Health Benefits of the 7 Biblical Species ט ה ו ש ע ר ה ו ג פ ן ות א נ ה ו ר מו ן א ר ץ ז ית ש מ ן וד ב ש. דברים ח:ח It is a land of wheat and barley, grapes, figs and pomegranates; a land of olives and honey. Deut. (8:8) א ר ץ ח
Introduction Dear Reader, All of God s bounty is beneficial for us and there are many delicious foods that grow in the Land of Israel, yet the Creator of the world singled out seven species of fruit and grain as being particularly blessed. Over the centuries, many have sought to explain the special significance of the Seven Species, known as the שבעת המינים in Hebrew. A modern interpretation has been suggested by Shoshana Harari in The Seven Healing Fruits of Israel. Harari writes that these fruits carry with them so much power packed nutrition and healing that, I believe, if we all had nothing else to live on, if all our regular food just disappeared someday, and all that was available were these seven fruits plus bountiful, clean water in plentiful supply, it is my belief that we would emerge healthier, happier, and more full of vitality than we have ever been in a long, long time. In today s day and age, people are increasingly concerned about the foods they put into their mouth. There are more health food stores than ever before, yet the Bible singles out Israel s wheat, barley, grapes, figs, pomegranates, olive oil and dates as a special glimpse into the Lord s secret pharmacy. We hope that this e-book contributes to your understanding of Israel s Seven Species as not only tasty and delicious foods, but containing special properties contributing to a healthy body and spirit. L Chaim - To Health! Rabbi Tuly Weisz Rabbi Tuly Weisz Israel365 It is a land of wheat and barley, grapes, figs and pomegranates; a land of olives and honey. א ר ץ ח ט ה ו ש ע ר ה ו ג פ ן ות א נ ה ו ר מו ן א ר ץ ז ית ש מ ן וד ב ש. דברים ח:ח Deut. (8:8)
~ Wheat חיטה You shall observe the feast of Shavuot, of the first fruits of the wheat harvest... Exodus (34:22) Wheat is one of the world s major crops and has been since Biblical times. The first mention of wheat in the Bible is found in Genesis (30:14): Reuven went out in the days of the wheat harvest. So important is wheat flour that the rabbis taught: Where there is no flour, there is no Torah; and where there is no Torah, there is no flour (Pirkei Avot 3:21), emphasizing the mutual dependency of the physical world and spiritual pursuits. Wheat fields near Modi in in Central Israel It is a land of WHEAT and barley, grapes, figs and pomegranates; a land of olives and honey. Deut. (8:8) Health Benefits of the 7 Species Pg. 4
~ Wheat חיטה Wheat contains a high dose of dietary fiber, which contributes to weight loss and weight management. Wheat fields near Modi in in Central Israel In addition to being a good source of fiber, eating wheat products can reduce the glycemic index (GI) of foods. The glycemic index is a measure of how blood sugar reacts to consumption of carbohydrates. A lower GI means the glucose is absorbed into the bloodstream in a much slower way, with an associated reduced insulin response. Foods with whole wheat have an even lower glycemic index which prevents insulin spikes, helps avoid diabetes and is much healthier for the body overall. ץ ח ט א ר ה ו ש ע ר ה ו ג פ ן ות א נ ה ו ר ית ש ץ ז מו ן א ר מ ן וד ב ש. דברים ח:ח Health Benefits of the 7 Species Pg. 5
~ Barley שעורה And you shall count for yourselves seven complete weeks from the morrow of the Sabbath, from the day of your bringing the Omer barley offering. Leviticus (23:15) Barley looks similar to wheat but it is a smaller grain and surrounded by long hair-like strands, which explains its Hebrew name Se ora, meaning hair. Additionally, barley requires less water and ripens earlier. The barley harvest signified the beginning of spring and would be brought to the Temple in Jerusalem as part of the Passover festival. Each day s barley offering in the Temple was a joyous ceremony that teaches us the importance of dedicating a portion of our crops to our Creator before we eat them ourselves. Barley stalks near Beit Guvrin in Central Israel It is a land of wheat and BARLEY, grapes, figs and pomegranates; a land of olives and honey. Deut. (8:8) Health Benefits of the 7 Species Pg. 6
