The American Cancer Society links nearly half of adult cancer deaths to using alcohol, eating an unhealthy diet, getting too much sun, being overweight, being inactive and to smoking cigarettes.
In the 1800’s, tobacco was thought to improve health and well-being. Meat was considered a mark of a good diet and consuming only limited amounts was a “problem” reserved for those too poor to afford it. Lard, made from pork fat and high in saturated fat and cholesterol, was a kitchen staple. Medical opinion held that carrying an extra 20 to 50 pounds of body weight was a sign of good health. There was a widespread belief that exercise was bad for women. And in the 1800’s, Americans drank 3 times as much alcohol as they do today with the average adult drinking 7 gallons of beer, whiskey, hard cider, and similar spirits each year.
But Ellen White went against these lifestyle beliefs that were the norm for her day. She encouraged regular exercise through walking and gardening. She promoted a plant based diet rich in fruits, vegetables, cereals and nuts. She explained the dangers of using tobacco and even the risks to those exposed to the user’s second-hand smoke. She recommended we get a sensible amount of sunlight, and she encouraged people to eat in moderation. She understood that these measures would improve our health and well-being a hundred years before scientists did. Following her advice will keep us living in the Blue Zone.