The Influence on Character

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXXI, Issue 5, 29 January 1903, Page 18

The Influence on Character

The foregoing remarks apply mainly to adults, but the habit of eating meat several times a day is not con-

fined to adults. The children notoriously eat too much of it, and that is chiefly where the danger lies. On this aspect of the question the opinion of another medical man may be quoted : ' Meat is far too stimulating; to be taken so often as two or three times a day by young children:, and I am of opinion that a diet consisting principally of meat forces the development of children at an undue pace, and tends to promote prematurity in both sexes. Children who are fed freely on meat arrive at the period of adolescence at an earlier age than those fed principally oil a farinaceous diet. They bloom at an earlier date, and as on inevitable consequence, they wither at an earlier date than persona in whose cose the process of development has not been thus unduly stimulated.' These are very pregnant words indeed to all who have the care of children. This authority also points out the danger of excessive meat eating, especially by sedentary persons. In his opinion, no middle aged person not engaged in active out-door pursuits should eat beef or mutton at breakfast at all. •He will do better worki and keep a clearer brain by breakfasting lightly on porridge, a bit of broiled bacon, and bread or toast and butter. A light meal of a cutlet or chop in the middle of the day may be taken, and a moderate dinner of soup fish, and joint in the evening.' It is interesting also, to note that science endorses the rule of the Church to abstain from flesh meat at least once a week, for this authority declares that the ordinance is one of health as well as of religion. And everybody will agree with his final dictum : ' If we had a cheaper and more abundant supply of fish I think the consumption of meat would be decreased, and the general health af the community benefited. Apples, tomatoes and green vegetables are also to be strongly recommended as sound and wholesome articles of regular diet.'