Nutritional Healing Part 5: Healing Foods from Around the World

Mike

1 year ago

Introduction – Nutritional Healing Part 5

With the growing fascination surrounding Do It Yourself (DIY) therapies, people are increasingly exploring the realm of traditional healing deeply rooted in religious and philosophical beliefs. Throughout history, a plethora of foods and spices have served as therapeutic remedies. For instance, ginger has been used for aiding digestion and alleviating nausea, while cassia was utilized in 4th century B.C. China to combat depression and improve blood circulation. The ancient Egyptians turned to honey for wound dressings, while Greeks incorporated onions into their diets for their healing properties, and Romans harnessed the nutritional attributes of garlic for enhanced vigor. Meanwhile, Mesoamerican civilizations held chile peppers in high regard for their effectiveness in treating headaches and pain.

It’s important to note that in traditional healing, the use of foods is not arbitrary; rather, they are integral components of a holistic health system. Whether it’s Ayurveda, Chinese traditional medicine, folk medicine, Mayan healing, or Unani Tib, traditional healing underscores the importance of disease prevention through the pursuit of mental, physical, and emotional harmony with the environment, which includes a focus on dietary practices and food choices. In addition, traditional dietary healing takes into consideration an individual’s personality, age, metabolism, and seasonal factors to achieve optimal health. The selection of ingredients, cooking methods, and meal presentation all play vital roles in the realm of traditional medicine.

Nutritional Healing Foods Around the World

Since ancient times, different cultures around the world have used nature’s bounty to not only feed and nourish, but to incorporate into traditional remedies, which formed the basis of local medical practice. Many of the first modern medicines were based upon these traditional remedies derived from natural substances. Here’s a brief overview of the history of nutritional healing from different parts of the world:

Ancient India:

Ayurveda, the time-honored alternative medicine system originating from India, is dedicated to the preservation and enhancement of health and well-being through dietary practices. At times, Ayurveda is referred to as the “yogic science,” as it complements yoga’s physical exercises, which aim to build strength, resilience, and maintain the body through both physical and mental techniques.
The science of Ayurveda places a strong emphasis on nurturing the inner workings of one’s spiritual and internal organs, which is why nutrition plays a pivotal role within this ancient system. Astonishingly, after more than 7,000 years of accumulated wisdom passed down through generations, it remains a vital component of the healthcare landscape in India. In fact, according to the National Institutes of Health, approximately 80% of Indians on the Asian continent continue to incorporate a blend of traditional and modern medical practices, which notably includes Ayurveda.
Today, Ayurveda emphasizes the importance of a balanced diet. Foods like turmeric, ginger, and ghee have been used for their anti-inflammatory and digestive properties for thousands of years.

China:

For countless centuries, Chinese physicians and scholars have diligently chronicled their quest to enhance the well-being and longevity of both their families and patients. Their approach to medicinal therapy was built upon the understanding that most foods possess inherent medicinal properties, certain medicinal substances can also serve as nourishing sustenance, and the diverse tastes of these substances directly correspond to distinct medicinal and energetic attributes. This symbiotic relationship was termed the “Food Medicine of Shared Origin,” forming the foundational principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) in nutrition and therapeutic practices.
Historical records vividly illustrate that as far back as the early Shang Dynasty (1766-1154 BC), individuals were already harnessing the power of herbs through cooking to combat diseases. These ancestral traditions showcased a deep-seated appreciation for the medicinal attributes of food in the realms of disease prevention and treatment.
Today, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) advocates a diet based on the principles of Yin and Yang. Foods like ginseng, goji berries, and green tea have been used to promote balance, boost immunity, and treat specific conditions.

Mediterranean Region:

The traditional eating habits around the Mediterranean Sea, while varying in specifics among countries and cultures, share common elements. The Mediterranean diet is characterized by a plant-based cuisine featuring vegetables, fruits, cereals, nuts, and legumes, often cooked with ample olive oil. It includes moderate consumption of fish, seafood, and dairy, while limiting meat and alcohol (primarily red wine). This unique dietary pattern has evolved over millennia due to the interaction between natural resources and the human population. In recent times, it has become a valuable medical tool in the modern world.
The Mediterranean diet has been linked to lower rates of heart disease and better overall health. The consumption of garlic, known for its antimicrobial properties, is also a significant part of this diet.

