Position statement on Plant-based Nutrition
There is a very strong and ever-growing body of scientific research suggesting that whole foods, plant-based nutrition is a powerful way to help arrest and potentially reverse many chronic diseases including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, and obesity. Whole plant foods can greatly reduce the risk of Alzheimers and various cancers. On the other hand, animal foods, particularly red and processed meats, increase the risk of various chronic disease, most notably, some cancers, type 2 diabetes, and coronary artery disease. These scientific findings are consistent with scripture which reveals that the original eating pattern for humanity was fully plant-based.
In these last days, God, through the prophetic ministry of Ellen G White, has made it clear that plant-based nutrition is to be practiced and promoted by Seventh-day Adventists, particularly in contexts and environments where plant based foods are easily accessible. It is the position of the Institute that whole foods, plant-based nutrition is the ideal eating pattern for the majority of people.
Note: “Whole” refers to unprocessed foods
References
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Genesis 1:29, Holy Bible
The Ministry of Healing, chapter 24: Flesh as Food, EG White
Counsels on Health, 450, Ellen G White
Testimonies to the Church, Volume 9, 156, Ellen G White