fruit used to treat scurvy nyt crossword – All Crossword Answers
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Solutions for "fruit used to treat scurvy nyt crossword" by Letter Count
4 Letters
LIME: Historically, limes were a primary fruit carried on long voyages to prevent and treat scurvy due to their high Vitamin C content.
5 Letters
LEMON: Similar to limes, lemons are citrus fruits rich in Vitamin C and were also used by sailors to combat scurvy.
6 Letters
ORANGE: While perhaps less historically iconic for scurvy treatment than limes, oranges are an excellent source of Vitamin C and effective against the condition.
More About "fruit used to treat scurvy nyt crossword"
Scurvy, a debilitating disease caused by a severe deficiency of Vitamin C (ascorbic acid), was historically a major problem, especially for sailors on long voyages. Without fresh fruits and vegetables, mariners often suffered from symptoms like bleeding gums, fatigue, and open sores.
The solution, discovered over centuries and famously implemented by the British Royal Navy, was the introduction of citrus fruits into sailors' diets. Limes, lemons, and oranges, packed with Vitamin C, proved to be highly effective in preventing and treating the condition. This historical context makes "lime" and "lemon" common and fitting answers for this type of crossword clue, especially in puzzles like the NYT crossword which often feature historical and scientific themes.
Today, scurvy is rare in developed countries but still occurs in populations with limited access to nutritious food. The role of Vitamin C from fruits remains crucial for human health, supporting immune function, collagen formation, and antioxidant defense.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Historical Context: Many crossword clues, especially from the NYT, draw on historical events or scientific discoveries. For clues like this, thinking about the historical use of items can lead you to the answer.
- Think About Related Fields: "Scurvy" points to medicine, nutrition, and history. If one angle doesn't work, consider others related to the core subject.
- Check for Common Associations: Certain fruits are strongly associated with specific conditions or uses. Limes and lemons have a very strong link to scurvy, which is often exploited in clues.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are citrus fruits effective against scurvy?
Citrus fruits are highly effective against scurvy because they are an excellent natural source of Vitamin C (ascorbic acid). Scurvy is a disease caused by a severe deficiency of this essential vitamin.
What is scurvy and what are its symptoms?
Scurvy is a disease resulting from a prolonged deficiency of Vitamin C. Symptoms include fatigue, gum bleeding and swelling, joint pain, muscle weakness, skin discoloration, and poor wound healing. In severe cases, it can be fatal.
Were only citrus fruits used to treat scurvy historically?
While citrus fruits like limes and lemons became famously associated with scurvy prevention, particularly among sailors, other Vitamin C-rich foods like potatoes, sauerkraut, and even pine needles were also used in different contexts to combat the disease before the specific role of Vitamin C was fully understood.