~ Barley שעורה Barley has beta-glucan, which has been shown to reduce cholesterol and reduce the risk of coronary disease. Barley stalks near Beit Guvrin in Central Israel Barley is a good source of fiber that has two additional health benefits. Barley contains up to 15% beta-glucan, which is a special type of soluble fiber that, among other functions, provides provides a feeling of satiety for a longer period of time. People who eat barley will therefore feel full and may take in fewer calories overall, thus avoiding obesity. Furthermore, the fiber in barley is especially useful for the beneficial bacteria in our digestive system known as probiotics. Probiotics help digest food and keep us healthy. Barley also contains selenium, which is an antioxidant that neutralizes freeradicals and protects the body s cells. ץ ח ט א ר ה ו ש ע ר ה ו ג פ ן ות א נ ה ו ית ש ר ץ ז ר מו ן א מ ן וד ב ש. דברים ח:ח Health Benefits of the 7 Species Pg. 7
~ Grapes גפן And they sowed fields and planted vineyards that yielded a fruitful harvest. Psalms (107:37) The first cultivated plants mentioned in the Bible were grapevines: Noah, the tiller of soil, planted a vineyard Genesis (9:20). Grapes are mentioned more than any other fruit in the entire Bible. When Moses sent the 12 spies to scout out the Land of Israel, the Book of Numbers (13:23) records how they returned with a sample of grapes that was so large it had to be carried on a large pole by two strong men. This image now serves as the logo for Israel s Ministry of Tourism. This honored fruit plays a prominent role in Judaism, as we begin our Shabbat and Holiday meals with a blessing over a cup of wine. Grape cluster just outside of Jerusalem It is a land of wheat and barley, GRAPES, figs and pomegranates; a land of olives and honey. Deut. (8:8) Health Benefits of the 7 Species Pg. 8
~ Grapes גפן Grapes contain resveratrol, which activates anti-aging mechanisms in the cells. Grape cluster just outside of Jerusalem Researchers have long been puzzled by the French Paradox : Why do the French, who tend to eat higher levels of artery-clogging animal fats, have a lower incidence of heart disease? Many attribute the solution to the benefits of regular consumption of red wine. Grapes have high amounts of resveratrol which, in addition to inhibiting heart disease, has been positively linked to decreasing the likelihood of cancer, viral infections and Alzheimer s disease. Fresh grape skins and seeds contain the highest amounts of resveratrol, up to one hundred times higher concentration than in the pulp. ר ץ ח ט א ה ו ש ע ר ה ו ג פ ן ות א נ ה ו ר מו ן א ר ץ ז ית ש מ ן וד ב ש. דברים ח:ח Health Benefits of the 7 Species Pg. 9
~ Figs תאנה And every man sat under his vine and under his fig tree and was not afraid. Micha (4:4) Figs are first mentioned in the Bible in the beginning chapters of Genesis (3:7), when Adam and Eve covered their nakedness with fig leaves. The Torah itself is compared to a fig tree, because all parts of the fig fruit are edible. During King Solomon s reign, all of Israel lived in safety under his fig tree I Kings (4:25), which indicates not only national prosperity, but also demonstrates how, in the Biblical tradition, the fig tree stands as a symbol for peace and tranquility. Fig cluster in the Gush Etzion region It is a land of wheat and barley, grapes, FIGS and pomegranates; a land of olives and honey. Deut. (8:8) Health Benefits of the 7 Species Pg. 10
~ Figs תאנה Figs are a great source of fiber, which is known to support digestive health. Fig cluster in the Gush Etzion region Figs are a well-known laxative and are high in fiber. The recommended intake of dietary fiber ranges from 25-38 grams per day, and dried figs have 9.8 grams of fiber per 100 grams. Fiber is not digested and absorbed by the body it makes its way through the digestive system and is expelled by the body, capturing cholesterol and other chemicals before they are absorbed into the bloodstream via the intestines. A diet high in fiber contributes to a healthy digestive tract and is clinically proven to reduce cholesterol. ץ ח ט א ר ה ו ש ע ר ה ו ג פ ן ות א נ ה ו ית ש ר ץ ז ר מו ן א מ ן וד ב ש. דברים ח:ח Health Benefits of the 7 Species Pg. 11
~ Pomegranates רימון Let us go early to the vineyards; let us see if the vine has flowered, if its blossoms have opened, if the pomegranates are in bloom. There I will give my love to you. Song of Songs (7:13) The pomegranate has always been a symbol of beauty. It s unique shape was a favorite design element appearing on the priestly garments and on the pillars at the entrance to the Temple in Jerusalem. At its crown, the pomegranate has a six part star and is the only place the Magen David / Star of David appears in nature. According to Jewish teachings, the numerous seeds in the pomegranate represent the 613 commandments of the Torah and on the Jewish New Year, Rosh Hashana, Jews say a special prayer over the beautiful fruit, May our good deeds multiply like the seeds of a pomegranate. Pomegranate tree in the Judean Mountains It is a land of wheat and barley, grapes, figs and POMEGRANATES; a land of olives and honey. Deut. (8:8) Health Benefits of the 7 Species Pg. 12
