First and Last

Never want to miss an issue of Holy Nutrition? Click here to subscribe! ✉️

So it is written: “The first man Adam became a living being”; the last Adam, a life-giving spirit. The spiritual did not come first, but the natural, and after that the spiritual. The first man was of the dust of the earth; the second man is of heaven. -1 Corinthians 15:45-47

Before There Was A Bride, There Was Adam

Adam was alone after God created him from the dust of the earth, without a helper and wife. We aren’t told how much time passed before the creation of the first woman, Adam’s bride. However, it was enough time for God to say “It’s not good for man to be alone” (Genesis 2:18). In comparison, the last Adam, Jesus the Son of God and author of creation, was not a created being. Rather, He has always existed, and He created us, His bride (John 1:1, Hebrews 1:2, 1 Corinthians 8:6).

Both Adams Unite to Their Brides

Genesis 2:24 says that “A man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh.” While this speaks of Adam and Eve joining one another in a marriage of spirit and flesh, it also points to Jesus leaving His Heavenly Father to unite with us, His bride (Ephesians 5:31-32).

God caused the man to fall into a deep sleep; and while he was sleeping, he took one of the man’s ribs and…made a woman from the rib…and he brought her to the man. The man said, “This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called ‘woman,’ for she was taken out of man.” (Genesis 2:21-23)

From the rib that came from Adam’s side, the woman was made by God as Adam slept. Note the comparisons with Christ. Jesus hung dead on the cross (sleep is a metaphor for death), His arms outstretched over His enemies, mockers, executioners, and betrayers. One of the Roman soldiers pierced Jesus’s side with a spear, “bringing a sudden flow of blood and water” (John 19:34-35). It’s likely that Roman soldier, representing mankind as an enemy of God, was unexpectedly sprinkled and covered with the atoning blood of Jesus. Like the husband’s arm that shelters, shields, and protects his wife, Christ Jesus covers and protects us, however with a more powerful element than an arm- HIS BLOOD. It cleanses, justifies, and brings life, for “He came by blood and water” (1 John 5:6).

The Last Adam Did Not Blame His Bride

After the sin and disobedience of eating the forbidden fruit in the garden, Adam blamed his wife, saying to God, “The woman you put here with me— she gave me some fruit from the tree, and I ate it” (Genesis 3:12). And yet the last Adam went to the cross and took our sin upon Himself. Though He was without sin, and we were worthy of death because of our sin, He took our place on the cross, and did not put blame on us. Jesus did not come to judge the world, but to save the world (John 12:47). The death and resurrection of Jesus Christ unites us to Him, for we as His believers have died with Him, and we are resurrected in new life with Him, as the bride is to the bridegroom.

As you read and meditate on God’s Word each day, may the Holy Spirit reveal how each account in Genesis through Revelation points to Christ. His Holy Word is a tender love letter that God has given us.

And if this has resonated in your heart today, you can pray right now:

Lord Jesus, I come to you in a posture of humbleness and absolute surrender to you. I repent and ask for Your forgiveness for any disobedience. Thank you, Lord, for giving us your Word. Speak to me. Instruct me. Show me what you want me to know as I read and meditate upon your Word, as I long to draw closer and learn more about you each day. I pray all of these things in your powerful and almighty name, Lord Jesus. Amen.

Love reading Holy Nutrition? Click here to share with friends and family ✉️

Health

Creatine for Health: Not Just for Athletes

Creatine is a naturally occurring compound found in the body, primarily in muscle cells and the brain. It plays a crucial role in cellular energy metabolism, especially during activities requiring quick bursts of energy like high-intensity exercise.

In addition to its athletic benefits, creatine may offer advantages for various aspects of health, including cognitive function and aging, mental health, immunity, reproductive, anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, and skin health.

