Food For Thought and Our Health

     On 9/22/2014 at approximately 9:30 p.m.,  the fall season officially arrived in our part of the world.  Along with this change comes the harvest, where the fruits of our summer labors make their way to the dinner table.  Soups, salads, and side dishes are created by home and professional chefs alike.

     During late August and early September, I write a contributing column titled "What's Cooking?"  for the Green Earth Institute (GEI), a community supported agricultural (CSA) organization located in Naperville, Illinois.  The GEI is a farm that is operated and staffed by volunteers who plant and grow various vegetables and herbs from early April through about mid-November, when the harvest ends.

Community Supported Agriculture

     Members of a CSA, purchase shares (boxes) of these grown items which are released on a weekly basis for distribution.  The column I contribute to appears in a newsletter that is emailed to coincide with the share pick up.  Each week, one item (of my choosing) in the share box is featured in the column that provides the history, nutritional profile, and a recipe for members to try if they so which.  I am one of several people who contribute to this column on an annual basis.

     In this week's blog post, I am going to share with you, my readers, the entry that appeared in the GEI newsletter in early September of last year.  Even if you don't grow your own vegetables, my hope is that you will find something new to try, let me know how it went, and if you put your own spin to the recipe.  Enjoy.

Tomatoes: The Prostate's Best Friend

     September is National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. Therefore, it is fitting that we talk about the tomato Lycopersicon esculentum, one of Mother Nature's gems found in your box this week.  According to The World'sHealthiest Foods website, tomato consumption can help reduce the risk of prostate cancer because it contains the phytonutrient alpha -tomatine (alters the metabolic activity in developing prostate cancer cells), as well as lycopene(antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties).  An interesting fact is that the lycopene (antioxidant) profile is actually increased when the tomato is cooked (i.e. ketchup or tomato paste).

     In a few weeks we will usher in the Fall season along with cooler weather.  When I was growing up, a staple on the autumn menu was tomato soup and a grilled cheese sandwich.  Last night, my wife and I made a Food Network soup recipe using tomatoes grown in our own garden (I will leave the grilled cheese up to you) that is quick, easy to make, and delicious.  So raise your spoon to this lycopene-rich meal that offers plenty of ammunition for the prostate to fight cancer.

Fresh Tomato Soup

Serves 4

4 1/2 pounds tomatoes (4 LBS quartered, 1/2 LB chopped)

1 1/2 TBS extra-virgin olive oil

1 clove garlic, minced

4 scallions, chopped

1 1/2 tablespoons of heavy cream

Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper

1/2 cup mini bow ties or other mini pasta

Puree the quartered tomatoes in a blender. Heat the olive oil in a pot over medium heat. Add the garlic and scallions and cook, stirring, 2 minutes.  Increase the heat to medium high; strain the pureed tomatoes through a mesh sieve into the pot.  Stir in the chopped tomatoes, 1 cup water, the cream, 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper.  Bring to a simmer and cook until thickened, about 5 minutes.  Add the pasta and cook until tender, about 10 minutes.  Season with salt and pepper to taste.    

Note: The mesh sieve is used to separate the seeds but we have found that this is not an easy task.  Therefore, we have included the seeds (unless you cannot eat them) in the soup and found the recipe to be just as delicious.   This soup was recently served on our dinner table and the next time oregano will be added in the cooking process to give it extra flavoring.  Home grown tomatoes work best.

Chakras: Nourishment Through a Whole Foods Diet

The Seven Chakras

     In the last two posts we learned what the Chakras are and what can happen when they become imbalanced.  This week we will learn how a whole foods diet can assist the chakras (body) to return to homeostasis or balance.  Whole foods are gifts of mother nature and are consumed in their purest form: unprocessed, unrefined, and contain no additives or preservatives.  An apple picked and eaten from a tree versus a store bought jar of  applesauce (containing added sugars) is an example of whole versus refined foods. 

     A recent article in the Idea Fitness Journal  (June, 2014) talks about chakra nutrition from a holistic standpoint.  The following is a synopsis of author Teri Mosey's  discussion on this intriguing topic  from root to crown.

