The facility with which alimentary substances are digested, depends
on a variety of circumstances. Some kinds of food are naturally
more difficult of digestion than others. This is especially the
case with oily and fatty substances, which contain a large amount
of nutritive matter in a concentrated form. Tenderness of fibre
renders the digestive process more easy; and, therefore, all those
circumstances which affect the texture of flesh have an influence on
its digestibility. Violent muscular exertion previous to the death
of the animal renders the flesh more easy of digestion. The flesh of
young animals, though more tender than the flesh of adult animals,
is frequently not so easily digested. Of adult animals, the youngest
will be found more tender and digestible than old animals. Vegetables
are generally more slowly digested than meat. Minute division
facilitates digestion; hence, if food is properly masticated, the
process of digestion will be more rapid than otherwise.
Some variety of food is unquestionably more agreeable and more
conducive to health than a diet limited to one or a few simple
articles. Accordingly, we find that, whenever the condition of men
will admit of it, they universally make use of more or less variety
of alimentary substances, and that variety increases very much in
proportion to the wealth and ability which exists to gratify the
desires of the palate.
Too great a variety of alimentary substances is always injurious when
it becomes a temptation to excess. Thus, a much larger amount of
food is taken than the wants of the body require, and more than the
digestive organs have the capacity to dispose of.
It is impossible to point out to each individual the kind of diet
which will suit best. This, to some extent, must be a matter of
personal observation and experience. Peculiarities of constitution,
habits of life, age, sex, etc., require modifications of diet in
accordance with the natural wants of each individual.
Abstinence from all that is found or suspected to be injurious,
uniform hours and temperate indulgence should be observed by all who
value lasting health more than the mere temporary gratification of
the palate.