Missions

Returning to the Original Design

The benefits of a healthy diet, temperance, and the original diet of the Bible

By Alfred Irizarry

Introduction

Faith, Body, and Diet

In a world where obesity, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and certain types of cancer are on the rise, it is becoming increasingly clear that diet and lifestyle have a profound influence on human health.

The Bible, though not written as a modern nutrition manual, presents principles of great wisdom regarding food, self-control, and sobriety. And remarkably, much of contemporary research confirms that these principles remain beneficial today.

Leading scientific organizations currently recognize that well-planned vegetarian and vegan dietary patterns can be nutritionally adequate and associated with better cardiometabolic outcomes.

(Andeal)

Let us explore these points through 7 principles….

"Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God."

— 1 Corinthians 10:31, NKJV

Principle 1

The health of the body also matters in spiritual life

Scripture teaches that believers should glorify God in every area of their lives, including what they eat and drink. Paul wrote: "your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit" and "therefore glorify God in your body" (1 Corinthians 6:19–20, NKJV).

This does not mean that salvation depends on diet. The Bible clearly teaches that salvation is by the grace of God. However, it does teach that the body must be treated with respect. Health, from a Christian perspective, is not a god, but neither is it something to be despised. It is part of the stewardship of human beings before their Creator.

Principles 2 and 3

The Original Design and the Example of Daniel

The Bible's original diet was plant-based

Genesis 1:29 says: "Behold, I have given you every plant yielding seed… they shall be food for you." Only after the flood does permission to eat meat appear (Genesis 9:3). The Bible shows a difference between the original ideal and a later concession: the design of Eden was a plant-based, simple, and natural diet.

Daniel: simplicity and self-control

Daniel proposed not to defile himself with the king's food and asked: "Give us vegetables to eat and water to drink" (Daniel 1:12). The result was that "their appearance seemed better and more robust" (Daniel 1:15). Simplicity, moderation, and faithfulness to one's conscience can bring blessing.

Principle 4

Temperance is a biblical virtue

The Bible not only speaks of what to eat, but how to live. Galatians 5:22–23 includes temperance among the fruits of the Spirit. And 1 Peter 5:8 says: "Be sober, be vigilant." The biblical idea of temperance includes self-control, moderation, balance, and governance of reason enlightened by God.

Proverbs teaches that even good things can become harmful without measure: "Have you found honey? Eat only as much as you need" (Proverbs 25:16). And regarding wine, Proverbs 23:29–32 warns that in the end it "bites like a serpent."


Principle 5

Modern science favors plant-based eating

Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (2025)

Well-planned vegetarian and vegan patterns can be nutritionally adequate for adults and offer long-term benefits, including improvements in cardiometabolic outcomes. (Andeal)

American Heart Association (2026)

Recommends a pattern rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and plant-based proteins such as legumes, nuts, and seeds, while limiting ultra-processed foods, added sugars, sodium, and alcohol. (AHA Journals)

American Diabetes Association (2025)

Has reinforced its nutritional guidance by highlighting plant-based proteins and fiber. A 2024 systematic review concluded that vegetarian and vegan patterns can benefit adults with type 2 diabetes in glycemic control, BMI, and cardiovascular risk factors. (American Diabetes Association)

Principles 6 & 7

Quality matters — and processed meat carries real risks

Being "vegetarian" isn't enough

A person can give up meat and still eat poorly if they consume sugary drinks, fried foods, refined flours, and ultra-processed products. Current recommendations emphasize minimally processed foods: vegetables, fruits, legumes, nuts, seeds, and whole grains. The protection observed in studies is especially linked to that pattern. (AHA Journals)

Processed meat and cancer risk

The IARC/WHO classified processed meat as carcinogenic to humans and red meat as probably carcinogenic, especially in relation to colorectal cancer. Curing, smoking, and certain cooking methods can generate cancer-causing compounds. Reducing them is a prudent and evidence-backed measure. (IARC)

in action

Physicians and researchers who have championed a plant-based diet

Dr. Neal Barnard

Published controlled trials in which a low-fat vegan diet showed improvements in glycemic control and cardiovascular risk factors in people with type 2 diabetes. (PMC)

Dr. Caldwell B. Esselstyn Jr.

Associated with the Cleveland Clinic, he has advocated for whole-food, plant-based eating as a tool for the prevention and possible reversal of cardiovascular disease. (Cleveland Clinic)

Dr. Dean Ornish

Known for clinical studies in which intensive lifestyle changes, including a very low-fat vegetarian diet, were associated with regression of coronary atherosclerosis in certain patients. (PubMed)

These figures demonstrate that the call for a more plant-based diet does not belong solely to religious discourse; it has also been advocated in preventive and cardiometabolic medicine.

A point of consideration

A diet without animal products must be well planned

Although a diet free of meat and animal products can be healthy, it should not be presented irresponsibly. One of the nutrients that requires special attention is vitamin B12.

Promoting a plant-based diet should not mean neglecting planning. It should mean eating in a wise, responsible, and complete way.

Conclusion

A Balanced Christian Call

The intent of this topic should not be to condemn, but to invite. Romans 14:21 says: "It is good neither to eat meat nor drink wine nor do anything by which your brother stumbles." The Christian should not make food an idol, but neither should they treat the body with contempt.

The Bible presents a remarkably coherent picture: the original ideal of Genesis was a diet based on the fruits of the earth; Daniel illustrates the nobility of simplicity and temperance; and modern science recognizes that well-planned plant-based patterns favor cardiovascular, metabolic, and overall health, while processed meats and excess alcohol are associated with greater risks. (Andeal)

Speaking of healthy eating and temperance is not fanaticism. It is a sensible invitation to live with greater respect for the body, greater mastery over appetite, and greater harmony with principles that — from the Bible to modern research — point toward a more sober, cleaner, and healthier life.

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