1910.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 31. 33 



Nutritive and Commercial Values of the Food Ingredients. 



It having been shown that the bnlk of these foods is made up 

 of ordinary gronnd grains and by-prodncts, it must be evident 

 to all that they cannot have a greater nutritive value than is 

 to be found in the materials of which they are composed. The 

 extravagant claims made by the manufacturers concerning their 

 wonderful nutritive properties is in no way substantiated by 

 the analytical results. It also must be clear that their com- 

 mercial value from a nutritive standpoint cannot exceed 1 to 

 11/2 cents a pound. Certainly no one would entertain the idea 

 of purchasing these mixtures, at the prices asked, because of 

 any particular nutritive value they may possess. 



ClIAEACTEE OF MeDICINAL INGREDIENTS. 



In addition to the various cereals and by-products, these foods 

 contain small quantities of a variety of substances, most of 

 which possess simple medicinal qualities, to which it is under- 

 stood is attributed the wonderful nutritive and curative 

 properties claimed for them. The condition powders^ so called, 

 generally contain larger quantities of these medicines than the 

 stock and poultry mixtures. The medicinal substances are de- 

 scribed as follows : — 



Fenugreek and fennel are the ground seeds of plants grown 

 in southern Europe, known botanically as Trigonella Foenum 

 Grcecum, and Foeniculum vulgare. They are aromatic sub- 

 stances, used to excite the action of the stomach, thereby reliev- 

 ing indigestion and gas, and also to impart an agreeable flavor. 

 It was formerly believed that fenugreek increased the quantity 

 and improved the quality of milk, but such ideas are now largely 

 exploded. The quantity used is comparatively small. 



Anise or Aniseed (Pimpenella Anisum) is the seed of a plant 

 cultivated in Spain and Malta. It has a pleasant warm taste 

 and an agreeable odor, and is used for much the same purpose 

 as fenugreek. 



Gentian, occasionally recognized, is the dried root of the plant 

 known as Gentiana lutia, and is grown in central and southern 

 Europe. It is very bitter, and is used as a stomach tonic, pro- 

 moting an increased secretion of the gastric juice. 



