March 29, 2024 Breaking News, Latest News, and Videos

Dr. MAO’s WELLNESS CENTRAL: Joyful Summer and a Healthy Heart

The season of summer corresponds to the fire element and according to Chinese medicine the heart and cardiovascular system. Generally, people are much more physically active during the summer months, than any other months so it may not be surprising that many people become susceptible to symptoms of heart disease in the summer due to overexertion, overheating, and dehydration. However summer is also an opportunity to strengthen and revitalize your heart through appropriately paced cardiovascular exercises, joyful attitude, and heart-healthy eating.

Heart disease is currently one of the highest-ranked causes of early mortality in adults. There are many factors involved in heart health. Besides regular exercise, mental attitude and diet are among the most important.

Happy Mind Begets Healthy Heart

Since the heart tissue consists of more nerve cells than muscle cells what you feel emotionally actually takes place in your heart. So when poets lament love loss and the aching heart they are stressing their hearts out. Studies confirm that depressed and melancholic people are twice as likely to develop heart disease than non-depressed people. Likewise, joy and laughter are emotions that benefit the heart and reduce risk for developing heart disease and stroke. So dust off your favorite comedy shows or get together with happy friends for a laugh-fest that will make your heart very happy too!

An Apple a Day Keeps

the Heart Doctor Away

Studies have confirmed that apples significantly contribute to a healthy heart. In fact, eating two to three apples per day results in decreased cholesterol levels due to the fruit’s rich pectin content. Pectin also helps prevent colon cancer; you can think of it as a broom that sweeps our intestines. Munching apples is one snack temptation that is healthy to give in to!

Dr. Mao’s Braised Chicory with Red Wine Vinegar: A Heart-Healthy Side Dish

Serves 4

Chicory is a vegetable eaten in Asia and parts of Europe. In the United States, the root is more commonly roasted and brewed as a coffee substitute but it is also delicious when braised as a vegetable. Chicory contains a compound called inulin that has been found to be useful in preventing and treating congestive heart failure.

It is also helpful with lowering cholesterol and slow hardening of arteries. Similar benefits can be derived from vinegar, which is used as part of this simple but tasty recipe. Enjoy a new vegetable that not only satisfies your taste buds but also makes your heart strong and healthy.

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 8 chicory heads, trimmed

• 1/3 cup chicken stock

• 2 tsp red wine vinegar

• 1 tsp maple syrup

• 2 tbsp walnut oil

• 1 tbsp finely chopped chives, for garnish

Directions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over moderate heat. Add chicory and lightly brown on all sides. Add stock, vinegar, and maple syrup; bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer, covered, until tender, about 30 minutes. Uncover and continue to simmer until nearly all the liquid had evaporated. It depends on the heat setting, but generally, on low heat, it will take 10 to 15 minutes for full evaporation.

2. To serve: Ladle into bowls, drizzle with walnut oil and garnish with chives, if desired.

Chinese Herbs for Heart Health

There are three aspects to healthy heart function. First the blood supply to the heart muscles must be unimpeded to ensure abundant oxygen and nutrients. Second the heart organ itself must be strong and able to withstand physically and emotional demands place upon it. And last the rhythm of the heart must be regular and consistent in order to transport critical nutrients and oxygen to the rest of the body. Chinese medicine has long recognized these three aspects of optimum heart function and traditional herbal formulas have been carefully put together to support healthy function of the heart. One such formula is the heart formula, which combines herbs like schisandra berry, codonopsis and ophiopogonis. For more information about the formula, go to www.taostar.com

Enjoy your summer with a healthy and joyful heart! May you live long, live strong, and live happy!

Dr. Mao Shing Ni, popularly known as Dr. Mao, is a bestselling author, doctor of Oriental Medicine and board certified anti-aging expert. He practices acupuncture, nutrition and Chinese medicine with his associates at the Tao of Wellness in Santa Monica, a Wellness Medicine group that won the “L.A.’s Best” Award. Dr. Mao and his brother, Dr. Daoshing Ni founded Tao of Wellness in Santa Monica over 25 years ago. In addition, he is the cofounder and Chancellor of Yo San University in Venice/Marina del Rey. To subscribe to a free newsletter please visit www.taoofwellness.com To make an appointment for evaluation and treatment please call 310.917.2200 or you can email Dr. Mao at contact@taoofwellness.com

Related Posts

Film Review: Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One

July 19, 2023

July 19, 2023

FILM REVIEWMISSION IMPOSSIBLE – DEAD RECKONING PART ONERated PG-13163 MinutesReleased July 11th The story in this “Mission: Impossible” chapter, “Dead...

Film Review: Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny

July 5, 2023

July 5, 2023

FILM REVIEWINDIANA JONES AND THE DIAL OF DESTINYRated PG-13154 MinutesReleased June 30th The director of Indiana Jones and the Dial...

Film Review: Past Lives

June 27, 2023

June 27, 2023

FILM REVIEWPAST LIVESRated PG-13105 MinutesLimited Releases June 2nd and June 9th, Full Release June 23rd The Korean concept of “In...

Film Review: Sanctuary

June 8, 2023

June 8, 2023

FILM REVIEWSANCTUARYRated R96 MinutesReleased May 19th In my humble estimation, this is one of the best movies of the year....

Film Review: The Little Mermaid

June 2, 2023

June 2, 2023

FILM REVIEWTHE LITTLE MERMAIDRated PG135 MinutesReleased May 26th With today’s technological developments, a live-action The Little Mermaid is not only...

A Riveting Revival of the Pulitzer Prize-Winning “A Soldier’s Play” Now Playing At The Ahmanson Theatre

May 31, 2023

May 31, 2023

On Stage With… Murder mysteries, whether cinematic or theatrical, are one of the most popular subjects. The list is quite...

Film Review: Chevalier

May 12, 2023

May 12, 2023

By Kathryn Boole  RATED PG-13107 MinutesReleased April 21, 2023 Chevalier is based on the true story of a historical figure...

Ballet at the Broad Stage Memorial Weekend – Meet the Talent!

May 10, 2023

May 10, 2023

Westside Ballet of Santa Monica returns to the Broad Stage with special guest artists kicking off Friday May 26th with...

Elizabeth McGovern Lights Up The Stage in “Ava – The Secret Conversations”

April 26, 2023

April 26, 2023

Play About Legendary Screen Star Runs Until May 14 At The Geffen Playhouse By Beverly Cohn Ava Gardner, born Ava...

Unconventional Art Festival “The Other Art Fair” Returns to Santa Monica This Weekend

March 31, 2023

March 31, 2023

140 independent artists, immersive installations, performances, DJs, and a fully stocked bar await visitors at Barker Hangar The Other Art...

Samohi Theatre’s “The Drowsy Chaperone” Takes the Stage in Santa Monica

March 1, 2023

March 1, 2023

Shows will take place at Barnum Hall on March 3 and 4 at 7 p.m. and March 5 at 3...

Film Review: “Marlow”

February 23, 2023

February 23, 2023

FILM REVIEW“MARLOWE”Rated R109 MinutesReleased February 15th “Marlowe” is a beautifully shot period piece that takes place in the late 1930’s....

Film Review: All Quite on the Western Front

February 22, 2023

February 22, 2023

I have never been a soldier at war, although I have close friends and relatives who have been. Universally they...

SMC Emeritus Concert Band to Hold Free Concert This Weekend at the Broad Stage

February 22, 2023

February 22, 2023

Concert February 26 will feature musical selections with an outdoor theme Santa Monica College’s Emeritus Concert Band, under the baton...