Native American Cultures:

Upon his initial voyage into the Bahama archipelago, Christopher Columbus was under the impression that he had arrived in Asia, hence the term “Indian” for the Native Americans. However, it swiftly became evident that he had ventured into an entirely uncharted New World, replete with unfamiliar populations, plant life, and wildlife. One of the most significant repercussions for Old World culture was the swift introduction of novel ornamental and food plants from the New World.
In a relatively short span of time, the novel foods originating from the Americas found their way into global culinary traditions. Staples like corn, potatoes, diverse varieties of beans and squashes, peppers, tomatoes, and an array of other foods were swiftly incorporated into the cuisines of the entire world.
Though this article is focused upon nutritional healing, it is worth noting that while there are individual tribal practices, there are also shared health beliefs and interventional strategies, including a health promotion foundation that embraces bio-psycho-socio-spiritual approaches and traditions.
Concerning diet specifically, indigenous peoples of North and South America have long relied on foods like chia seeds, wild game, and various fruits and vegetables for their healing properties. These foods are often used to address both physical and spiritual well-being.

Japan:

The traditional Japanese diet is characterized by unprocessed seasonal foods presented in an array of small servings. This approach highlights the inherent flavors of each dish rather than concealing them with heavy sauces or seasonings. The diet primarily centers around steamed rice, noodles, fish, tofu, natto, seaweed, and a variety of fresh, cooked, or pickled fruits and vegetables. Notably, it maintains a low presence of added sugars and fats. While eggs, dairy, and meat may also be included, they typically constitute a minor portion of the overall diet.
Japanese cuisine also includes fermented foods like miso, natto, and kimchi, which support gut health and have immune-boosting properties. Seaweed, a staple in Japanese diets, is rich in minerals and antioxidants.

Examples of Nutritional Healing With Foods

Turmeric (India):

Turmeric is not only a spice but also a symbol of prosperity in Indian culture. It’s used in curries, teas, and medicinal pastes to reduce inflammation and improve digestion.

Ginseng (China):

Ginseng is considered a powerful tonic in TCM and is often used to boost energy, strengthen the immune system, and promote overall vitality.

Olive Oil (Mediterranean):

Olive oil is central to Mediterranean cuisine and is associated with longevity and heart health. It’s not just a source of healthy fats but also deeply embedded in the region’s culture.

Wild Game (Native American):

Traditional game meats like bison and venison are not only nutritious but also sustainably sourced. They are emblematic of the connection between indigenous cultures and nature.

Miso (Japan):

Miso, a fermented soybean paste, is a staple in Japanese cooking. It’s known for its probiotic benefits, aiding in digestion and supporting gut health.

Recipes and Cooking Tips

Turmeric Golden Milk (India):

Ingredients: 1 cup milk (dairy or plant-based), 1/2 tsp turmeric, 1/4 tsp black pepper, honey to taste.
Instructions: Heat the milk, add turmeric and pepper, stir well, and sweeten with honey. Drink as a soothing, anti-inflammatory beverage.

Ginseng Chicken Soup (China):

Ingredients: Chicken, ginseng root, ginger, garlic, and various herbs.
Instructions: Simmer all ingredients in a pot to make a nourishing soup with immune-boosting properties.

Mediterranean Salad (Mediterranean):

Ingredients: Fresh vegetables, olives, feta cheese, olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs.
Instructions: Combine fresh ingredients and dress with olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs for a refreshing and heart-healthy salad.

Bison Chili (Native American):

Ingredients: Ground bison, tomatoes, beans, chili spices, and vegetables.
Instructions: Cook the ingredients into a flavorful and nutritious chili, celebrating the tradition of using game meats.

Miso Soup (Japan):

Ingredients: Miso paste, seaweed, tofu, scallions, and dashi (optional).
Instructions: Mix miso paste with hot water, add seaweed, tofu, and scallions for a traditional Japanese soup.

Conclusion

Incorporating these healing foods into a modern diet can be a delicious and healthful way to connect with diverse cultures and their rich traditions of using food as medicine. You will find that many of these foods and their related ingredients have found their way into not on the traditional foods of their respective cultures, but into modern versions of Indian, Chinese, Mediterranean, New World and Far East cuisines. This is discussed further in a book, titled “Eating from Our Roots”, that I highlight in the Books and Other Resources section below.

Books and Other Resources

Eating from Our Roots: 80+ Healthy Home-Cooked Favorites from Cultures Around the World *

A love letter to the amazing diversity of the nourishing, flavorful heritage dishes in the United States and around the world, featuring 80+ delicious, healthy recipes—from a registered dietitian and nutritionist

“I intend for this book to be your first step of many in decolonizing your plate, exploring your own cultural roots around food, welcoming heritage and traditional ways of eating into your home, and discovering the amazing flavors from cultures around the world.”—Maya Feller, from the Introduction

Article Sources

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