Biblical Clean and Unclean Foods: What the Bible Says & Why It Matters Today

When it comes to biblical health and nutrition, one of the most talked-about topics is clean and unclean foods. Many people wonder: Do these dietary guidelines from the Old Testament still apply today? Are they just ancient rules, or do they hold real benefits for our health?

The truth is, God gave these instructions out of love, not restriction. His desire is for us to thrive in both body and spirit. Rather than seeing clean eating as a burden, we can embrace it with thankfulness—understanding that God’s wisdom surpasses our own. And today, science continues to discover the incredible health benefits of following His dietary principles.

Historical Context

The dietary laws concerning clean and unclean foods are primarily found in Leviticus 11 and Deuteronomy 14. These laws were given to the Israelites to distinguish between foods that were permissible to eat and those that were not. The guidelines were part of a broader covenant aimed at setting the Israelites apart as God’s holy and chosen people, which we, as Christians, are today. Practically, these laws promoted health and hygiene, reducing the risk of consuming foods that could cause illness.

What Are Clean and Unclean Foods in the Bible?

Clean Foods (Permitted for Eating)

• Land animals: Must have split hooves AND chew the cud (e.g., cows, sheep, goats, deer).

• Sea creatures: Must have fins AND scales (e.g., salmon, trout, tuna, cod).

• Birds: Typically, non-predatory (e.g., chicken, turkey, quail, dove).

• Insects: Certain locusts and grasshoppers (not that most of us are eating bugs!).

Unclean Foods (Not Intended for Consumption)

• Pigs, Rabbits: Animals that do not chew the cud AND do not have split hooves.

• Shellfish, Fish: No fins AND scales (e.g., shrimp, lobster, crab, oysters, mussels, catfish).

• Scavenger birds: Eagles, vultures, hawks, and other birds of prey.

• Reptiles and amphibians: No frogs, snakes, or lizards on the menu!

 
The Science Behind Clean Eating: Why These Guidelines Still Matter

God’s laws are never arbitrary. Modern science now confirms the wisdom behind these dietary distinctions.

Health Benefits of Clean Foods:

• Nutritional Value: Scientific research supports the nutritional benefits of many foods classified as clean.

• Lean, nutrient-rich meats (such as grass-fed beef and free-range chicken) provide high-quality protein and essential vitamins and minerals, such as B-vitamins, zinc, iron, and selenium.

• Clean fish (such as wild caught salmon) are not only a great source of high-quality protein but also of Omega 3 fatty acids, which are essential for brain and heart health.

Health Risks of Unclean Foods:

• Pork is notorious for carrying parasites, toxins, and high levels of saturated fat linked to inflammation and disease and certain cancers.

• Shellfish (such as shrimp and lobster) act as ocean “filter feeders,” absorbing toxins, heavy metals, and bacteria.

• Scavenger animals consume rotting flesh, which can expose humans to harmful bacteria and diseases.

When comparing biblical dietary laws with modern nutritional science, it’s evident that many of the contemporary health recommendations align with these ancient guidelines. This convergence highlights the wisdom embedded in the biblical texts. God’s laws aren’t just about dietary purity—they are about PROTECTING our bodies from unnecessary harm.

 
How to Apply Biblical Clean Eating Today (Without Feeling Deprived!)

Transitioning to a clean, biblically-based diet may feel challenging at first, but with a few simple swaps, it becomes second nature.

Practical Tips for Implementing Clean Eating:

• Start simple: Swap out pork for turkey bacon or beef sausage.

• Replace shellfish with fish that have fins and scales (e.g., salmon or cod).

• Read ingredient labels: Watch out for hidden pork-derived additives in processed foods (e.g., gelatin, lard).

• Focus on whole foods: Stick to fresh meats, fruits, vegetables, nuts, and grains.

• Experiment with new recipes: Cooking clean doesn’t mean bland—try flavorfully seasoned meals with herbs and spices.

Sample Clean Eating Meal Plans

Here are two examples of a meal plan based on clean foods:

Menu #1:

• Breakfast: Greek yogurt with honey and berries.

• Lunch: Grilled salmon with steamed vegetables.

• Dinner: Roasted chicken with sweet potatoes and a side salad.

• Snacks: Hummus with vegetables.

Menu #2:

• Breakfast: Scrambled eggs with sautéed spinach and a side of whole-grain toast.

• Lunch: Tuna over a quinoa and Mediterranean vegetable salad.

• Dinner: Grass-fed beef stir-fry with broccoli, carrots, and brown rice.

• Snack: Apple slices with almond butter.

Bringing It All Together: Honor God Through Healthy Choices

The beauty of biblical health is that it’s not about legalism—it’s about stewardship. Our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19-20), and what we eat directly impacts our vitality, energy, and overall well-being.

When we choose clean, nourishing foods, we align with God’s wisdom and reap the benefits of better digestion, improved immunity, and increased longevity. Rather than seeing these guidelines as restrictive, we can embrace them as a loving blueprint for abundant living.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

If you’re looking for a biblically-based roadmap to better health, my GLEAN program is designed to guide you through these principles with education, encouragement, and practical tools.

✨ Ready to Dive In? Join the Glean Program and start living God’s design for healthy living today!

📞 Need More Info? Book a free discovery call to discuss how biblical health can transform your life.

Additional Resources / Further Reading:

• "What the Bible Says About Healthy Living" by Rex Russell

• “The Maker's Diet" by Jordan Rubin.