remorse, guilt, distrust, and bitterness can all lead to a deterioration in ones health and the onset of disease. Divine grace, love, and power from God are abundant to all, providing for all needs and offering strength to overcome life’s challenges; however, this requires us to trust GOD.

Trusting God requires us to change, to shift from wanting to be the controller to a place of surrender. When we give our lives to God and we want to be Christlike in our character, God begins a deeper work within us.

Matthew 6. 25-26. "25 Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? 26 Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?"

Exercise

Exercise is vital for people of all ages, particularly in an era where sedentary habits dominate both work and leisure activities. The absence of regular physical activity is associated with various health problems, in turn leading to a number of preventable deaths. Regular exercise not only supports cardiovascular health through improved circulation and normalising blood pressure, but also aids in digestion, strengthens muscles, and improves respiratory function. Additionally, it alleviates muscular tension and emotional stress, leading to a boost in mood, mental clarity, and emotional resilience. Other advantages include slowing the aging process, increasing endorphin production, and improving sleep quality, all of which contribute to a more effective functioning body. Ultimately, regular exercise is an important investment in both physical and mental health, making it an essential aspect of a healthy lifestyle.

Consider your health as your most valuable asset. A balanced and well planned physical fitness programme is the wisest investment you can make, yielding benefits not only in longevity but also in the quality of life. Approach exercise not as a chore but as an enjoyable journey; engage in it because you cherish life. Begin gradually, without pressure, and consult your healthcare provider to tailor your exercise program appropriately.

Healthcare providers usually recommend exercise programs which incorporate stretching, balance exercises and walking, anywhere from 5 minutes a three times a day to 3-5 times a week of longer sessions of 20 to 60 minutes in duration.

Walking at a slightly brisker pace than usual is one of the most accessible and cost effective forms of exercise. Begin with a five-minute warm-up of stretching, start walking on flat ground and gradually increase your speed and distance each week, and over time the gradient and surfaces on which you walk to increase the level of challenge. Stretching before and after exercise can help prevent strains and increases flexibility.

When increasing exercise go no greater than 10 percent more than the previous week and to reduce injury only increase your program if your body is showing no signs of fatigue or discomfort.

Note: do not do too much day one, as day two, and day three, is when your body informs you of how much exercise you have done. Your body will have days when it feels more tired than others, on those days break up the amount of exercise into more manageable chunks. I.e. instead of a 30 minute walk do 3 x10 minute walks. 1 Timothy 4:8. ESV For while bodily training is of some value, Godliness is of the value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.

Water

Our body is about two thirds water. Every tissue, organ and system needs water in order to function. We could not swallow, blink, cry or speak without the use of water. Our circulatory and digestive systems need fluid thus for our body to work effectively and happily is directly related to the amount of water consumed daily.

Every day we lose eight to 10 glasses of water through breathing, perspiration and passing urine and bowel motions. To drink insufficient water or to drink water that is saturated with sugar flavourings, colourings, preservatives, stimulants or alcohol will influence your health and your appearance. If you wait until you are thirsty, your body is already dehydrated and when you are dehydrated your body is under stress.

This can cause mental confusion and our bodies are unable to secrete toxins and salts. Dehydration increases the risk of kidney stones, cancers, obesity and other diseases. We need to be drinking 8 to 10 glasses of water per day.

Here are some important reasons why our body needs water:

It helps to maintain the chemical balance of the body.
It helps with the digestion and elimination process.
It controls body temperature through perspiration.
It lubricates our joints and eyes and insulates our brain and other organs.
It gives flexibility to muscles and ligaments.
It aids in circulation.
It aids in the building and repair of body tissue.

We need to avoid drinking with our meals as it dilutes digestive juices. Instead wait either half an hour before or one and a half hours after a meal to have a drink. Having a drink bottle with you at all times, and substituting your tea or coffee for a warm water, will help with your water intake which should be spread throughout the day. If possible drink pure water, if you live in towns and cities, be aware tap water has fluoride, chlorine and other additives.

