Food Can Balance Your Energy: Try a Cold Glass of Refreshing Cranberry Juice to Cool the Heat!
“Let food be thy medicine,and let medicinebe thy food.”
This famous quote is often attributed to Hippocrates, although there’s no actual proof he ever said it. But whoever did say it was brilliant! Everything we put in our bodies affects us, so not only can we nurture ourselves with food, we can heal and balance ourselves with it, too. It’s long been known that specific flavors support and balance each of the Five Element energies. Today, we once again honor the summer energy of Fire. The taste that balances Fire is bitterness and there are many great ways to include this flavor in our lives. Previously, we featured a tasty kale salad and a refreshing orange peel tea. For this post we are using the bitter flavor of cranberries to make a delicious cold drink!We’ve probably all heard that cranberries are good for us. But they aren’t just good for us, they are great for us! They contain a type of polyphenol known as type-A proanthocyanidins which can prevent bacteria from sticking to surfaces, including our surfaces! This may be beneficial for reducing bacterial tooth decay, lowering our risk of H. pyloriinfections in the stomach, and even preventing E. coliinfections in our gut and urinary tract. In addition to their antibacterial properties, cranberries are also incredibly rich in antioxidants. In fact, they contain the highest antioxidant concentration of 24 of the most commonly eaten fruits! This may explain why regular consumption of cranberry juice has been linked to better heart health, including reduced inflammation, blood sugar, blood pressure, and triglyceride levels.So, gather your ingredients and get ready to create a delightful cranberry juice drink courtesy of www.tasteofhome.com. Easy to prepare, this drink is equally yummy served hot or cold with breakfast, lunch, dinner, or snacks.
Refreshing Homemade Cranberry Juice
Ingredients
2 quarts water
8 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
1-1/2 cups sugar or alternative sweetener (adjust amount to taste)
½ cup lemon juice
½ cup orange juice
Directions
In a Dutch oven or large saucepan, bring water and cranberries to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer until berries begin to pop, usually 20 minutes.
Strain through a fine strainer, pressing mixture with a spoon, then discard (or compost) berries. Return cranberry juice to the pan. Stir in the sugar, lemon juice and orange juice. Bring to a boil; cook and stir until sugar is dissolved.
Remove from the heat. Cool. Transfer to a pitcher; cover and refrigerate until chilled.
Super easy, this nutritious and delicious recipe features the bitter taste of cranberries that helps cool our Fire energy and keep it in check.Enjoy!Vicki