upon which they live is really a starvation diet so far as
these important elements are concerned. Eggs are rich in lime and
elements required for building strong teeth, while vegetables and
fruits in their natural state are valuable in this way. Good milk is
of value for its supply of lime and other organic minerals in the case
of young children. Furthermore, all natural foods that provide good
exercise for the teeth through the necessity for mastication are
valuable on this account for strengthening the teeth, as I have
already said.

Dentistry is one of our most useful professions. But there would be need
for few dentists if the suggestions given in this chapter were closely
followed by men, women and children the whole country over. One may have
strong teeth in practically every instance, as a result of proper care
and suitable diet, just as he may have strong muscles, strong organs and
strong nerves.

CHAPTER XII: How to Eat

Civilization has brought with it a train of evils unknown in the natural
life. There is no need, for instance, to tell a wild animal what to
eat; his life is planned for him in advance. His food is supplied by
Nature and not superabundantly, so he is compelled to eat it in a manner
to secure the greatest amount of vital vigor therefrom. Hunger controls
his eating, and therefore he always enjoys his food. If we were
to eliminate many of the mechanical processes involved in the
preparation of our foods, there would be little or no necessity for
instruction in eating, for, if we ate our food in a natural state, we
would be compelled to masticate it, and this is the fundamental
requirement of healthy digestion.

Just here let me point out the importance of appetite. A food cannot
possibly be of benefit unless it is thoroughly enjoyed. It must taste
good. The more delicious a food tastes the more quickly and
advantageously it will digest. The idea is frequently advanced
that dieting must necessarily be unpleasant, for many think that a
"diet" must consist of food that cannot possibly be eaten with
enjoyment. This is a great mistake. Diet of this character would
indeed bring about harmful results in nearly every instance. The diet
which will be of the most value is that which you can enjoy, confining
your selection, of course, to wholesome articles of food. I cannot
emphasize too strongly the extreme necessity for the enjoyment of
your meals. Do no