Ellen White writes: “Pure water to drink and fresh air to breathe invigorate the vital organs, purify the blood and help nature in the task of overcoming the bad conditions of the system.” Healthy Living 187.1 “Water is the best liquid possible to cleanse the tissues of the body.” The Review and Herald, July 29, 1884.

Air

Oxygen is essential for life. One can live for weeks without food, days without water, but only minutes without air. We need air for life and good fresh air for health. Plants produce oxygen a necessity for animal life.

Most people breathe just enough air to sustain life. Many breathe only using the top portion of their lungs, which is not very effective as it reduces the amount of oxygen we have circulating our body per breath. We need to learn to breathe into our diaphragm and also through our nose rather than though our mouth. Oxygen is essential to tissue health, and in the absence of oxygen cell death begins to take place.

Correct breathing also moves the lymphatic system which is responsible for waste elimination. To think clearly our brains need lots of fresh air. There are other factors that tend to deprive the brain of adequate stores of oxygen, such as, alcohol, caffeine, tobacco, sugar and a high fat diet. Poor posture and a lack of exercise can also contribute to the problem.

Chronic brain oxygen deprivation increases the risk of memory deficits, mental decline and dementia. When we are stressed or emotional it affects how we breathe, if we pause and take a few deep breaths it can help ease the tension in our body. Air pollution, smog, vape and cigarette smoke, alongside the lack of fresh air circulating our work and living spaces are factors affecting the quality of air entering our body.

Healthy habits that encourage more fresh air include:

Taking 10 minutes daily to lie down, relax the muscles and breathe slowly through the nose and out through the mouth, allowing the diaphragm to rise and fall.
Airing out the home daily by opening windows in every living space, including the bathroom.
Cutting back on tobacco and vaping with the aim of eliminating the habit.
Spending time in nature where the air is fresher, acting as a detox from built‑up areas.

Improper breathing or poor air quality results in less pure oxygen in the lungs, therefore less energy filled oxygen to enable the red blood cells to circulate the body. Thus the air we breathe and how we breathe are vital to our health outcomes.

Rest

Some people report feeling sleepy during the day. Yet others have problems falling asleep during the night. Others find it difficult to get to bed on time or have very few hours sleeping due to being busy with life. Research shows that modest levels of sleep deprivation resulted in a 30 per cent drop in immune function. Our bodies are made up of trillions of cells. These cells group together to make tissues, tissues make up organs, organs group together to make up systems and all the systems combined make up the body. With simple understanding, when the body is resting most cells are also resting.

For the cells to be healthy, they must receive rest. It is during periods of rest that the tissue in the body is rebuilt and wastes are removed to points where they will be eliminated from the body. Without proper rest, energy will be used up by the immune system faster than it can be restored, tissue will be broken down faster than it can be rebuilt and toxins will build up faster than what can be eliminated.

To maintain vibrant health, you must have a balance between activity and relaxation Only in this way can mind and body be restored. These facts reveal that proper rest is essential for good health outcomes. Rest improves mental and physical efficiency, it is also a valuable healer as rest gives your body a boost in overcoming infections or acute injuries, however too much rest can be detrimental to ones health.

Good rest habits contribute to quality and intensity of life and can help manage physical fatigue. One of the best ways of managing physical fatigue is ensuring that you have enough sleep. Studies have shown that, going to bed early does actually have health benefits. It is in sleep, primarily in the hours before midnight, that information learned during the day is transferred from the hippocampus area to the brain to the permanent storage area of the neocortex. This deep sleep time occurs before midnight.

Scripture tells us in Psalm 127:2 “It is vain for you to rise up early to sit up late, to eat the breads or sorrows, for he giveth his beloved sleep.”

Guidelines for good sleep patterns:

Have set bedtimes and rising times, along with routines for eating, exercise, study and work.
Go to bed early; the hours before midnight are twice as beneficial as those after.
Eat at least three hours before bed.
A cool, dark space promotes better sleep.
Note: Sugary foods, lack of exercise, smoking, caffeine and other drugs can cause sleep problems.

