FOOD 583 



deplorably neurotic state. In moderation it is a good muscular and 

 mental tonic. Dyspeptic persons should not take coffee after dinner. 

 Chicory, previously considered harmless, is now said to have an 

 unfavourable effect upon growth and development. 



Cocoa. 



Cocoa (Theobroma cacao) powder, commonly known as cocoa 

 "essence," is pure cocoa deprived of part of its fat, which originally 

 amounts to 50 per cent, or more of the whole. This fat is not extracted 

 when the cocoa powder is to be used for chocolate. For this latter 

 sugar and flavourings are added, and the whole is ground in a hot 

 mill. Cocoa powder contains 27-33 per cent, of fat, 12-15 P^r cent, 

 of proteins, of which 60 per cent, is not assimilable. There are also 

 traces of caffeine. In pure cocoa nibs there is o'9-2'7 per cent, theo- 

 bromine. 



Cocoa powder forms a pleasing, mildly stimulating beverage, but 

 is not a food. When starches are added cocoa is more assimilable. 



Cocoa contains too many solids for it to be a good solvent of other 

 foods when they are taken at the same time. It is estimated that 

 80-90 per cent, of the cocoa bean is insoluble in water. The so-called 

 soluble cocoas are not soluble, but potassium carbonate is added, which 

 saponifies some of the fat and keeps the particles longer in suspension. 

 This chemical does not aid the digestion, especially of invalids and 

 children. 



Alcohol. 



Alcohol is made from malted and unmalted grain, potatoes, maize, 

 rye, grape, beetroot, molasses, palm tree sap, coal and coke gases, &c. 



The total effect of small quantities is to favour gastric digestion, 

 but excess is a common cause of acute and chronic dyspepsia and many 

 other ailments. Alcohol is a source of heat and energy, but it reduces 

 the activity of metabolism and stimulates, but later depresses the 

 circulation and the nervous system independently of its action on 

 tissue changes. 



It is not a food because, while it is oxidizable, it acts detrimentally 

 on the nervous tissues. 



Men soon get thirsty in the tropics, and excesses seem to be the 

 rule. Alcohol is not generally necessary and strenuous work can be 

 done without it. Taken medicinally it is of great value. 



The alcoholic average contents of common drinks are : — 



Whiskies ... ... 50 — 60 French wines ... ... 8 — 11 



Brandies ... ... 45 — 65 British wines ... ... 20 — 25 



Gin 35 — 45 Champagne 10 — 12 



Rum ... 35 — 70 Beer ... 3—5 



Koumiss 1-3 per cent, alcohol is made from mare's or cow's milk. 

 The body manufactures about two ounces (62 grm.) of alcohol 

 37 