~ Pomegranates רימון Pomegranates contain punicalagin which, among other things, improves skin health and appearance. Pomegranate tree in the Judean Mountains Pomegranates contain powerful antioxidants, which have demonstrated a superior ability to fight free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can damage cells and have been linked to different types of diseases. While many fruit drinks contain antioxidants, pomegranate juice has been shown to have the highest antioxidant potency and also has a particularly high polyphenol content as well, which contributes to cardiovascular health, increased blood flow and reproductive health. ר ץ ח ט א ה ו ש ע ר ה ו ג פ ן ות א נ ה ו ר ית ש ץ ז מו ן א ר מ ן וד ב ש. דברים ח:ח Health Benefits of the 7 Species Pg. 13
~ Olive Oil זית שמן A leafy olive tree, fair with beautiful fruit: thus God has called your name. Jeremiah (11:16) The first time the olive appears in the Bible is after the flood when Noah checked to see if the waters had receded. When the dove returned with an olive branch in her mouth, Noah knew that the waters had receded sufficiently and life had begun anew (Genesis 8:11, 21). Pure olive oil was the fuel source for the lighting of the golden Menorah in the Temple and was also used to anoint priests and kings as part of their initiation. One lesson we can take from olives is that just like an olive only yields oil when pressed, so too, when we are pressed between the millstones of life, our best selves often emerge when we rise to the occasion to meet life s challenges. Olive grove in Central Israel near Tirosh It is a land of wheat and barley, grapes, figs and pomegranates; a land of OLIVES and honey. Deut. (8:8) Health Benefits of the 7 Species Pg. 14
~ Olive Oil זית שמן Olives are rich in oleurorpein and hydroxytyrosol, which are known to support healthy blood pressure. Olive grove in Central Israel near Tirosh Dozens of health protective nutrients have been identified in olives, benefitting most of the body s systems. For centuries, olives have been used to treat inflammatory problems and allergies. They contain hydroxytyrosol which helps prevent cancer as well as bone loss, and oleic acid, which helps reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and helps to lower blood pressure. The diverse benefits are related to the olive s unusual antioxidant and anti-inflammatory nutrients. ץ ח ט א ר ה ו ש ע ר ה ו ג פ ן ות א נ ה ו ר מו ן א ר ץ ז ית ש מ ן וד ב ש. דברים ח:ח Health Benefits of the 7 Species Pg. 15
~ Date Honey דבש The righteous shall flourish like the Date palm tree... they shall still bring forth fruit in old age. Psalms (92:12) In Biblical times, dates were made into honey, by mashing them and mixing them with water. In addition to being one of the Seven Species, the date palm has the added distinction of being one of the four species used during the holiday of Sukkot. Since date palms stand so tall and straight, with fronds of leaves that wave in the wind, the majestic tree was depicted on coins minted by the Maccabees and has always been considered a symbol of victory and strength. The date s Hebrew name, Tamar, similarly suggests grace and beauty and was given to several women in the Bible and is still a popular name for baby girls today. Date orchard in Beit She an in the Jordan Valley It is a land of wheat and barley, grapes, figs and pomegranates; a land of olives and HONEY. Deut. (8:8) Health Benefits of the 7 Species Pg. 16
~ Date Honey דבש Dates are rich in potassium, which is necessary for a proper electrolyte balance. Dates are another good source of dietary fiber, as well as copper. A 100 gram serving of dates provides 40% of the daily recommended intake of copper, which is an essential trace-mineral that the body must have for survival. Copper plays an important role in the creation of red blood cells and is a component of many enzymes and nerve tissues. Dates are also a good source of carbohydrate energy. Date orchard in Beit She an in the Jordan Valley ר ץ ח ט א ה ו ש ע ר ה ו ג פ ן ות א נ ה ו ר ית ש ץ ז מו ן א ר מ ן וד ב ש. דברים ח:ח Health Benefits of the 7 Species Pg. 17
Health Benefits of the 7 Biblical Species Photography by Yehoshua Halevi All rights reserved by Israel365 ט ה ו ש ע ר ה ו ג פ ן ות א נ ה ו ר מו ן א ר ץ ז ית ש מ ן וד ב ש. דברים ח:ח It is a land of wheat and barley, grapes, figs and pomegranates; a land of olives and honey. Deut. (8:8) א ר ץ ח