The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1902-01-08
pietetic Properties Of N ats.

A settled idea has prevailed for years
that nuts partake of the character of
luxurieS rather than of neceSSarieS and
for this reason have been classed with
fruits rather than grains. And yet the
design of Nature is very evident when
we consider that they are the only and
DEMONSTRATING food of a large percent
age of the most active life in the ami
NAL world; and life of the most strenu-
Gus sort.
Human beings as well as animals
have natural liking for nuts, which
must have it's origin from the same
source, a physical want. Man lacks the
instructive knowledge his silent breth-
rem possess; the fact that there is no
better substitute for animal meat or
food so full of nutrition as the nut, and
as a consequence misuSes and misap-
plies a wise economy of nature.
Besides the large amount of albumen,
nuts contain oil which in winter makes
them especially desirable in the human
economy.
Scientists assert that nuts contain
more elements of nourishment than
butter and meat combined.
The fats, beside being entirely free
from germs of any description, are eat
en- uncooked and in their natural state
and are perfectly digeStible when fresh.
In the nut nature has secreted a, sup
ply of energy, strength and health, gath
cred from her various woodland stores
that is absolutely unpolluted and free
from adulteration.
THEIR DIGESTIBILITY
AS in the case of all concentrated
foods, the nuts are classed with those
that are not easily digeSted- This term
must not be misunderstood as meaning
food that is not wholesome (hygienic)
and which does not contain the essen
tial elements for the body'S health 1t
is used to convey to those who have
but an imperfect knowledge of life SuS-
tanning principles, the warning not to
overindulge in too large an amount of
concentrated nutrients.
Imperfect mastication is generally the
cause of difficulty in digesting nuts, be
cause the construction presents their
constituent parts in such fine SubdiviS-
ion they are ready for quick digestion
and prompt assimilation, if the teeth
are allowed to perform their part in the
digestive process, and the nut-meats
not hurried into the stomach before
they are completely masticated. This
stomach is a good neighbor to the
mouth, long suffering and kind, but viii
in time resent being burdened with the
sins of other members in the house
beautiful" who shirk their duties. Nuts
are suitable food for most invalidS
and for children, if they are properly
masticated. When there is difficulty in
accomplishing this, the whole nuts
should not be given, but the prepared
nut foods which are made ready, espec-
tally for invalids and children's food
and are in fact more suitable in general
dietary than the whole nuts.
Most nuts being practically free from
starch, and their fats in a state of nat
ura1 emulsion, they are especially
adapted to the use of a very common
and numerous class of dyspeptics, those
who cannot digest starchy foods.
NUTS THAT REQUIRE COOKING.
Peanuts and chestnuts are not very
palatable eaten raw. The hOrSe-cheSt-
as a possible food product has a decid-
eddy acrid and bitter principle which
must be removed before it will find IA
vor for dietetic use.
The Spanish chestnut, which is used
very considerably for culinary pur-
poses, is free from this fault and has a
most agreeable flavor when cooked: be-
side being very nutritious, easily cooked
and digeStible.
Peanuts are improved in flavor and
digestibility when they are properly
prepared. This must be don0 at a pro-
per temperature which should be only
noxious elements in order to make them
more palatable. The ordinary method
of roasting employed by the trade rem
ders them still more indigestible to deli
cate eaters than the raw nut would be.
Too high a degree of heat destroys the
delicacy as well as the Wholesomeness
of the nut.
Peanuts may form the basis Of many
very palatable dishes as well as take
their part as accessories in the form of
bonbons or favoring for cakes, creams,
etc.
NUTS AND FRUITS
Nuts and fruits form a combination
that is almost perfect as an average
dietary, giving as they do, the high pro-
portion of proteids (albumens), the pure
and easily digested fats of the nuts, the
sugar of the fruits to supply the energy
and heat-producing needs of the body;
while the acids of the fruits aid in the
complete digestion of these substances.
NUT BUTTER.
This has found favor with many who
find that the use of cream, milk and
butter are harmful to them and in
crease the various forms of indigestion
many are subject to. as well as the
nervous, sick headaches and bilious at
tacks that make their life a burden.
The law of reason demands that a GER
tain amount of fat must enter into COM
bination with substances devoid of this