5 Things to Eat This Summer

Summer is a bountiful time full of deliciously fresh, perfectly ripe fruits and vegetables. If you have ever tasted a vine-ripened tomato, you know first-hand just how tasty and nutritious this season’s food is! In addition to providing the most nutritious options, eating with the seasons is both environmentally and economically beneficial for your local community.

THE IMPORTANCE OF Summer SEASON ACCORDING to TCM

According to the Five Element Theory in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), summer belongs to the fire element. The organ associated with the fire element is the heart which, from a TCM perspective, is directly related to our mental health. When we are in balance, we exhibit joy – the primary emotion relating to the fire element. We feel happy and generally have a clear and calm mind. We sleep well and don’t have anxious thoughts. When we feel out of balance, however, we may experience feelings of depression, anxiety, mania, heart palpitations, insomnia, and an overall lack of joy.

Summer heat can consume our body’s fluids (i.e. yin and blood) and can also elevate our levels of heat. This is the time to incorporate cooling and hydrating foods into your diet as your body craves lighter foods during this season.

For your mental and emotional health, consider water activities such as swimming, surfing, and paddle boarding to help balance the fire element. Make time for activities that bring you joy this season and spend time with people who bring laughter into your life.

A BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO SEASONAL EATING

Farmers markets are a great way to find the most seasonal and highest quality food. Another option is to join a CSA, or community supported agriculture, and have a box of seasonal foods from a local farm shipped directly to you. What a great way to source the highest quality produce and support your local small farms!

A wonderful local CSA Saffron and Sage loves is W.D Dickinson Farms, a veteran founded, owned and operated small plot urban farm located in San Diego South Bay. They organically grow heirloom fruit, vegetables, herbs, medicinal and dye plants.

FOOD AS MEDICINE: 5 BEST FOODS FOR SUMMER

Consume the following foods for their cooling and hydrating benefits throughout this season:

1) Watermelon – Known as Xi Gua in pin yin. Watermelon will counteract summer heat symptoms and help decrease thirst. Chop up fresh watermelon cubes and add mint for an additional cooling effect. Or drink watermelon juice after a workout for a hydration boost.

2) Cucumber– Also cooling and hydrating. Try adding cucumbers to your favorite salad or cut up slices to add to your water.

3) Arugula – In TCM, the bitter taste of arugula helps to clear heat from our bodies. Arugula is a great addition to salads and can even be used in pesto dressings for a different twist!

4) Chrysanthemum – Chrysanthemum is cooling and bitter. Having this tea on hand will help prevent dehydration and keep you cool this summer.

5) Summer Squash– Squash is also cooling in nature and can help quench thirst.

SUMMER: THE SEASON FOR GROWTH AND SPIRITUALITY

Summer is ruled by the Fire element and is expressed in nature as well as in the physical body. This is a season for growth, expansion, light, and abundance. Summer is the manifestation of all we have been cultivating throughout the spring.

Take this time to embrace your feelings of enthusiasm and warmth in your human relationships. How can you find a healthy balance between your heart and your mind? Remember, the heart is the “seat” of the mind; love is its highest expression.

If you would like to learn more about how to eat seasonally and specifically for your element according to TCM, contact Saffron and Sage today to book a nutritional therapy session or acupuncture treatment at Saffron and Sage. Book Now

Maciocia, G. (2015). The foundations of Chinese medicine: A comprehensive text. Elsevier.