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Counsels on Health
The Use of Nut Foods
I have been instructed that the nut foods are often used unwisely,
that too large a proportion of nuts is used, that some nuts are not as
wholesome as others. Almonds are preferable to peanuts; but peanuts,
in limited quantities, may be used in connection with grains to make
nourishing and digestible food.
Olives may be so prepared as to be eaten with good results at every
meal. The advantages sought by the use of butter may be obtained by
the eating of properly prepared olives. The oil in the olives relieves
constipation, and for consumptives, and for those who have inflamed,
irritated stomachs, it is better than any drug. As food it is better than
any oil coming secondhand from animals.
It would be well for us to do less cooking and to eat more fruit
in its natural state. Let us teach the people to eat freely of the fresh
grapes, apples, peaches, pears, berries, and all other kinds of fruit that
can be obtained. Let these be prepared for winter use by canning,
using glass, as far as possible, instead of tin.
Concerning flesh meat, we should educate the people to let it alone.
Its use is contrary to the best development of the physical, mental, and
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moral powers. And we should bear a clear testimony against the use
of tea and coffee. It is also well to discard rich desserts. Milk, eggs,
and butter should not be classed with flesh meat. In some cases the
use of eggs is beneficial. The time has not come to say that the use of
milk and eggs should be wholly discarded. There are poor families
whose diet consists largely of bread and milk. They have little fruit
and cannot afford to purchase the nut foods. In teaching health reform,
as in all other gospel work, we are to meet the people where they are.
Until we can teach them how to prepare health-reform foods that are
palatable, nourishing, and yet inexpensive, we are not at liberty to
present the most advanced propositions regarding health-reform diet.
Let Reform Be Progressive
Let the diet reform be progressive. Let the people be taught how
to prepare food without the use of milk or butter. Tell them that the
time will soon come when there will be no safety in using eggs, milk,
cream, or butter, because disease in animals is increasing in proportion