Just as the body needs a daily rest, we also need a weekly rest. Our body has a daily body clock known as the Circadian Rhythm, but it also has a weekly body clock the Circaseptan Rhythm. God has placed this weekly rhythm in both animals and humans. We have 7 day cycles, 28 day cycles and many more that depend on lifestyle and regularity for proper functioning.

We were created to have a weekly cycle, it is built into our physiology. God commands us to remember to keep His Sabbath Day holy. God blessed the Sabbath day, and when we keep this day Holy, not working or going shopping, God promises us that He will help revive our bodies and minds and give us true peace.

There are four types of rest our bodies need:

Daily rest or sleep – prolonged deprivation can lead to severe physical symptoms and even death.
Weekly rest – our bodies function better with a weekly rest day.
True recreation – revitalisation through time in nature and mental breaks.
Meditation and prayer – spending time in Scripture and prayer releases stress and brings peace.

Bible verses on rest:

Matthew 11:28. "Come unto me all ye that labour and are heavy laden and I will give you rest."
Hebrews 4:9-10. "There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God. For he that is entered into his rest, he also has ceased from his own works, as God did from his."
Exodus 33:14. "And he said, my presence shall go with thee, and I will give thee rest."
Psalm 37:7. "Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass."
Leviticus 23:3. "Six days shall work be done: but the 7th day is the Sabbath of rest, a holy convocation; you shall do no work therein: It is the Sabbath of the LORD in all your dwellings."

Psalm 23. "The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my headwith oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever."

Diet (Nutrition)

Diabetes, arthritis, heart disease and many other health conditions can all be related to lifestyle and diet. Too much sugar, animal fat, animal protein, processed foods with preservative and additives, too little fibre, fresh fruit and vegetables impact our health. God has designed a diet, it is diet supplied for Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. We call this the Genesis diet as it is spoken of in the book of Genesis. This diet consists of fruit, vegetables, whole grains, seeds and nuts.

Having adequate balanced nutrition is essential for good health. Refined foods cause deficiencies which erode and overburden the body with their excess fats sugars salts or protein.

Why should we be concerned about good nutrition? Good nutrition is important for several reasons; firstly all cells and tissues in our body are formed by the food we eat. Secondly, food is the energy source for our bodily functions. Thirdly, food is a major segment of the environment in which we interact. Fourth and finally, food was made to be enjoyed. Food was designed to be an integral part of the joy of living, to stimulate our senses enabling us to appreciate the quality, flavour and texture of our food. The energy nutrients in our foods are carbohydrates, fats and proteins, our bodies require a minimum amount of calories to keep us alive. Brain function, circulation, respiratory function, digestion and other psychological processes demand caloric energy even during complete rest.

To exist and function correctly our bodies need healthy food, this will reduce illnesses caused by faulty nutrition and help us prevent food related diseases such as heart attack stroke hypertension and others.

Some of the foods we eat and drink are harmful to our health.

These include:

Refined sugars
Caffeine and alcohol.
Unclean foods. Leviticus 11.

Basic dietary principles:

Eat quality foods and get them as close to the season and source of harvest for sun ripened benefits. Get most of your nutrients from unrefined foods.
It is important to eat regularly. We should start the day with a good breakfast and wait 4 to 5 hours for the next meal, with the evening meal being the lightest meal of the day. For people not involved in physical labour, two meals a day may be sufficient.
Avoid eating between meals to allow the digestive system time to rest.
Avoid drinking water with meals.
Avoid the use of stimulating foods and beverages. This includes alcohol caffeinated beverages black pepper and other strong spices.
Although a variety of foods are important, we should not burden our digestion with more than three or four varieties of food per meal.
Eat fruits and vegetables separately. Eat your fruits in one meal and your vegetables in another.
The ideal diet excludes all refined foods. This means using whole grain cereal and brown rice. It also means avoiding the routine use of refined proteins such as TVP and gluten steaks.

All essential nutrients except for vitamin B-12 are found in pure vegetarian diets consisting of fruits ,cereals, grains, nuts and seeds, legumes and vegetables. A vegetarian diet is the ideal diet. If our plant foods are fresh, healthy individuals will not require any supplementation.

