With the motto, “The way to the heart is through the stomach,” Ms. Izawa proposes recipes to maintain physical and mental well-being through daily meals.
In Yakuzen (traditional Japanese medicine), it is believed that there are emotions corresponding to the five organs (liver, heart, spleen, lungs, and kidneys, which are the five functions of the body),
and eating ingredients that support each of the five organs can also help with mental health.
Spring is the season of the “liver,” which promotes detoxification and manages stress.
One of the things that helps the function of the “liver” is “ingredients with a good aroma.”
Fresh citrus fruits are a prime example.
She taught us a simple salad recipe using grapefruit, which can also brighten up our minds.
Key Ingredient: Grapefruit
Spring is said to be the season of the “liver,” which promotes detoxification and manages stress, among the five organs (five functions of the body).
Enhancing liver function allows for the smooth flow of “qi” and “blood,” distributing energy throughout the body and maintaining mental stability.
One of the things that helps the function of the “liver” is “ingredients with a good aroma.”
The aroma helps this “circulation,” and fresh citrus fruits are a prime example.
Grapefruit, which can also brighten up our minds, is the perfect ingredient for stress relief.
RECIPE
“Grapefruit and Avocado Salad” for Stress Relief
In traditional Chinese medicine, the stagnation of “qi” is called “qi stagnation,” but refreshing grapefruit is a special remedy for relieving qi stagnation.
It is a reliable ingredient that lifts your spirits and relieves irritability.
Avocado, known for its high nutritional value, is packed with vitamin E, an antioxidant that is effective in preventing aging.
Add shio-koji (salted rice malt) to regulate the intestines and ensure proper digestion and absorption.
Ingredients (for 2 servings)
Grapefruit … 1
Avocado … 2
Shio-koji (salted rice malt) … a little over 1 teaspoon
Coarsely ground black pepper … to taste
- Cut the avocado in half, remove the seed, peel, and cut into easy-to-eat pieces. Place in a bowl.
- Wash the grapefruit well with water (with the peel on), and wipe off the water. Cut off the top and bottom, peel, and cut along the segments to remove the fruit one by one. Mix with the avocado.
- Add shio-koji, mix quickly, and serve in a bowl. Sprinkle with pepper.
POINT
When removing the grapefruit segments,
do it over the bowl with the avocado in it.
This way, even if the juice drips down, it can be fully utilized,
and it also prevents the avocado from discoloring.
Have a try!
If you can circulate your qi with aroma, you can also change your mood.