Root



Apple

     When the root chakra becomes unbalanced, we will have a tendency to crave proteins, mainly in the form of animal meats.  Reason being, these foods have strong bone and blood contents which are red in color much like the root chakra itself.  Mosey states that once we begin to feel "rooted" again we should add plant-based proteins to our diet as well (2014).  Red foods include: apples, cherries, tomatoes, red grapes, and beets.  Too much animal protein can be taxing on the body, and this will be the subject of a future post.  A plant-based diet will contain a good amount of dietary fiber which assists in the transition of digested foods through our intestines and keeps us regular.

Sacral

     Mosey tells us that the sacral chakra, which resonates with the color orange, is all about flow and movement.  The sacral chakra is assisted by foods that are orange-colored and have both a high water and omega-3 fatty acid content (2014).  The author goes on to say that proper hydration is the key to maintaining balance for this chakra.  Orange foods that prove most beneficial are carrots, butternut squash, oranges, apricots, sweet potatoes, and cantaloupe.  Foods high in omega-3's are: wild caught salmon, pumpkin seeds, walnuts, and cashews (2014).



Carrots

salmon

Solar Plexus

lemon

     Just above our belly button, we find the solar plexus chakra with its affinity for the color yellow.  The author notes that "naturally occurring carbohydrates" found in fruits, veggies, grains, and legumes (beans) provide nourishment for the solar plexus.  Additionally, one should eat foods that have high fiber content (squash, broccoli, lentils, and beans) on a daily basis in order to support the necessary balance for this chakra.  Mosey lists the following yellow foods as most beneficial to the solar plexus: lemons, chickpeas (garbanzo beans), bananas, pineapple, and quinoa (2014).

 

chickpeas(garbanzo beans)

 

 

Heart

     In the center of our chest we find the heart chakra that resonates with the color green.  An imbalanced heart chakra may present as heart and lung issues.  This chakra appreciates the consumption of the cruciferous veggies like collard greens, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and bok choy.  Additionally,  bitter greens such as dandelion and escarole assist with detoxification of the body as well as "penetrate" the heart chakra (2014).  Foods such as scallions, garlic, ginger, cinnamon, and peppermint have a knack for clearing the sinuses and expand the lungs to their fullest potential.

broccoli

scallions

Throat

     The blue throat chakra involves our ability to communicate and speak our inner truths.  An unwell throat may exhibit as thyroid gland disorders and chronic neck issues.  Mosey emphasizes that to nourish the throat chakra we must use all of our physical senses as well as listen to our body (2014).  The author states that it is most beneficial to the throat chakra if we eat a variety of food choices to create as diverse a diet as possible.  Foods that soothe the throat are: soups, sauces, and high-water content foods.  Sea plants (contain iodine) are supportive of the thyroid gland and should be consumed as well.  Examples include: nori rolls, miso soup, and arame salad (2014).

 

arame salad

nori rolls
 

 

Third Eye

     The Third Eye chakra is partial to the color purple and is the seat of our intuition and imagination.  Mosey states that with regard to food we must focus not only on our physical being, but are "intuitive eating" as well (2014).  What is it that our body is trying to tell us?  An example of intuitive eating is called cravings.  A blocked third eye lends us to crave chocolate, and while we may say "yeah!!" at this point, too much chocolate can over stimulate the mind due to its caffeine content (2014).  Certain spices such as chili, pepper, turmeric , and ginger assist in balancing this chakra.  The author tells us that we should focus on the purple-red foods like blueberries, plums, figs, and pomegranates.  It is within this chakra that we should pay attention to how what we eat affects our wellbeing.

blueberries

turmeric

Crown

     Through the crown chakra we are connected to the world and to all around us.  The crown is represented by the color white and when blocked , forces rigid thinking with a need to always be right.  Mosey notes that it is here where one must show gratitude for the food before them either through prayer or an eating ritual (2014).  There are no specific foods that nourish the crown other than giving thanks.