There is some fresh produce that is compatible and others that are not compatible to eat together. Fruits and berries, and vegetables (the root, or stem, leaf) should not be eaten together in the same meal, however those vegetables classified as fruit, (defined as a product of a blossom containing a seed include); beans, peas, squash, cucumber, bell pepper and tomato, these can be eaten with either fruits or vegetables.

Genesis 1:29 KJV: "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 meat."

Proverbs 23:20-21 ESV: "Be not amongst drunkards or among gluttonous eaters of meat, for the drunkard and the gluton will come to poverty, and slumber will clothe them with rags."

Sunlight – its benefit for healing and health.

Life cannot exist without the sun. We depend on the sun for all the food we eat. Sunlight is the force which nourishes and energises our body Sunlight creates the environment necessary for our existence. It creates oxygen and carbon dioxide. The sun regulates temperature and humidity. The Sun is the source of 90% of the heat energy of Earth. It is the necessary factor to creating our environment in which we live and the food we eat, it is also an important factor when considering our health and the treatment of health conditions.

The sun enables our body to manufacture vitamin D, to achieve our recommended daily allowance, it is suggested we expose our face, arms and hands to 15 minutes of sunlight a day. Vitamin D ensures strong straight bones with proper proportions of calcium and phosphorus, as well as strengthening our immune system. Foods are an indirect benefit from sunlight food energy, food energy is really sunlight energy stored in chemical form.

The foods we eat and how we prepare them will depend on how much sunlight energy we add to our lives. It is best to choose fruit and vegetables that have been grown and ripened under direct sunlight. Strawberries alone ripened in the correct amount of sunlight are nutritional powerhouses packed with vitamin C, antioxidants (anthocyanins), fibre, potassium, and manganese.

They are low in calories and sugar, aiding heart health by reducing blood pressure and LDL cholesterol. They contain ellagic acid, which helps fight inflammation, improve skin health, and supports immune function. Sunlight also kills germs and bacteria helping to strengthen our immune system as we have living organisms on our skin. Thus it is recommended to hang our clothing out to dry after washing, to air our homes, opening the drapes and windows, as this will reduce mould germs and bacteria.

The sun/ moon cycle helps with our circadian rhythm and melatonin production is important for rest and sleep quality. Certain wavelengths of light help stimulate the pineal gland to produce melatonin. Being in front of computers and phone screens affects this process therefore it is recommended to return to natural light or at least turn off screens at least one hour before bed. Scientists have found the causes of hyperactivity to include artificial lighting, TV’s, computers and other screened devices.

I recommend all people get out into nature daily to receive the full light spectrum offered by natural light to generate better health. Sunlight can help generate healthier skin. Proper amounts of sunlight make the skin smooth, pliable and give a healthy glow. Too much sun can be damaging, causing wrinkles and cancers.

Repeated sunburn dehydrates the skin. Skin diseases such as acne, skin ulceration, (whether it is caused by poor circulation, injury or insect bites) and psoriasis are helped by having exposure to the sun. The exposure to sun can also help lighten one’s mood, being deprived of sunlight for some people can cause a seasonal depression. By being in the sun, it gives a sense of relaxation and combined with exercise helps tone your muscles.

Some additional benefits of the sun include:

Improves alertness and mental ability
Decreases depression and fatigue
Increases oxygen content of the blood
Help to set and maintain our internal body clock that regulates hormones, sleep patterns, mood and appetite
It stimulates the immune system
Promotes wound healing and kills many bacteria after short exposure
Has a positive effect on various health conditions, including improved blood pressure, cholesterol levels and blood sugars.

We do not advocate to sunbathe in the heat of the day or for long periods of time. Short periods of sunbathing will reduce the risk of sunburn and other negative sun related conditions. The sun is so important for our body and the food we eat. By being out in the sun for short periods of time daily, over time you will notice the health improvements.

Truly the light is sweet, and a pleasant thing it is for the eyes to behold the sun. Ecclesiastes 11:7