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The Ministry of Health and Healing
But not all foods wholesome in themselves are equally suited
to our needs under all circumstances. Care should be taken in the
selection of food. Our diet should be suited to the season, to the
climate in which we live, and to the occupation we follow. Some
foods that are the best choice for use at one season or in one climate
are not the best choice in another. Likewise, there are different foods
best suited for persons in different occupations. Often food that
can be used with benefit by those engaged in hard physical labor
is unsuitable for persons of sedentary pursuits or intense mental
application. God has given us an ample variety of healthful foods,
and we should choose from it the things that experience and sound
judgment prove to be best suited to our own individual necessities.
Nature’s abundant supply of fruits, nuts, and grains is ample,
and today, by the increased facilities for transportation, the products
of all lands are more generally distributed to all. As a result, many
articles of food that a few years ago were regarded as expensive
luxuries are now within the reach of all. This is especially the case
with dried and canned fruits.
Nuts and nut foods are coming largely into use to take the place
of flesh meats. With nuts may be combined grains, fruits, and some
roots to make foods that are healthful and nourishing. People who
suffer ill effects from nuts may find complete relief by reducing the
amount of nuts eaten. And keep in mind that some nuts are more
wholesome than others. Almonds are preferable to peanuts, but
peanuts in limited quantities, used in connection with grains, are
nourishing and digestible.
When properly prepared, olives, like nuts, supply the place of
butter and flesh meats. The oil, as eaten in the olive, is far preferable
to animal oil or fat. It serves as a laxative. Its use will be found ben-
eficial to people with tuberculosis, and it is healing to an inflamed,
irritated stomach.
Persons who have accustomed themselves to a rich, highly stim-
ulating diet have an unnatural taste, and they cannot at once relish
food that is plain and simple. It will take time for the taste to become
natural and for the stomach to recover from the abuse it has suffered.
But those who persevere in the use of wholesome food will, after
a time, find it palatable. Its delicate and delicious flavors will be
appreciated, and it will be eaten with greater enjoyment than can