For the sake of argument and illustration I will presume that certain articles of ordinary diet, however beneficial in youth, are prejudicial in advanced life, like beans to a horse, whose common ordinary food is hay and corn.

Summary

In this quote, the author suggests that although certain foods may be beneficial when consumed in youth, they can become harmful as one grows older. To emphasize this point, the author uses the analogy of beans being detrimental to horses, whose usual food consists of hay and corn. The underlying message is that dietary needs change as we age, and what may be suitable for one stage of life may not be appropriate later on. This quote encourages the consideration of age-related dietary adjustments for better health and well-being.

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