Emmet Densmore

American physician and businessman

Emmet Densmore (1837–1911) was an American physician, businessman, and advocate of natural hygiene and dietary reform. He is best known for his work in promoting a diet free from starches and his involvement in the natural food movement of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Early Life and Education

Emmet Densmore was born in 1837 in Pennsylvania, United States. He grew up in a family that valued education and innovation. Densmore pursued medical studies and became a physician, although he later shifted his focus to business and dietary reform.

Career

Medical Practice

Densmore initially practiced medicine, where he developed an interest in the relationship between diet and health. His medical background provided him with a foundation to explore alternative health practices and dietary theories.

Business Ventures

In addition to his medical practice, Densmore was involved in various business ventures. He was a successful entrepreneur, which allowed him to fund his research and publications on dietary reform.

Dietary Reform and Natural Hygiene

Emmet Densmore

Densmore became a prominent figure in the natural hygiene movement, advocating for a diet that minimized the intake of starches. He believed that many health issues were caused by the consumption of starchy foods and promoted a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and proteins.

He published several works on the subject, including The Natural Food of Man, where he outlined his dietary theories and provided guidelines for a starch-free diet. His ideas were influential in the development of the natural food movement and inspired many to reconsider their dietary habits.

Publications

The Natural Food of Man, 1890

Densmore's most notable publication is The Natural Food of Man, published in 1890. In this book, he argued against the consumption of starches and advocated for a diet based on natural foods. The book was well-received by those interested in alternative health practices and contributed to the growing interest in dietary reform during that period.

Legacy

Emmet Densmore's work laid the groundwork for future developments in the field of natural hygiene and dietary reform. His advocacy for a starch-free diet was a precursor to later dietary movements that emphasized whole foods and natural eating.

Related Pages

• Natural hygiene
• Dietary reform
• Starch
• Alternative medicine