Micronutrients and Lifestyle
People living in biblical times were surprisingly on par with current life expectancy. A wide range of factors influenced their longevity, with the major ones being micronutrients, lifestyle, and environment.
Micronutrients can be found in food such as meats, dairy, fruits and vegetables. Of course, during biblical times, the types of food available were much different than what we eat today. As a result, the micronutrient ratios that we get from our food are much higher. Despite the difference in what was available, this did not stop the people in biblical times from having access to a healthy and balanced diet. During this period, grains and legumes were widely used to balance out the micronutrient content in the diet. The combination of these foods also kept people healthy and provided them with the vitamins and minerals that are necessary for living a long and healthy life.
Lifestyle also had a significant contribution to people living longer in biblical times. People during this era had a much simpler life, where the pace of life was slower, and stress levels were much lower. People would work hard, but they would also make sure to rest, get plenty of sleep and make sure their mental health was taken care of.
In terms of environmental factors, the air quality during this time was much cleaner, and the water supply was also much more plentiful. People would also use herbs and spices to enhance the flavor of their food, which also had some health benefits.
Supplements and Spices
A key to longevity in biblical times was the use of supplements. During this era, various herbs, spices and medicinal teas were used to increase the overall health and well-being of the people. Herbs and spices were usually taken in the form of tea and were thought to help boost the immune system and fight off illnesses. During this time, people also used supplements as a form of preventive medicine and to combat deficiencies caused by poor diets.
In terms of natural supplements, people living in biblical times would utilize plants such as olive oil, garlic, and ginger to maintain their overall health. As many people lived in the countryside, access to fresh and natural food was abundant. So, the combination of nutrient-rich food and natural supplements was a major contributor to the longevity that was seen during this period.
Hygiene and Health Care
The combination of modern day health care, hygiene, and technology helps contribute to lengthened lifespans. During biblical times, cleanliness was important and people would strive to maintain good hygiene. People would eat off dishes and plates that were clean, make sure that their hands were always washed, and keep their living spaces clean.
In terms of health care, people living in this era actually had access to a form of medicine. Physicians and healers were seen to be special people and their work was valued and trusted. During this time, physicians would often utilize natural remedies such as herbs and spices to cure illnesses and ailments.
Faith and Culture
In addition to the physical factors, faith and culture had a monumental impact on the longevity of people living in biblical times. This is because faith and culture promoted the values of hard work and dedication, thus making sure people remained healthy as well as strong in both body and spirit. These values also instilled in people the importance of looking after each other and providing assistance and support when needed.
Another factor that contributed to the long life expectancy during this era was the ‘rule of law’. This concept was entrenched in the culture of the people and the law promoted moderation, self-control and respect. This led to people living longer, healthier lives.
Conclusion
It’s clear that many factors contributed to the longevity of people living in biblical times. From the way they ate and their access to micronutrients and supplements, to the way they valued faith and culture, the people of this time period were not just living longer, but also living healthier lives. Though the world has evolved and modern medicine has changed the way we view health and well-being, many of the values and beliefs people held during this time remain relevant today.
Exercise and Physical Activity
Physical activity and exercise were also influencing parts of why people lived longer in biblical times. Oftentimes this would be more strenuous activities, such as farming and gathering food, that the people of this period were accustomed to and involved in. As well as this, there were less sedentary leisure activities, with movements and activities being more involved and intense. The body would be getting more cardiovascular conditioning, which is beneficial to any physical health and muscular development. Along with all this, exercise is also known to help reduce anxiety, depression and other mood-related conditions, and could have shown a benefit in people living longer in biblical times, as these conditions were likely a lesser aspect of life during this period than in current times.
Food Preparation Practices
The preparation of food and the practices around it were also areas that contributed to an increased longevity of life in biblical times. During this era, a wide variety of methods were used for preparing food, such as baking, boiling, drying, or fermenting. Practices such as these can influence the amount of vitamins and minerals that remain in food, which are nutrient-dense and can help support strong long-term health. In addition, certain cooking methods can also protect against toxins that may be in food, which helps to minimize food poisoning and the occurrence of certain illnesses. This helps to reduce the magnitude of illnesses that could have occurred during this period and enabled people to live longer.
Medical Treatments and Practices
Medically-based practices also had a role to play in contributing to the longevity of life in biblical times. Doctors, priests and healers were considered special people and they were trusted with treating the health of the people around them. This gave them access to medical treatments of the time, such as using herbs and spices to treat illnesses and ailments. This access to medical treatments could have led to better health and the prevention of long-term illnesses, which therefore improves overall lifespans.
Behavioral Traits
In addition to all of the physical and medical factors, certain behavioral traits the people of biblical times held could have contributed to increased life expectancy. During this period, the people valued family and community greatly and had a collective mindset, with values of empathy and compassion used in dealing with different situations. This allowed people to be more selfless, with the focus on looking out for each other and helping out for the greater good of the entire community. This could have been beneficial in terms of living longer as it creates a positive environment in which positive behaviors are encouraged and upheld.
