Way back in the early 1900s, vegetables, cereals and fruits were simply things to eat. Everyone including doctors only thought of these things as substances that will satisfy one's appetite and at the same time supplied fuel to the body. Beyond this fact no one had the slightest knowledge of the healing effects it have on our bodies.
But with the introduction of biochemistry as one of the topics overed in medical schools, human kind began to discover the fundamental, that health and strength do not depend so much on the specific substances we ingest as food, as they do on the vital organic and mineral contents of these substances!
Tomato
When first cultivated, the tomato was thought to be poisonous even by medical men of standing, was considered as a cause of cancer, and partaken of by few people. With its development into a large, luscious fruit-vegetable, the old idea was thrown into the discard with many other erroneous popular opinions, and the tomato was accepted both as wholesome food and as a delicacy. What is the real, though generally unknown reason for its popularity? Nothing less than its richness in organic and mineral elements, possessing as it does, an average of Potassium, Sodium, Calcium, Phosphorus, besides other valuable elements.
Swiss Chard
Swiss Chard, once not even considered either herb or vegetable, but a weed, is now almost as great a favorite as broccoli. Its contents include Sodium, Potassium, Calcium, Phosphorus, and other elements just as valuable though less in quantity.
Celery
Celery is possibly one of the most universally appreciated vegetables. Not so long ago it was considered an herb, splendid as a tea for the nervous. Celery, like the tomato and the apple, has developed from a favorite medicine into a food.
Rhubarb
Rhubarb is another vegetable that was considered a medicine of value in constipation. Gradually it was accepted as good material for delicious pies, then as an appetizing sauce, and finally, splendid for the making of wine!
Lettuce
Lettuce, formerly good food for cattle and chickens, is now a universal favorite and is preparable in many forms.
Beets
Beets once were once cattle food, but due to their appearance and appeal to the appetite, gradually found their way to the table as food for man also.
Onions
Onions, universally liked and as universally despised, are rich in Potassium and Phosphorus. They are the ideal remedy in the onset of colds and all bronchial trouble. These vegetables are all accepted as desirable. 'A hundred and fifty years ago practically every mother knew how to roast or hake onions until soft, then squeeze out the juice and sweeten with honey to give to the children for colds, coughs, even Croup or Pneumonia. It has lost none of its virtues. The family doctor was called only as a last resort.
Mushroom
This was once considered a fungus pure and simple, also a poison. Now it is a great favorite with almost all people. Its richest element is Iodine and it therefore is the ideal food:for those suffering from under-development and goitre.
Seaweed
Seaweed, also known as Irish moss and by various other names, has the same value as the mushroom. It is rich in germ-plasm and Iodine.
Herbs
Next to be considered are a few of those plant products which still are classified as herbs. White Oak bark was a universal favorite with the early physicians. Potash is part of its mineral elements. Gout, rheumatism, intermittent fevers and chronic diarrhoea and other sympathetic maladies were treated with it. Broom Herb, the kidney remedy of the herbalists, also contains Potash. Shave Grass, the favorite kidney remedy is rich in Calcium and Silicon.
Juices
Who is there who does not like fruit and fruit juice drinks? Until lately, fruits helped to satisfy appetite and fruit drinks were considered as soothing in fevers. Fruits also made appetizing wines. What are the real facts. Wild cherry juice, whether fermented or unfermented, was always considered a tonic. The reason for this is its richness in Iron Oxide, Potassium Oxide and Phosphoric Acid.
Fust as wild cherry was known as a tonic, so the juice of the black currant became known as an antiseptic, purifier of the blood and restorative of the nervous system, and an equally valuable remedy in anemia, malnutrition and general debility. Why? Because it is rich in vitamins and positive alkali and contains, among other mineral elements.
Parsley
Consider the lowly parsley once used only to give an added taste to food. Now we know that it is rich in Calcium, Iron, Thiamine, Riboflavin, Niacin and Ascorbic Acid. It is recognized by many doctors as valuable in the treatment of high blood pressure.
Returning to the subject of herbs, their tinctures or other preparations of them. It was not so long ago that that their use as medicines was thought of as an old wives tale. There has been a decided change in this concept and many physicians are replacing the chemical and synthetic preparations with them. To learn more about the benefits of herbs, check out Herbal-Nutrition-Supplements-Guide.com.
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