Food energetics is a concept that takes into account the energetic properties of different foods and how they can affect our bodies and minds. This approach to food looks beyond simply the nutritional value of what we eat and considers the energetic impact on our bodies. By paying attention to food energetics, it’s possible to gain a deeper understanding of how different foods can impact our overall health and well-being.
So what exactly are food energetics? Essentially, it’s the idea that different foods have unique qualities that can be classified into five main categories: hot, warm, neutral, cool, and cold. These categorizations take into account the effects the food has on our bodies when we eat it, such as how it affects our digestion, metabolism, and energy levels.
Hot foods, for example, are said to have a warming effect on the body and are thought to help boost energy levels. These foods are typically high in spices, such as chili peppers, or ingredients that are warming in nature, like ginger. They are believed to stimulate digestion and help the body eliminate waste and toxins.
Warm foods are thought to have a similar impact as hot foods but are less intense. These foods tend to be a little gentler on the body, but still provide a boost of energy. Warm foods include ingredients such as cinnamon and cardamom.
Neutral foods are considered to be in between warm and cool foods. They are thought to have a balanced effect on the body and do not stimulate or suppress digestion and metabolism in any particular way. Foods such as bananas and sweet potatoes are considered to be neutral.
Cool foods, on the other hand, are believed to have a calming effect on the body and are thought to help regulate digestion and metabolism. These foods are typically high in water content, such as cucumbers, and are believed to help reduce inflammation and promote hydration.
Finally, cold foods are considered to be the most cooling and have a more intense effect on the body. These foods are typically high in sugar and are thought to slow down digestion and metabolism. Foods like ice cream and fruit juices are considered to be cold.
It’s worth noting that while the concept of food energetics is not widely accepted within mainstream medicine, there is some evidence to support it. For example, a study published in the Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism found that certain foods, such as chili peppers, can increase metabolic rate and boost energy levels.
Incorporating food energetics into your diet can have a number of potential benefits. For example, by focusing on warm and hot foods, it may be possible to boost your energy levels and improve digestion. Paying attention to cool and cold foods can help regulate your digestion and metabolism and promote hydration.
Overall, while the concept of food energetics may not be conventional, it can still provide a useful framework for understanding how different foods can impact our bodies and well-being. By paying attention to the energetic properties of different foods, it may be possible to achieve a more balanced and healthy diet.
References:
- Magno, E. P., Gao, Y., et al. (2015). “The Effect of Capsaicin on Energy Balance.” Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism, vol. 2015, pp. 1-9.
- Osban, J., et al. (2018). “The effect of food on digestion: A review of the literature.” Journal of Digestive Diseases, vol. 19, pp. 1-11.
- Kim, H. (2019). “The role of hydration in digestive health.” Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, vol. 34, pp. 110