Celebrating One of Science’s First Nutritional Victories!

October ends with one famously bad nutrition day (Halloween!) but it also marks the birthday of scientist James Lind, who in 1747 discovered the link between citrus and the prevention of scurvy, a major killer of seamen on long voyages. After the British Navy adopted Dr. Lind's prescription for health, their sailors came to be called "limeys."

The British went on to become the dominant force at sea. It's worth remembering that it was citrus as much as firepower that helped build an empire!

Of course, in those days even though the Admiralty decreed that lemon juice should be issued to the whole fleet, there were storage and spoilage issues (all solved with True Lemon!). Today, adding vitamin C had become as easy as it is healthy. So, while you may not have the West Indies to conquer this morning, it's always good to have the nutritional bounty of citrus aboard.

So Happy Birthday and thanks, Dr. Lind!