456 FOODS 



use of stimulants, such as tobacco, alcohol, and all other 

 harmful drugs must be avoided since all of these interfere 

 with the proper growth, development, and work of the 

 various cells of the body. The cure-all patent medicines, 

 which do not cure at all but which simply dope the sen- 

 sibilities of the individual, should be shunned as poison. 

 Fresh air and sunshine are the best and surest preventives 

 of disease ; and when these are combined with proper rest, 

 food, clothing, exercise, and bodily cleanliness, there is little 

 danger of sickness except from highly contagious diseases. 



Every day each person probably receives into his system 

 thousands of disease germs. Usually it is only when the 

 vitality of the body is low that these germs are able to es- 

 tablish themselves. Right living is the great disease pre- 

 venter. 



SUMMARY 



The elements which enter into the composition of the 

 human body, such as hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, carbon, 

 etc., are comparatively few and are abundant in the world 

 about us. As foods they are found in three classes of 

 compounds, carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. All foods 

 furnish energy when they are oxidized in the human body. 

 Proteins are especially needed for growth and repair of 

 tissues ; but since it is easier for the body to throw off wastes 

 from oxidized carbohydrates and fats, these should constitute 

 the largest part of our energy-producing diet. Men exposed 

 to cold need sugar and fats in greater abundance than 

 those who live much indoors or in warm climates. Foods 

 containing iron, phosphorus, lime, and vitamins are also 

 essential in the diet of all persons. Spices, tea, and coffee 

 should be used in moderation by adults and avoided by 



