Tag Archives: Sylvester Graham

And More Cereal

John Harvey Kellogg

John Harvey Kellogg

Cold, flaked cereals were not a part of traditional Native American diets, but many Native Americans on reservations doubtlessly ate them. So did the patients at the Canton Asylum for Insane Indians.

Both Sylvester Graham and John Harvey Kellogg (see last post) considered grains part of a healthy diet, and created products that reflected their beliefs. Whether or not Superintendent Harry Hummer also believed this or simply had to take what was issued to him through the Indian Office, he did serve this breakfast food at the asylum. Continue reading

Other Dietary Concerns

Sylvester Graham

Sylvester Graham

The American diet has been under attack for nearly two centuries, mainly for its fatty, meat-based content. Like George J. Drews and his unfired or raw food diet (see 10/26/14 post), Sylvester Graham advocated a vegetarian diet. Graham’s diet was not quite as strict, however, since he did allow baked whole grains. However, it was a bland diet that didn’t allow spices–not even pepper. Continue reading