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I recently read an article entitled “Do Vegetarians Live Longer?”. There were numerous studies cited that support eating a purely vegetarian diet vs. a meat-based, or Paleo diet. However, a couple studies that stood above the rest was a study that showed eating mostly plant-based diet with some meat (mostly fish) is the best diet for longevity. Here is an excerpt from the article:
pescetarians—those who have a mostly plant-based diet but eat some seafood—were the true winners, with a slightly lower mortality rate than vegans, ovo-lacto vegetarians, and indiscriminate meat eaters. This may have to do with the food, but it could also be because pescetarians tend to put quite a bit of thought into their intricate dietary direction. Because they are often pickier when it comes to the food choices they make, they might do the same when it comes to other aspects of their lives such as exercise, smoking, getting enough sleep, etc.
Given the basic principle of Paleo eating is that our bodies are designed to eat the way our ancestors ate, it looks like we’re supposed to be eating (say it with me now) a largely plant-based diet and some animal products.
This research falls in line with a revelation given to Joseph Smith, the Mormon prophet, called the The Word of Wisdom, which has been called many times “God’s Law of Health”.
Compare the statements above to some quotes from the Word of Wisdom:
inasmuch as any man drinketh wine or strong drink among you, behold it is not good, neither meet in the sight of your Father
tobacco is not for the body, neither for the belly, and is not good for man
all wholesome herbs God hath ordained for the constitution, nature, and use of man
flesh also of beasts and of the fowls of the air, I, the Lord, have ordained for the use of man with thanksgiving; nevertheless they are to be used sparingly
All grain is good for the food of man; as also the fruit of the vine; that which yieldeth fruit, whether in the ground or above the ground
And all saints who remember to keep and do these sayings, walking in obedience to the commandments, shall receive health in their navel and marrow to their bones;
And shall find wisdom and great treasures of knowledge, even hidden treasures;
And shall run and not be weary, and shall walk and not faint.
And I, the Lord, give unto them a promise, that the destroying angel shall pass by them, as the children of Israel, and not slay them.
Most people know that Mormons do not drink strong drinks or smoke or use drugs, but when you look more closely at the Word of Wisdom, there are a lot of “dos” as well such as eating mostly grains, fruits, and vegetables.
It looks like Science may have caught up with what God revealed a couple of hundred years ago and what our ancestors did thousands of years ago!
This morning I was reading in the Bible and the following verse caused me to ponder about life. This verse is in James 4:14:
…For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.
As I read this verse in the Bible, I thought about Jacob in the Book of Mormon when he wrote at the end of his life in Jacob 7:26:
…the time passed away with us and also our lives passed away like as it were unto us a dream…
As I reflected on life and the meaning of life, I also thought about a recent professor from Carnegie Melon who has been giving lectures recently called “The Last Lecture.” He has been diagnosed with cancer and has 3 – 6 months to live. He was recently interviewed on Good Morning America. The interview is included below:
For his full presentation that he gives, you can watch it here:
As he states and as James and Jacob state in the scriptures, life goes by quickly. As seen in the video, he talks a lot about achieving our dreams and our goals. If you notice, he focuses a lot on helping others. Let’s take some time today and reflect on our dreams and how we would treat those around us and act as if today is the last day.
One excersize I’ve seen before is to write down the things that you would want to be known for after you are gone and strive each day to reach that goal. Here’s an example:
I want to be known for loving God, loving and respecting others including my family, friends, and all people. I want to be known as someone who was honest in business and respectful towards people of all races, religion, and nationalities. I would like to be known as someone who didn’t give up on a good cause and who perservered through adversity. Someone who smiled and laughed often and who made others feel comfortable and at ease. I would like to be known as someone who inspired others through the things I read, talked about, and did. At the end of my days, I’d like to enter in the kingdom of the Lord as he says “well done, thou good and faithful servant….”
Try writing one for yourself. It’s a good experience. After you write it, take time to think about it often.
Grace for Grace 
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