     The foods associated with each chakra provide us with a menu of wholesome items that can assist us in moving away from the processed, ready-to-eat meals to which we have become accustomed.  However, not every person can eat every food that has been discussed in this post.  Those with a pre-existing condition or who take prescription medications must consult with their primary care physician or a dietitian prior to a change in dietary intake.  Some foods may interfere with the actions of some drugs.  For example, those on the blood-thinning agent Coumadin, are discouraged from eating dark, green leafy vegetables as they contain Vitamin K, which encourages blood coagulation (thickening).  This is in direct opposition to the intended action of Coumadin.

This article is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to treat, diagnose, cure, or prevent disease. This article has not been reviewed by the FDA. Always consult with your primary care physician or naturopathic doctor before making any significant changes to your health and wellness routine. 

References

Mosey, T. (2014).  Chakra Nutrition.  Idea Fitness Journal, 11 (6), 38-45.

Chakras: What Happens When They Become Blocked or Imbalanced?

Last week, I introduced you to the concept of the chakra as a life force energy.   Eastern cultures have an awareness of these centers as being vital to our health and if imbalanced, sickness and disease may occur (2014).  Today we will discuss what happens when the chakras  become blocked or imbalanced.

Root

 

 

     Disruption of the root can lead to stress, anxiety, and restlessness.  According to ChakraEnergy.com,  one may suffer from anemia, depression, fatigue, low back pain, and even frequent colds.  Additionally,  joint pain and  a poor immune system may manifest.  A person may have fears of letting go, poor boundaries, or security issues (2014).

Sacral

 

 

     If the sacral chakra becomes imbalanced, a person may exhibit the following signs/symptoms: eating disorders, asthma, allergies, alcohol/drug abuse,  and Candida/yeast infections.  Other health issues include bladder problems, impotence, and lack of flexibility.  Jealousy, betrayal, and control may surface on an emotional or social level (2014).

Solar Plexus

 

 

     If a person has a block of the solar plexus they may develop digestive disorders, ulcers, diabetes, low energy, constipation, and nervousness.  Those that have a hot temper, are judgmental, fear change, demanding, or are sensitive to criticism fall into this category (2014).

Heart

 

     The heart is the gateway to the higher level chakras and energy must pass through here in order to assess the throat, third eye, and crown centers.  If the heart becomes blocked, we may be resentful, bitter, lack forgiveness, and experience guilt.  Physically, one may suffer from high blood pressure, respiratory disorders, cardiac issues, shortness of breath, and even tension between the shoulders (2014).

 

Throat

 

     The throat is responsible for clear voice and where we speak our inner truths.  If imbalanced, the voice will be weak and feelings incomprehensible.  We can suffer from fever; ear, nose, and throat disorders; problems with swallowing; and hormonal disorders like PMS and mood swings.  Also, a disruption may cause one to lie in order to get his/her way (2014).

Third Eye

 

     An unwell third eye may cause a person to be worrisome; have poor concentration and  learning disabilities; sleep disorders and neurological issues.  Additionally, fever, flu, infections, and headaches may also appear (2014).

Crown

 

     The blocked crown may represent as a confused, depressed, and uninspired person.  Signs of disruption include: epilepsy, skin rashes, varicose veins, sensitivity to light, and even amnesia.  A person may also have a fear of success due to this imbalance (2014).

     Complementary and alternative methods are designed to assist the body's natural healing ability.  However, there may be times when issues (such as described in this post) require traditional medical intervention.  It is essential that you speak with a licensed healthcare provider if you have signs and symptoms of a medical conditions such as heart disease, lung problems, or high blood pressure.  Please be sure to disclose to your doctor if you wish to explore alternative means such as reiki healing to balance you chakras, and never discontinue a prescribed treatment protocol/medication without his or her consent or agreement.

References

ChakraEnergy.com (2014).  The Seven Chakras.  Retrieved from http:// chakraenergy.com/seven.html on 6/24/2014.

Spiritual Growth Prophecies (2014).  The Seven Chakras.  Retrieved from http:// www.2012-spiritual-growth-prophecies.com/chakra-symbols.html on 6/24/2014.