"draining" off the water in which they are cooked, thus throwing away
the invaluable mineral elements which have been dissolved in the liquor
during the process of cooking. The ultimate result of these crimes of
the manufacturer and mistakes of the cook, is that the people are to a
large extent starved, as far as mineral salts are concerned, in spite of
the enormous food supply and the payment of the highest prices.
Though bread is supposed to be the "staff of life," it might reasonably
be termed the "staff of death" when it is made entirely from white flour
and is depended upon exclusively for nourishment. It is well to point
out also that bread of all kinds should be avoided in some cases of
weak digestion. Under such circumstances it often irritates the lining
of the stomach and intestines. When symptoms of this kind are noticed
bread must not be used-more especially when made with yeast. When the
bread is made without yeast and is masticated very thoroughly it may do
no harm. There are instances also in which there is a Strong craving for
white bread and when graham or whole-wheat bread is not appetizing. When
one has an abundant variety of foods and the alimentary canal is
unusually active the desire for white bread can be satisfied without
harmful results. In fact when the diet is varied by numerous articles
of food at one meal considerable white bread can be used if it is
appetizing. Those taking the treatment for constipation recommended in
this book often stimulate the alimentary canal to such an extent
that graham or whole-wheat products are slightly irritating in their
effect. As long as such symptoms exist white bread can be used.
Remember, however, that whenever there is the slightest sign of
constipation white flour products of all kinds should immediately be
eliminated from the diet.
As nearly as possible foods should be used in their natural condition.
Those that can be enjoyed when uncooked are more valuable when
eaten without cooking. When cooking is necessary the food should be
cooked in such a way that there is no waste nor loss of the natural
elements. Steaming and baking are both preferable in many cases to
boiling; cooking in a double boiler may be especially recommended in
the case of vegetables, as these are in such a case cooked in their
own juices. Therefore my most important suggestions on what to eat would
be: first, to select only natural foods; and second, to avoid too much
variety at one meal. As to what sort of a diet one should adopt, I might
say that the proper answer to a question of this kind depends largely
upon one's individual condition and requirements.
Unquestionably a perfect diet is furnished by nuts and fruits. From a
theoretical standpoint this would appear to be ideal. I would
say, however, that very few persons can be thoroughly nourished on a
limited diet of this sort, and therefore it cannot be universally
recommended.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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