Ask Whatever You Wish

1 — My skin is extremely sensitive, so much so that I am obliged to protect it from the sun's rays. What should I do?

Use a cream made especially for protecting the skin; it removes the burns caused by the sun. This kind of cream is ready at hand, and there is no need to point out that its benefit exceeds that of the lotions that tan the skin.

2 — I have heard of a special food, like light bread, that melts away the fat around the waist; is this possible?

No: there is no special food for reducing fat in one particular place. It is natural that your weight should drop if you cut down the quantity of food you are accustomed to; and if the accumulation of fat around your waist is out of proportion to your figure, it is the first part you will lose. Do not imagine that any kind of bread holds the means of reducing fat in this region or any other — quite the contrary, bread is counted among the foods that increase fat.

3 — Do dried fruits such as apricots and peaches lose their nutritive value?

No: the starches and the iron remain as they are in the fruit, and likewise vitamin A; as for the remaining vitamins, they diminish by about a third or a half. Thus the nutritive value of dried fruits equals the value found in fresh fruit.

4 — How is powdered milk kept?

Keep powdered milk in a glass jar in a dry place where the temperature is 7 degrees Fahrenheit. Under these conditions you can keep it for several weeks; but if you put it in the refrigerator, you must keep it sealed against the entry of air. Take care to close the stopper tightly after use, for dried milk quickly absorbs moisture and spoils.

5 — I have heard that cooking vessels made of aluminum cause ulcers and other serious diseases; is this true?

This statement has nothing to do with the truth, for the safety of this metal for cooking and keeping foods has been endorsed by physicians, and no scientific theory supports this claim, which is nothing more than empty propaganda that circulates in people's minds and makes them give up the use of vessels that save them money. Silver, glass, and iron vessels likewise serve for many needs, and the choice among them depends on your need of them.

6 — Can you direct me to the way to keep spices?

Carelessness in keeping spices makes them lose their store and their strength, especially if moisture reaches them. To keep them from spoiling, buy small quantities sufficient for a few months only, then put them in a cool, dry place, and close the container tightly after each use. It is best to put spices in a glass container; and beware of placing them above the stove, where the temperature rises.

7 — Of what is the diet composed that meets all the body's needs?

For the diet to be balanced, combining the body's various needs, it must contain the following substances:

1 — Protein, to build and strengthen the muscles and nerves.

2 — Vitamins, which aid growth and protect health.

4 — Mineral substances, which strengthen the bones and the blood.