120 OCCULT PRINCIPLES OF HEALTH & HEALING
Of vegetables we digest only about 83 per cent of
the proteins, 90 per cent of the fat, and 95 per cent of
the carbohydrates. Of fruits we assimilate about 85 per
cent of the proteins, 90 per cent of the fat, and 90 per
cent of the carbohydrates.
Phosphorous is the particular element by means of
which the Ego is able to express thought and influence
the dense physical body. It is also a fact that the
proportion and variation of this substance is found to
correspond to the state and stage of intelligence of the
individual. Idiots have very little phosphorus; shrewd
thinkers have much; and in the animal world, the
degree of consciousness and intelligence is in
proportion to the amount of phosphorus contained in
the brain.
It is therefore of great importance that the aspirant
who is to use his body for mental and spiritual work,
should supply his brain with the substance necessary
for that purpose. Most vegetables and fruits contain a
certain amount of phosphorus, but it is a peculiar fact
that the greater proportion is contained in the leaves,
which are usually thrown away. It is found in
considerable quantities in grapes, onions, sage, beans,
cloves, pineapples, in the leaves and stalks of many
vegetables, and also in sugar-cane juice, but not in
refined sugar.
The following table shows the proportions of
phosphoric acid in a few articles:
100,000 parts of:Barley, dry, contains of phosphoric acid............................... 210 parts
Beans .............................................................................. 292 parts
Beets ............................................................................... 167 parts
Beets, Leaves of ................................................................ 690 parts