Cooling food for the summer: balance with the 5 elements
According to Chinese 5-element theory, summer is part of the element of fire. Cooling foods and herbs help to remove excess heat and maintain balance, with attention to a strong digestive system.
Summer is the time of fire and warmth in the Chinese philosophy of the 5 elements. Summer is associated with the element of fire, which symbolises vitality, energy, and joy. But with the heat of the summer comes the challenge of keeping our bodies cool. That's why today we're focusing on the importance of cooling food and herbs to keep your body in balance during these warm months. Read on!
The 5 elements and summer
According to traditional Chinese medicine, the seasons are associated with the five elements: wood, fire, earth, metal, and water. Summer is dominated by the element of fire, which affects the heart and small intestine in our body. It is a time of growth, expansion and maximum Yang energy. However, the heat of the summer can also lead to overheating, dehydration and fatigue. That is why it is important to support our body with food and herbs that have a cooling effect.
Properties of cooling food
Food has energetic properties that can warm or cool our body. In summer, it is wise to choose foods that help to expel excess heat and replenish Yin energy. Here are some cooling food guidelines:
- Hydrating food:
- Watermelon: Rich in water and cooling.
- Cucumber: Contains a lot of water and has a cooling effect.
- Lettuce: Easy to digest and helps with hydration.
- Foods with a bitter taste:
- Green leafy vegetables such as spinach and endive: Help dissipate heat.
- Pomelo and Grapefruit: Refreshing and good for the digestive system.
- Foods with cool properties:
- Mint: Cools the body and refreshes the breath.
- Mung beans: Known for their cooling properties and good for detoxifying.
- Herbs and Spices:
- Peppermint: Cooling and refreshing.
- Chamomile: Calms and cools.
Dietary advice for the summer
Here's some practical summer dietary advice to keep your body cool and balanced:
Breakfast:
- Start the day with a watermelon, cucumber and mint smoothie. In addition to being refreshing, these ingredients help hydrate your body and expel excess heat.
Lunch:
- Opt for a salad of mixed green leafy vegetables, cucumber, radish, and avocado, with a light lemon and olive oil dressing. Optionally, add some mint leaves for extra refreshment.
Dinner:
- A light mung bean soup with spinach and carrot can help your body cool down and replenish your Yin energy. Add some camomile for an extra cooling effect.
Snacks:
- Fresh fruit such as pears, apples, and grapes are perfect as a summer snack. These fruits have a natural cooling effect and help with hydration.
Herbs to combat the heat
In addition to food, herbs can play a major role in regulating your body temperature. Here are some herbs you can use in the summer:
- Peppermint: Make a refreshing iced tea with peppermint to cool yourself off on a hot day.
- Chamomile: Drink a cup of chamomile tea before bed to calm and cool your body and mind.
- Coriander: Add coriander to salads and juices for a cooling effect.
Conclusion
Understanding the 5 elements and the season of fire can help you adjust your diet and lifestyle to function optimally. By incorporating cooling foods and herbs into your diet, you can better endure the summer heat and keep your energy in balance. Don't forget to also drink plenty of water and enjoy light, refreshing meals. This way, you'll not only stay cool, but you'll also support your overall health during the warm months.
Be careful if your digestive system is not so strong (frequent loose stools, bloating and/or a strong dip after eating). In this situation, it is good not to eat and drink too cold. Do these symptoms get worse after a cooling smoothie? Then it's more important to first strengthen your digestive system with mild warmth! See also this blog about an optimal digestion or this blog about heartburn.
