Sidney H. Beard.
January, 1913.
THE TRUE IDEAL IN DIET.
The physical structure of Man is declared by our most eminent biologists and anatomists to be that of
a frugivorous (fruit-eating) animal. It is, therefore, our Creator's intention that we should subsist upon the various fruits of the earth—not upon the products of the shambles.[1]
The accepted scientific classification places Man with the anthropoid apes, at the head of the highest order of mammals. These animals bear the closest resemblance to human beings, their teeth and internal organs being practically identical, and in a natural state they subsist upon nuts, seeds, grains, and other fruits. Hence those who have studied this subject thoroughly can hardly entertain any doubt that the more largely our diet consists of these simple products of nature, the more likely we shall be to enjoy health and to secure longevity.
The number and variety of such fruits and seeds is very great (including all the nuts and cereals and their products, as well as the pulses, legumes, etc.); and the Science of Dietetics has made such rapid progress in recent years that nuts and grains are, for the benefit of those who possess weakened digestive organs, now prepared in various ways which make them easily digestible and very savoury when cooked. To such foods may be added, for the sake of convenience and variety, vegetables of various kinds and dairy produce, such as milk, butter, cheese and eggs.