BREAD AND THE HEALTH OF CHILDREN.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 18050, 25 September 1920, Page 6

BREAD AND THE HEALTH OF CHILDREN.

ORISP TOAST FOR MASTICATION

In the last article reference was made to the superiority of wheatmoal over white bread horn a nutritional point of view and also as a moans towards tho prevention of dental disease. Wheatrneal bread i 3 regarded by some as not so palatable as whito but in reality when properly masticated it is very much more palatable having a mitfcv avour which is quite wanting m white bread. More- careful chewing and more thorough mixing of food with tho saliva noj, only enhances its flavour, but if put into practice would go far to eliminate indigestion, a common complaint in modern communities. As a food for children wheatmeal broad toasted or crisped in tho oven, is highly recommended. Every child likes it. Jt Provides for the adequate exorcise of the jaws and muscles of mastication. Its Ilavour is excellent and it is easily digestible It should be buttered cold. It is a good plan for children to eat this oven-toast with softer foods, and in this way the habit of moro deliberate and careful eating is encouraged. Such hard crisp food satisfies tne natural craving of children for something to chew. Many children lose appetite through being fed too exclusively on soft pappy foods. Tho habit of vigorous mastication of hard food by bringing an increased supply of blood to the parts contributes to better development of the jaws and of the teeth, which are developing in tho gums. It is a valuable aid also in the prevention of adenoids. Oven toast is made as follows:— lake a loaf of wheatmeal bread, one day old by preference, cut in slices and place in twe oven so that both sides can dry at once Ihe oven door may be left slightly open for steam to escape Do not div too hard. It continues to dry after removal from the oven. The common fault is to dry it too much, and this tends to render it less tasty. In order to counteract the increasing prevalence of ill-developed jaws, nasal obstruction, and the too common habit of boltmg food, the constant use of such food which demands mastication is a real necessity. This oven toast has become very popular at some English public sohools.v It should be on the table for children at everv meal.—Published under the authority of the Education Department.