8 BIOLOGICAL PROBLEMS 



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tite ", and it appears to be thought that the more 

 one eats the better. The pig is more useful, because 

 he stores much of the food he consumes for our future 

 use. 



One hundred grammes of protein is certainly a 

 liberal allowance, and could probably be reduced 

 without harm if replaced by an equivalent calorie 

 value in carbohydrate or fat. In point of fact, natural 

 articles of diet always contain sufficient protein if 

 consumed in requisite amount to give the necessary 

 energy value. For this reason I have, in another 

 place, altered the well-known proverb so as to apply 

 it to the food problem "Take care of the calories, 

 the protein will take care of itself". 



A few words are desirable in respect of fats. Since 

 both fats and carbohydrates are used for the same 

 purpose of supplying energy, it would be natural to 

 ask, Why do we take both? We know, indeed, that 

 fat can be made out of carbohydrate by the organism, 

 and yet, if fats are withheld, there is an undoubted 

 craving for them. Apart from the difficulty of making 

 palatable dishes without the use of fat, there seems to 

 be evidence that it fulfils some important physiological 

 function. But exactly what this is lies at present in 

 obscurity. 



"Flesh-formers." -This is a misleading expression 

 and should not be used. It is usually applied to pro- 

 teins, but it suggests properties that do not exist. 

 Whatever food be taken it does not of itself cause 

 increased growth of muscle. This growth only results 

 from increased use. For muscular work, the food 

 consumed by preference is carbohydrate. Although 

 protein can be used for energy purposes, it is wasteful 

 to do so. There is evidence also that it may be taken 

 in excess. But any pathological results are not due 

 to increased uric acid production. No evidence has 



