Original Food Plan of God - Thesis Example

People tend to follow dietary guidelines depending upon their inclination to follow these teachings. Despite stringent food regulations imposed by the federal government in the United States obesity, food-borne diseases and food contamination are not uncommon and are often heard of in the United States. This study was undertaken to explore God’s original food plan and why human beings deviated from it. To evaluate God’s original food plan dietary laws under four major religions of the world were studied. While some religions permit animal meat restrictions on animal slaughter have been defined. However, all religions believe in clean, hygienic, natural food and are against genetically engineered food as it amounts to interfering with nature’s (God’s) plan. Consumerism and materialism prompted food manufacturers to seek newer ways to lure consumers by offering enhanced nutritional value. This led to using of hormones in cattle, the use of pesticides, dietary supplements, and additives, in addition to genetic medications and hybrid systems in food production. In addition, long food supply chains resulted in food getting contaminated as residues of pesticides persisted.  All of these led to increased toxicity and interference with nature’s plan. All the religious heads have expressed their resentment against such foods being supplied as it interferes with God’s original plan. They have insisted that genetically modified foods should be labeled which would enable consumers to take an informed decision. While the government did regulate the sector and framed laws, these laws and regulations were often politicized to suit the larger players in the sector. The study concludes that man has tried to interfere with nature’s bounty. Consumerism, desires, and taste for newer varieties of food have taken man away from nature. The desire for more and more profits gave rise to unethical and immoral practices in the food industry where preferences were given to self-rewards and profits over concern for fellow human beings. Even children have not been spared. The study concludes by recommending how God’s original food plan can be again implemented.

Food consumption and health are interrelated and eating is an activity over which a large number of people can enact control. This is why it is believed that some people eat to live while others live to eat. Virtually all human societies across the world follow some dietary laws and regulations that guide their daily food consumption. In most cases, dietary habits are based on religion. Some foods are considered fit for consumption while others are not. The differences may have been due to the different geographical locations and availability of food in that region. Food crops vary based on climatic conditions, which is another basis for the formation of food habits. Dietary regulations also differ at different points in the human life cycle. For instance, an infant’s digestive system cannot accept foods consumed by adults; a pregnant woman would need additional food supplements. All of these factors are common to all religions but certain foods are prohibited in certain religions while the same food is permitted in other religions.

Another interesting argument put forth is that all animals need the same basic things – carbohydrates, proteins, fats, minerals, and water to grow and survive. The same principle holds for human beings as well. However, the source of these nutrients differs across societies and religions, which perhaps can be attributed to the local produce depending upon the climatic conditions. Food taboos have been attributed to the protection of a resource or help to utilize a resource more efficiently. More importantly, the human anatomy is the same and hence the same nutrients should suffice. However, different climatic conditions may require different nutrients. For instance, in extremely cold weather the dietary habits would have to differ from food habits in extremely warm areas.

Religion has been found to influence not only what one eats but even the eating habits, the purchase decision, behavior, and attitude. In most societies, religion plays one of the most influential roles in food choice. The impact of religion on food consumption depends on the extent to which individuals follow the teachings of their respective religions.