We’re lucky to have the Word of Wisdom—a guide for keeping our bodies healthy and strong. Modern fields of medicine, nutrition, and science seem to back up what the Lord told Joseph Smith almost 200 years ago.
Here are a few Word of Wisdom guidelines and the scientific facts behind them:
1. We are told to avoid alcoholic beverages.
Alcohol can negatively affect the brain, heart, liver, pancreas, and immune system. It can also increase the risk of certain types of cancers.1 Experts emphasize that “individuals who do not drink alcohol should not start drinking for any reason.”2
2. We are told to avoid smoking and tobacco use.
Internationally there are 24 million youth ages 13–15 who smoke, and 13 million who use smokeless tobacco.3 Smoking significantly increases your chances of experiencing heart disease, strokes, and lung cancer. By the way, nicotine is especially harmful for the brain development of youth!4
3. We are told to eat fruits and vegetables.
Fruits and veggies are packed with vitamins and minerals that our body needs. They reduce the risk of some chronic diseases and help prevent heart disease and some kinds of cancers.5
Sometimes scripture and science don’t agree—we talk more about what to do when that happens in other posts. But as far as the Word of Wisdom is concerned, even experts who are not members of the Church would seem to agree that it’s a good way to live!
Eating Habits
Notes
1. See “Alcohol’s Effects on the Body,” from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism.
2. See “About Alcohol,” from USDA MyPlate.
3. See “The Toll of Tobacco around the World,” from the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids.
4. See “Quick Facts on the Risks of E-cigarettes for Kids, Teens, and Young Adults,” from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
5. See “Fruits,” from USDA MyPlate.