Many Seventh-day Adventists are vegetarians because they value personal health as one way to honor God through caring for their bodies (1 Corinthians 6:20; 10:31; Romans 12:1-2). Plus, God originally gave humans a plant-centered diet, according to Genesis 1:29, and today, more and more research is revealing the benefits of eating a diet low in animal products and high in foods like fruits, vegetables, grains, and nuts.
In fact, research by Dan Buettner with National Geographic uncovered that Loma Linda, a community of about 9,000 Adventists, is a Blue Zone—a region in the world where people live up to or past 100 years old.1 And one reason given for that is the way Adventists eat: a plant-based diet, or one that at least avoids unclean meat.
Photo from Unsplash
According to the Adventist Health Study, about 50 percent of Seventh-day Adventists today are lacto-ovo vegetarians, meaning they eat dairy and eggs but avoid meat. Of these, about eight percent stated they practice veganism (eating no red meat, fish, poultry, dairy, or eggs).
Most Adventists who consume meat follow the standards God established in the Bible, particularly the “natural laws” in Leviticus and Deuteronomy. Humans were permitted to eat meat after the flood.
However, God intended only the meat of certain animals to be eaten. Certain animals were considered “clean” for consumption, and others were not. Leviticus 11 lists “clean” and “unclean” animals. Israelites enjoyed longer, healthier lives by following God’s dietary restrictions. And these health guidelines are just as relevant today.
In addition to these dietary practices, Seventh-day Adventists also avoid other substances detrimental to good health. They actively discourage the use of alcohol, tobacco, and illegal drugs. In addition, some avoid consumption of caffeinated beverages. We are told in 1 Corinthians 6:19-20: “Do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s” (NKJV).
But in no way should your current diet deter you from visiting your local Seventh-day Adventist Church. Members should exercise love with everyone, avoiding judgment on lifestyle practices. You are invited to worship with us and learn for yourself the plans God has for your life. Let Him impress upon you the specifics to apply to your life, because He knows you and loves you more than anyone possibly could.
Want to learn more about Adventists and their dietary practices? Here are some related pages:
- “Loma Linda, California,” Blue Zones.com [↵]
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