The Shiv’at HaMinim are the seven staples of the Land of Israel,wheat, barley, grapes, figs, pomegranates, olives and dates are powerful superfoods for kids in school.
At Leket Israel: The National Food Bank we take pride in being to offer these and other nutritious foods to Israeli teens struggling with poverty and under nourishment.
Wheat
Wheat (called “hitah” in Hebrew) is Israel’s most important staple food. It is the only food God commands be blessed both before and after it is eaten.
Whole wheat is packed with some fantastic nutrients,
- Vegetable protein
- Dietary fiber
- Manganese
- Copper
- Zinc
- Calcium
- Potassium
For kids studying in school wheat has the following benefits,
- Increased energy as the body converts starches into blood sugar
- Fiber helps them feel full, reducing hunger and overeating
- Building bones and teeth
- Helping to release energy from other foods
One in Three Israeli Teens will go to school tomorrow undernourished.
Join the thousands of Christians around the world who are helping to feed them.
Barley
Barley (called se’orah in Henrew) was once brought to the Temple in Jerusalem on the second day of Passover as an offering. This began the Counting of the Omer, looking forward to the holiday of Shavuot.
Barley is rich in,
- Potassium
- Folate
- Iron
- Vitamin B-6
For kids in school, barley works to,
- Increase the effectiveness of iron in the blood
- Reinforces bones
- Helps prevent fungal infection
- Boosts the immune system
- Helps fight diarrhea, fever, and constipation
Figs
Figs (called “te’ena” in Hebrew)p were a staple in ancient Israel. Even though it takes a fig tree over three months for its fruit to ripen, Israelites ate them fresh or dried each day.
They are great sources of,
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin C
- Calcium
- Iron
- Potassium
- Magnesium
For a kid, it means the following,
- Improves the development of their brain and nervous system
- Feeling fuller longer reducing obesity
- Reduces the symptoms of hypertension
- Helps build their bones
Dates
Dates (called “Tamar” in Hebrew) are mentioned 55 times in the Bible. A popular sweetener in Biblical times was date honey was used as a syrup.
Dates are high in,
- Polyphenols
- Vitamin B-6
- Iron
- Fiber
- Potassium
- Calcium
- Magnesium
This provides kids with,
- Improved energy with natural sugars
- Improved digestion
- Reduces tiredness and weakness
- Balances bodily fluids
- Reduced inflammation from allergies
Grapes
Grapes (called “gefen” in Hebrew) called “The Queen of the Fruits” were eaten fresh or dried, and drank in wine.
They are rich in the following
- Vitamin C
- Quercetin
- Vitamin K
- Vitamin A
- Manganese
- Resveratrol
For kids the benefits are,
- Hydration from water in the grape
- Anti inflammatory to fight watery eyes or a runny nose
- Vitamin C to help their tissues develop
Pomegranates
Pomegranates (called “rimon” in Hebrew) have an interesting history in Judaism. Some have taught they have 613 seeds, equal to the number of “mitzvot”, commandments, in the Torah.
They are rich in,
- Polyphenols
- Vitamin C
- Folate
- Vitamin E
- Potassium
- Vitamin K
For kids they pack lots of powerful benefits
- Improved sports performance and muscle healing
- Boosted learning and memory
- Strengthened immunity
- Antioxidants to protect against free radicals
Olives
Olives (called “Zayit” in Hebrew) are really important in Judaism. It was olive oil which was lit in the Ark of the Covenant and it was olive oil God caused to burn for the 8 days commemorated with Hanukkah. Olive trees grow for centuries and provide immeasurable olives in their lifetime.
They are a great source of
- Oleic acid
- Vitamin E
- Iron
- Copper
- Calcium
- Sodium
For kids this means olives can help
- Improve the flow of oxygen in the blood
- Reduce heart conditions in children
- Aid bone, muscle and nerve function
- Reduce inflammation