East Asian Medicine (EAM) focuses very heavily on food as medicine. And within that concept, the thermodynamics of the food is where attention should be paid because the temperature of the foods we eat can impact our overall health.
Generally speaking, foods that are at either end of the thermodynamic spectrum can be detrimental when over indulged. An example is how Americans have a tendency to add ice to almost everything. Or how the spicier / hotter trend has taken hold in our food system. A little of something, here and there, usually doesn’t cause a problem. But drinking iced beverages every day or eating foods that are spiced so much that your face feels like it might melt off, can really mess up your body over time. And over consumption of cold foods is generally worse because it takes longer for the body to correct this type of imbalance.
In East Asian Medicine (EAM), it is generally recommended to eat warming foods instead of those that are overly cold. Cold foods can inhibit the digestive function and negatively affect the metabolism of food. In EAM, each organ is assigned functions. The spleen and stomach are said to transform food and fluid into nutrition and distribute it to the body. And in the cold winter months, when our bodies need to maintain heat, it is especially helpful to eat warming foods. A warm apple bowl satisfies sweet cravings, will keep you warm on a cold day and keep your digestion happy.
Many of the ingredients in this recipe have medicinal properties and the recipe is also full of protein and good fats. Here is the EAM interpretation of the medicinal properties of the ingredients:
Apple – nourishes the spleen and lungs, regulates blood sugar and strengthens the immune system.
Coconut Oil – benefits lung and spleen function, boosts the immune system and has anti-inflammatory properties.
Cinnamon (Rou Gui) – a warming herb that acts as a tonic for the kidneys and spleen.
Honey (Feng Mi) – another warming herb that benefits the spleen, moistens the lungs, stops a cough and can help with constipation.
Sea Salt – benefits the kidneys.
Almond butter – (in small amounts) nurtures the spleen, reduces phlegm and alleviates a cough.
Pomegranate seed (Shi Liu Zi) – supports the spleen and lung, supports immunity and treats a sore throat and cough.
Hemp seed (Huo Ma Ren) – relieves constipation, can induce sleep, relieves pain and can treat nausea.
Now that you have an idea of what this delicious concoction can do for your body, here’s what you need and how to prepare it:
INGREDIENTS
2 tsp coconut oil
2 apples, unpeeled, cored and chopped into 1-inch pieces. Any variety will do
1/2 cup filtered water
1 Tbsp raw honey
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
Pinch sea salt
Optional:
1 Tbsp nut butter
Toppings:
Pomegranate seeds
Hemp seeds
DIRECTIONS
Warm the coconut oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the apple chunks and sauté until lightly golden brown on all sides. Add the water, honey, cinnamon and salt and increase the heat so the liquid simmers, stirring the apples occasionally. Cook until the liquid is almost evaporated, about 4 to 5 minutes. (Apples should be tender, but not falling apart). Serve the apples in a bowl, drizzle with almond butter and top with pomegranate and / or hemp seeds.
This bowl of deliciousness can be eaten as a dessert, as a topping for oatmeal or as a sweet midday snack. It’s a nice healthy alternative that is easily made and highly recommended for the colder winter months, as well as for those with colder constitutions. Give it a try!