Health Message (May 17, 2025)

Happy Sabbath Saints,

Here are four ways to get nutrients from food instead of supplements, because a pill or product can't replace a healthy diet. Good old food is good enough, unless otherwise directed by your doctor or dietitian.

1. Get more fiber. This should be your first step. Fiber is found in plant-based foods: beans, whole grains, fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds. These foods are rich in polyphenols, which are powerful plant-based compounds that work with fiber and feed beneficial bacteria in the gut and help improve the gut microbiome.

2. Choose fortified non-dairy milk. If you've switched from dairy milk to alternatives made from oats, almonds, or other plant-based foods, choose a brand that is fortified with additional nutrients and can help you get the biggest nutritional bang for your buck. Look for non-dairy milk with added calcium for strong bones, vitamin D for immune health, or vitamin B-13 for neurological function.

3. Choose whole grains over refined. Whole grains add nutrient density to our plates. They contain all parts of a grain, whether wheat, barley, quinoa, or corn. They also contain all the fiber, B vitamins, antioxidants, and health fats found in the bran and germ layers of those grains. If you're looking for an easy boost of nutrients, try whole-wheat bread instead of white; corn tortillas instead of flour tortilla; and brown rice instead of white rice.

4. Eat more leafy greens. Greens, powders made from powdered green vegetables, and algae marketed towards boosting energy levels, improve gut health, and providing an extra boost of antioxidants. You can get the same benefit from eating more leafy greens daily. Rich in antioxidants, polyphenols, and vitamin K to assist with blood clotting, they are a great way to fight inflammation and support the immune system and the cardiovascular system.

1 Corinthians 6:19-20 says, "Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body."

Blessings,

Sandra Jackson