Why? The Science of Athletics

FOOD, FADS AND FACTS 321 because they are readily digested owing to the fibres being short and the fat being found beneath the skin and round the intestines instead of interlining the flesh. Rabbits supply a dangerous form of food, in my opinion, nor do I think that hare should figure in the diet of an athlete. Feathered game, except water-fowl, which has flesh of close and oily texture, may be a luxury, but is very nourishing and easily digested, and, moreover, is very appetizing. The better modern understanding of the Vegetables high value of vegetables is bringing about the greater introduction of both raw and cooked vegetable dishes in training menus. They should certainly be served as adjuncts to meat dishes, and also as vegetable entremets ; while others, when young and tender, should be eaten raw, as radishes, celery, etc., or as salads to aecompany cold meat. Vegetables, however, should always be absolutely fresh, since green vegetables, in par– ticular, ferment quickly. It is only pulse, such as peas, beans and lentils, which aid in muscle-building, through their rich protein content. Other vegetables are of low . protein value, but are rich in mineral matter, and princi– pally potash salts, to which reference has already been made. They contain carbohydrates, in the shape of starch ; cellulose in their fibro:us frame-work, the starch content being high in potatoes and much less in green vegetables. Sugar, the great, quick energizer, is most plentiful in beetroot, carrots and parsnips, while the carrot is also particularly rich in mineral salts and vitamins. It is the mineral salts and vitamins in fresh vegetables which comprise their value as a part of the daily diet, since the mineral salts purify the blood by lowering its acidity. The cellulose in roughage (old vegetables) is not easily digested, but has a peristaltic value. Too much .of roughage should not be given to athletes, as it is likely to cause flatulence. Green vegetables, whether cooked or raw, are of major importance to the bodily well-being of the athlete, and must form a part of his daily diet. X