NECESSARY FOODS 



237 



used must always depend largely on its availability and on 

 the tastes of the individual, but the diet should be so varied 

 as to contain sufficient of each of the three great classes 

 of foods. 



Besides the necessary foods, most individuals desire 

 especial additions for relishes and beverages. These com- 

 monly consist of spices, tea and 

 coffee and other like materials. 

 When used in moderation, they 

 are usually a benefit, as they 

 stimulate the appetite. But ex- 

 cessive use is harmful. 



Alcohol, except possibly in ex- 

 ceedingly small quantities, can- 

 not be considered a food, and as 

 a stimulator for the appetite it 

 should not be used. Many care- 

 ful experiments have shown that 

 while it may stimulate the body 

 temporarily, it does not enable it 

 to do more work. Instead, those using it cannot do as 

 much work, or withstand as great physical or mental 

 strain, as those not using it. Even if it were not for the 

 ungovernable appetite which its use almost invariably en- 

 genders, and for the degrading influences with which its 

 use is usually surrounded, its physiological action is such 

 as to lessen the body's vitality, decrease its resistance to 

 disease, and dull its nervous and mental efficiency. 



Careful scientific experiments have also been made upon 

 the effect of tobacco. Although there are differences of 

 opinion about its effect upon fully matured adults, there 

 is no such difference of opinion in regard to its effect upon 

 those who have not stopped growing and are not yet fully 

 matured. Measurements and comparisons made in regard 



A BUNCH OF DATES. 



