Food brings people together. It can warm the heart and nourish more than just the body. So many foods bring back memories of love and family. For me, just thinking about my grandma’s egg noodles fills my heart with so much joy. Although egg noodles don’t do that for everyone, there are some foods that people unanimously feel that represent love from all over the world. Let’s explore the foods that were voted most likely to bring those special feelings to the dinner table.
- Chocolate: Alright, this one is a given. It makes your brain tingle and if eaten without all the added processed sugar, it is actually good for you! Chocolate releases dopamine, tryptophan and theobromine in the brain. This is quite a cocktail of feel good chemicals. Nothing says I love you like keeping your loved ones healthy and well fed.
- Strawberries: In Victorian times, there was a legend that if you broke a double strawberry in half, and shared it with another person, you both would fall in love forever. If you and your partner eat foods like fresh strawberries, forever could be a very long time! Strawberries help lower LDL cholesterol, blood pressure and are packed with nutrients and fiber.
- Lemons: In Italy, lemons can symbolize friendship and love. They are bright in color and flavor, offer healing properties and are extremely uplifting, just like love. Lemons are a great way to detox the body, offer an assortment of nutrients, and can add extra flavor without excess salt.
- Rosemary: “The remembrance plant.” Rosemary is sometimes used in weddings in the bride’s bouquet or veil to further memorialize the occasion. It is also sometimes placed in the bride and groom’s wine to help them remember their sacred vows. The smell of rosemary stirs up fond memories of loved ones for so many. When ingested, rosemary may also strengthen the immune system and improve blood circulation.
As you’re thinking about your Valentine’s Day treats this year, try incorporating some of these healthy foods into your feast or add your own version of grandma’s egg noodles. If you don’t have the time or energy to make something at home, please come by the Cuisine for Healing lobby and pick up one of our delicious delicacies. Our new chocolate coconut macaroon will make you feel warm and fuzzy! You can also skip the Valentine’s line altogether and get your special someone a customizable gift box filled with a combination of all Cuisine’s healthy immune boosting completely organic sweet delights!
Sources:
https://www.webmd.com/diet/features/nutritional-benefits-of-the-strawberry
https://medium.com/@hellobareburger/6-foods-that-symbolize-love-4fe3257eac1a
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/8-benefits-of-nuts#TOC_TITLE_HDR_9
https://www.herbco.com/s-2503-rosemary-for-remembrance.aspx
