There was a disease that was common among sailors, pirates and others aboard ship for extended periods of time. Some of the symptoms included dark purplish spots on the legs and thighs, nose bleeds, swollen gums, sunken eyes, loss of teeth, partial paralysis and if left untreated ultimately death. Thousands succumbed to this disease on long voyages to the new world. This horrible disease could be treated very easily and the patient would recover almost immediately upon applying the cure. The disease is scurvy.
Alas, matey! The treatment as it turned out was a very simple one: ascorbic acid! What is ascorbic acid and how do I get it? Vitamin C. From citrus fruits like oranges, lemons and limes and other fruits.
The use of limes by the Royal British Navy to prevent scurvy gave rise to the name "limey" for an English immigrant in the former British colonies (particularly America, New Zealand, and South Africa). Well, hardy, har, har and blow me down!
Other sources rich in vitamin C include fruits such as blackcurrants, guava, kiwi fruit, papaya, tomatoes, and strawberries. It can also be in found in some vegetables such as carrots, bell peppers, cabbage, spinach and paprika.
Humans as it turns out lack the gene that makes vitamin C and thus require vitamin C in their diet to prevent scurvy.
So, what's the point in all this? Simple, we need to praise the Lord for his goodness and kindness in creating vegetation for our benefit and blessing. Let's give thanks to the Lord today for fruits and veggies!
Now, where did I leave my eye patch?
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2 comments:
Interesting! I knew about the scurvy, but not the info about the "Limey's". Another interesting note is that you don't get bad cholesterol or diabetes from fruits and vegetables. Just watch out for that Salmonella in those tomatoes or E Coli bacteria from the spinach. It is also interesting that everything God has created is "good", it seems that only when we try to improve on His creations that problems occur. What do you think El Capitan?
The kids and I just read today's blog and had a good laugh. We enjoyed the shipwreck picture along with the fun way Pastor Dan told the story about how the cure for scurvy came about. I firmly believe the cure for cancer and many other diseases are already made and known by God in different plants, roots, herbs etc. Scientists gradually, little by little, gain knowledge (which comes from God) to "discover" various cures to what ails us. Our Tuesday morning bible study class is also studying Genesis. We just started this morning. Come join us for a great time of fellowship and learning God's word. We meet every Tuesday at 10:00 a.m. We'd love to have you join us.
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