• Article Author: Red Jen
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February 2011 – Eat for Love? 5 Surprisingly Seasonal and Sensual Foods

You know greens are good for you right? I mean in terms of our overall health, we all know that eating greens is a great way to fight cancer, get more fiber, and fill up on vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients without breaking the calorie bank.  But, did you also know that eating green foods can actually help heal your heart?  Yes, scientific research shows that specific nutrients like folate and antioxidants in green vegetables help fight cardiovascular disease, and minerals like potassium help lower blood pressure, etc.  But, from a yogic perspective, the energy center or “Chakra” that resides in your heart is actually represented by the color green.  Thus, eating foods in this same color frequency can help balance your heart –or Anahata- chakra. 

Coincidentally, the seed sound, or Bija Mantra, for this energy center sounds like “yum.”  So, it’s no wonder that when we are sad or heartbroken, we crave comfort foods.  Come on, you know that eating ice cream is much more about the taste on your tongue.  We tend to gravitate towards these yummy foods because they are usually associated with a memory back when we were little, say for instance  when our dad took us to get ice cream, or mom made us her famous home-made mac’n cheese.  The tastes of these comfort foods connect to emotional memories present in our heart center, thus making them taste oh-so much better!

So, with Valentine’s Day approaching, I wanted to share with you some seasonal green foods that will not only balance your heart chakra, but may also have aphrodisiac-like effects. Sure, by now you’ve heard that oysters, chocolate and chilies have aphrodisiac qualities, but you’ll find some surprises below:

1.       Asparagus – Legend has it that it’s the phallic shape of the spears that stirs up lust and the imagination. But its high nutrient value and especially high concentration of vitamin E purportedly stimulates sex hormones.   Harvest begins in February and peaks through spring.  I love it simply steamed with a fried egg on top for supper or for a heart-warming variation, try rolling the spears in some olive oil, sea salt and pepper, and roast them in the oven at about 400 degrees for 10 minutes – an entirely different flavor experience!  Eat the spears with your fingers for additional sensory impact!

2.       Avocado - A study conducted by the California Avocado Commission of psychologists, nutritionists and scientists found that more than six out of ten respondents believe eating avocadoes may encourage feelings of romance.  Super high in the phytochemical glutathione, eating avocadoes may help neutralize free radicals that can cause cell damage in the body and lead to cancer and heart disease.   Even the Aztecs and Mayans believed avocadoes to be aphrodisiacs back in 200 B.C., so with the history and science to support it, I’ll be enjoying these on Valentine’s Day in a salad with some gorgeous blood oranges!  With 90% of the nations avocadoes coming from California, we are lucky to have an abundance available nearly all year long.

3.       Celery – While celery’s phallic form may be visually inspiring, its content of androsterone may be the key culprit in its aphrodisiac effects.  This phtyochemical is the pheromone typically secreted from male sweat glands that reportedly triggers sexual arousal in women. Thus, the look and scent of celery may increase sexual stimulation.  Good news: harvest season here in SoCal is November through mid-July.  I’ll be enjoying my celery in a salad with green apples, walnuts and honey-mustard vinaigrette.

4.       Green Garlic – While the dried bulbs are available all year, in early spring we are lucky to get “green garlic,” which is harvested before the cloves begin to mature.  It looks like a spring onion or scallion with long green stalks and a pale white bulb, but it’s actually spring garlic – smells bright and zippy as you might imagine.  Garlic contains a high concentration of allicin, which helps increase blood flow and may thereby improve libido and sexual performance.  Any garlic will do, but try the green garlic becoming available now to also get the balancing effects for your heart chakra.   You can replace garlic cloves or scallions in any recipe with green garlic, just trim the root end and use all the white and tender parts of the greens. 

5.       Rosemary – Extremely high in iron, calcium, and Vitamin B6, eating rosemary helps stimulate the immune system, improves digestion, increases circulation, and may even boost libido.  Besides the obvious impact of increased circulation to the sexual organs, increased blood flow to the brain may also help clear and focus the mind, leading to greater sexual arousal.  Plus, it just smells so good!  Historically, the scent of rosemary has been reputed to strengthen memory and was often used as part of amorous events as an emblem of fidelity.  Try fresh rosemary chopped into tomato sauce or place whole sprigs underneath chicken while cooking on the grill or baking in the oven.  Rosemary is all around us in California, and while out walking, I’ll often grab a few needles, rub them together to release the oils, and then rub them on my skin. Nature’s best perfume!

Some say food is love, or love is food.  Regardless which you believe, on this Valentine’s Day or any day you want to feel more love, get out to the farmers’ market or garden, pick up some fresh green foods and get cooking.  Include combinations of asparagus, avocado, celery, garlic and rosemary to create “yummy” dishes to enjoy and inspire more love as a result.  Besides, when you take time to prepare food for yourself, you’ll only have more energy and love to share.  Have a heart-healthy Valentine’s Day, and save the chocolate for dessert!

The Farmers’ Corner brought to you by Red Jen Ford, Certified Holistic Health Coach and Yoga Instructor.  As Manager of the Westwood Farmers’ Market, located in the Vets’ Garden and open Thursdays from Noon to 5 PM, Jen teaches her customers and busy clients the simplicity of eating local, sustainably grown food.  Starting with incredibly fresh and tasty ingredients makes putting a healthy meal on the table quick and easy.  Learn to savor the season and make small changes to live a fabulous, healthy and more balanced life! 

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