History of Adventist Diet

Later the New Testament drew attention to matters of temperance or self control,  here again emphasizing the importance of making decisions that would give the believer an advantage in the development of his body, mind, and soul.  The believer who practiced self control would have more discernment, be able to endure hardships, and be in better position to bring under control totally, the body, mind and soul. 

Such teachings had been lost over the centuries.  By the 19th century mankind came to a new understanding of the relationship of health and hygiene and the overall health of the population.  The second half of the 19th century saw dramatic increases in the awareness of sanitation and cleanliness, how foods affected health, the uses of water, air, and exercise, in the prevention and treatment of disease.  Various hydrotherapies were introduced.   The consumption of health foods e.g. graham crackers, the introduction of dry cereals, and proper uses of fruits and vegetables were highlighted.  For mental and emotional health, sanitariums came into being which addressed the aforementioned health principles and added the care of gardens and of working outdoors, in an attempt to combat the increase of stress and nervous disorders found in an ever increasing industrial society.

During this time some Adventist church leaders and health professionals assessed the exploding interest in health and hygiene and carefully gleaned principles that were of enduring nature.  By combining the Biblical principles found in the Levitical Laws, the emphasis on self-control, with the emerging health and hygiene principles of the 19th century, the Seventh-day Adventist Church developed a unique teaching for the prevention and treatment of disease, that has stood the test of time.

Seventh-day Adventists saw the body, mind and soul as organs that responded favorably to fresh air, sanitary and hygienic principles. Further, they saw a balance between work and conditioning exercise.  A special emphasis had been placed on self control  issues such as abstaining from injurious tobacco practices, alcohol, the avoidance of patent remedies of the day in favor of natural remedies, the increased care for hygiene and sanitation, and a strong emphasis on plain and simply prepared foods,  all of which came to fuller appreciation in the later 20th century.Seventh-day Adventist health conscience practitioners many years before science support the theory.  The Seventh-day Adventist mission populations in third world countries are known for their sanitation and hygienic practices, earning the name of "the clean people".Seventh-day Adventists or gleaned from the great variety of teachings that have emerged from the past two centuries.Seventh-day Adventist health principles is they were far ahead of their times.

'the truth shall set you free' - John 8:32