5 Loaves and 2 Fishes: Sharp Memory, Radiant Skin

CEBU, Philippines -  Now how about a tuna sandwich? We are missing and ignoring the very food that sharpens our memory and keeps our skin radiant because the Filipino nation is made to believe that pork barbecue, burger and potato fries are the best value meals in the world.

When Jesus Our Savior fed the multitudes in the book of Matthew and Mark, Jesus only had five loaves and two fishes to feed the 5,000 and five loaves and a few little fishes to feed 4,000. If that recipe were prepared in 21st century kitchens, that would be – you’re correct – a tuna sandwich.

The nutritional and health benefits of eating fish and bread may have been subdued in spiritual and Biblical significance. Jesus Our Lord and Saviour did surprise everyone who ate of the tuna sandwich that He and His disciples prepared thousands of years ago. Other than the spiritual food from God’s Word, they ate the very elixir of sharp memory and radiant skin.

Many people don’t understand God’s nutritional message in the fish and bread diet because wisdom is not understood with the heart. Or probably, wisdom is taken with an empty spirit and an empty stomach.

Fish is a source of Omega-3 fatty acids. These fatty acids are said to decrease heart disease, reduce blood pressure, help prevent arthritis and promote healthy brain function.  It was reported that researchers for the American Dietetic Association found Omega-3 fatty acids in fish to have aided short-term memory; while the Rush Institute for Healthy Aging found that people who eat at least one meal of fish per week are significantly less likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease than those who never eat fish. The American Heart Association likewise recommends at least two servings of fish per week to prevent heart disease and reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes.

The Omega-3 fatty acids in fish and fish oil have been proven to be good for relieving depression, sadness, anxiety, stress, suicidal tendencies and other nervous disorders. Fish oil can be useful in mood stabilizing and treating bipolar disorders. Countries where fish is eaten often have low incidence of depression.

In skin care, fish oil improves poor and dry skin by making it shinny and glowing. Regular intake of fish or fish oil capsules help reduce loss of skin moisture and some people claim that fish oil helps prevent sunburns.

Omega-3 fatty acids in fish are not fat. These are the fatty acids that the body cannot produce. God made sure that only fishes can produce these fatty acids so fish becomes part of our diet. Fish is low in fat. Other than Omega-3 fatty acids, fish has good quality protein filled with vitamins like riboflavin, carbohydrates, Vitamin D, calcium and phosphorus. It is a great source of minerals like iron, zinc and potassium, iodine and magnesium. Potassium is a mineral needed for muscles, nerves and fluid balance in the body.

Physicians, nutritionists and researchers have said over and over that when people substitute meat for fish, they decrease their intake of essential vitamins, minerals and Omega-3 fatty acids.

The health benefits of fish and fish oil are not just in its ability to aid in the treatment of heart disease, high cholesterol, depression and anxiety. Omega-3 fatty acids in fish treat low immunity, inflammation, eye disorders, macular degeneration and ulcers. For those on a weight loss program, fish aids in weight loss process. Research has proven that exercise is more effective in reducing weight when on a fish or fish oil diet. Exercise combined with fish oil or fish diet had positive effect on body shape and composition.

Bread: the Fish Mate

When you eat fish with bread like a tuna sandwich, you have the best of both worlds in a sandwich – so to speak.

Bread is a source of protein and also contains vitamins, iron and calcium. Because of the fibre content in bread, these help regulate the digestion system of the body.

Bread contains folate, a vitamin that is essential for the formation of red and white blood cells in bone marrow. It is estimated that taking folic acid or the synthetic version of folate when trying to conceive a baby and in the early stages of pregnancy can prevent severe disabilities in infants.

Regular consumption of fish and bread diet aids in increasing body immunity enabling you to resist incidence of common diseases such as cold, cough and flu, improve blood circulation and helps prevent or reduce diseases associated with fever, skin rashes and fatigue. For aging people, fish helps to maintain flexible joints and healthy muscles.

It took five loaves and two fishes to feed the five thousand. To have sharp memory, radiant skin and desired body shape – it only needs regular intake of fish and bread. (THE FREEMAN)