Here's a breakdown of the key potential benefits associated with creatine supplementation:

_{1. Improved Exercise Performance}

Creatine enhances the body's ability to produce adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the primary source of energy for muscle contraction. This increased availability of energy can lead to: 

• Increased strength and power: This is especially beneficial for activities like weightlifting, sprinting, and other high-intensity, short-duration exercises

• Enhanced anaerobic capacity: Creatine can help delay fatigue during intense exercise, allowing for more repetitions or longer bursts of activity

• Improved work output: Individuals using creatine may be able to perform more total work during training sessions, which can lead to greater long-term muscle growth and strength gains

_{2. Muscle Growth and Strength}

Creatine can contribute to building muscle mass and strength through several mechanisms:

• Increased workload: By providing more energy, creatine allows for a higher volume of training, a key factor in muscle growth

• Boosted cellular hydration: Creatine increases the water content within muscle cells, which can trigger signals associated with muscle growth

• Increased anabolic hormones: Studies suggest creatine may elevate levels of anabolic hormones like IGF-1, which contribute to muscle repair and growth

• Reduced protein breakdown: Creatine may help minimize muscle protein breakdown, further contributing to overall muscle mass gain

• Reduced Myostatin levels: Supplementing with creatine may reduce levels of the protein myostatin, which slows or inhibits muscle growth

_{3. Enhanced Recovery and Injury Prevention}

• Faster recovery from exercise: Creatine supplementation may reduce muscle damage and inflammation following intense exercise, potentially speeding up recovery time

• Reduced incidence of injury: Some studies suggest that creatine may help reduce the frequency of muscle cramping, heat illnesses, and other injuries in athletes

_{4. Potential Benefits for Brain Health and Cognitive Function}

The brain, like muscles, relies on creatine for energy. Research suggests potential cognitive benefits, particularly in individuals with higher demands on brain energy or those experiencing stress: 

• Improved memory and attention: Creatine may enhance short-term memory and attention span, especially in older adults and individuals under stress like sleep deprivation

• Reduced mental fatigue: Studies indicate that creatine may reduce mental fatigue, particularly during demanding cognitive tasks

• Neuroprotective effects: Creatine may offer some neuroprotective benefits, potentially reducing the severity of traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and supporting brain health

_{5. Potential Benefits for Other Health Conditions}

Beyond athletic performance and cognitive function, creatine has been explored for its potential benefits in various health conditions:

• Aging: Creatine may help mitigate age-related muscle loss (sarcopenia) and improve functional capacity in older adults, particularly when combined with resistance training

• Bone health: Research suggests creatine, especially alongside resistance training, might positively impact bone mineral density, potentially reducing the risk of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women

• Glucose management: Creatine may play a role in regulating blood sugar levels and improving insulin sensitivity

• Heart health: Some studies indicate that creatine might help reduce triglyceride levels and potentially aid individuals with heart failure in exercise tolerance

• Pregnancy: Creatine may play an important role in fetal development, but more research on its use in pregnant women is needed

• Anticancer properties: Emerging research suggests that creatine may have some anticancer properties, potentially inhibiting tumor growth and boosting the immune system's ability to fight cancer, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH)

• Fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome: Some studies have shown that creatine may improve muscle function and potentially reduce fatigue in individuals with fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome

_{Safety and Side Effects}

Creatine is generally considered safe for most healthy individuals when used at recommended dosages. Common side effects are usually mild and may include: 

• Weight gain (primarily due to water retention in the muscles)

• Gastrointestinal discomfort (like nausea, diarrhea, or bloating), particularly with high doses

It is important to note that:

• People with pre-existing kidney or liver conditions should consult with a healthcare professional before taking creatine supplements

Though generally safe, consult with your licensed nutritionist, holistic/integrated practitioner, or medical doctor before consuming creatine if you are taking certain medications or have specific medical conditions.†* 

^{In Partnership With…}

Fact-based news without bias awaits. Make 1440 your choice today.

Overwhelmed by biased news? Cut through the clutter and get straight facts with your daily 1440 digest. From politics to sports, join millions who start their day informed.

Sign up now!

_{†All health information in the articles is exclusively gathered from clinical/medical resources that have been industry vetted, with no conflict of interest in the information they present/publish.} 

_{*Holy Nutrition does not diagnose, treat, or give medical advice. Information provided is not medical advice and should not be relied upon for diagnosis or treatment. Consult with a healthcare provider or medical practitioner for any health concerns, questions, or before making any decisions related to your health. Individual health conditions and needs may vary, and therefore, professional medical advice is essential for personalized guidance. Holy Nutrition is not responsible for any harm or damage resulting from the user's reliance on the information contained in the articles.}