Energy

Wait. Why am I thinking of Krispy Kremes? We’re supposed to be exercising. ~ Meg Cabot, Big Boned

Energy

Western researches usually don’t recognize human energy as a scientific quantifier. In other words, because there is no accurate way to measure human energy or describe it (as there is with machines) there are few studies on it. And yet, it’s difficult to deny the transfer of energy between newborns and their mothers, or the energizing power of a well-timed hug or a kind word. Acupuncture, kinesiology, and even chiropractics all deal with human energies.

The average adult has much energy stored in the fat of their body as a one-ton battery!* A good thing to know as we gear up for the holidays. Because of it scientists around the world are looking for ways to harness that energy. Some ideas along those lines include a gym in Portland, Oregon which would harness the energy of its clients a they work out to power the facility and a dance club in the Netherlands that has built a special floor to take advantage of clubbers’ dance energy to power its facility. There’s also a new invention stateside that takes advantage of the electromagnetic energy in eyes to flip a switch and will soon be applied to a variety of different electronics!

Whether you’re using your energy to power your home or just your body the following foods will be of great help.

Foods of Interest

Amaranth is an ancient herb and grain with a nut-like flavor. Long ago the Hopi people used the rich red flowers to dye ceremonial robes. Many cultures still associate red with energy and speed. Think red sports cars! Tea from the grain relieves gas and will ease queasy stomachs. Red peppers or ground chilies create a chemical reaction in the body when eaten that produce endorphins filling the body with extra energy. Spice peppers relieve allergies, congestion, and increase metabolism. Caraway seeds are attached to a long line of home remedies—which helps explain why they’re associated with energy. Healthy people have more of it! They not only aid in digestion and relieve gas, they also sooth colic and cure earaches. European traditions often speak of filling a small cloth full of caraway seeds and placing it under a baby’s cradle to protect him or her from harm.  Some magical circles believe that cinnamon gives those that eat it the power to change anything. The spice comes from the bark of a tree in the laurel family. In ancient Egypt it was one of the key oils used in mummification. (Can you say yummy mummy?) Cinnamon is known to raise the energy of the crown chakra and is also sacred in Hebrew and Greek rituals. It is also said to raise spiritual energy and increase the powers of any herb mixed with it. Because cinnamon is a stimulant it works wonders as a pick-me-up tea. Garlic is one of the oldest herbs on record. As I’ve mentioned in previous blogs, it’s been used as far back as 3000 BC! It’s a member of the lily family and cousin of the onion but few plants pack as much punch into one little bulb. It was used to treat leprosy for centuries and thought to prevent anthrax in cows as well. As a first aid option it can be used to treat bruising, swelling, and wounds. Garlic is also gives strength to those who consume it. As a proven antibiotic it reduces blood pressure and cholesterol. Ginger is like cinnamon in that it is believed to increase the powers of other herbs it is coupled with. Chewing ginger is said to release energy amplifiers into the body to increase power. It is known for curing hangovers, headaches, motion sickness as well as general nausea. Nutmeg is the dried fruit, which can be ground into a spice. Like cinnamon it was often used in mummification. It is also known for improving joint health. But most importantly it is used for attracting joy and happiness, which often spur higher levels of energy!

Recipe

My husband and I share cooking responsibilities. One of his favorite recipes when I cook is my curry. This is another one that I make by taste. It’s just one of those things I’ve never written down until now. It could be that non-conformist streak in me, or maybe it’s my attempt to conserve my energy for other endeavors:) In any case, I was pleased to realize it’s a natural energy booster incorporating nearly all the energy herbs I’ve mentioned.

Curry

3 lbs pork roast cubed

1 can coconut milk (12 oz)

¼ C chicken broth

1 C fresh cilantro (chopped)

1 green onion

1 T fresh ginger, grated

5 garlic minced

1 stalk lemon grass, finely chopped

1 shallot, minced

olive oil

1 ½ curry

1 t mace

½ t turmeric

2 t paprika

¼ t cinnamon

¼ t nutmeg

¼ t black pepper

½ t cayenne

½ t cumin

Directions:

Cube pork. Brown with olive oil on the stove. When the meat is cooked set aside. In the same pan add a little more olive oil (enough to brown new ingredients) and add garlic, shallot, ginger, and lemon grass. Cook until tender and slightly translucent.

Add coconut milk and mix all ingredients well. When everything is mixed add the chicken broth. Add all spices and mix well. Add cilantro and cook down for five minutes. Add pork cubes and mix well. Let the curry simmer for 15-20 minutes to absorb the flavors. Serve over rice.

*"Harvesting Energy From Humans." Popular Science. N.p., 29 Jan. 2009. Web. 06 Nov. 2012. <http://www.popsci.com/environment/article/2009-01/harvesting-energy-humans?page=2>.