While we often hear of how the nutrients in food can directly benefit the physical body, there's more to holistic health than merely what is measurable on a microscopic level.

Just like the non-dietary things we do can contribute to overall health and happiness, looking at the deeper meaning and composition of specific foods can also go a long way in helping to restore a sense of balance.

Ultimately, this means that the foods you eat can not only help you enhance digestion, prevent a cold, or improve complexion; they can affect you both spiritually and emotionally as well!

Steve Gagné, author of Food Energetics, teaches that the characteristics and

For example, the climate in which a food grows, its shape, size, and texture, as well as how it behaves in nature all influence how the food will interact with you. It also means that the same food can affect two people differently, depending on where your unique body might be out of balance.

Here are just a few examples of how this concept applies to specific foods:

Root vegetables, with their goal-oriented tendency towards digging deep, can strengthen the reproductive system and legs, while also fostering a sense of seriousness, focus, and confidence.

Leafy greens, growing above the earth, swaying in the breeze, and exposed to the environment, are naturally attracted towards the upward and more flexible parts of the body. They can contribute to a sense of creativity and open-mindedness.

Sprouts, as the young children of plants, are full of vibrant energy and could balance one who is heavy and sluggish. Their tendency is to break away from an old and solid structure towards greater freedom and unfolding.

Chicken, a naturally nervous and noisy bird that is now commonly confined, can contribute to irritability, anger, and a need for a "pecking order" in those who over consume it. If the chicken is free-range and organic, it can also provide a sense of grounding and confidence in one's place within a social structure.

Nuts and seeds, with their protein- and oil-rich contents, encourage oxidation. This results in efficient digestion in those who are physically active, but can turn into restlessness and anxiety in those who are not.

This brings a whole new meaning to the phrase "food poisoning." Discover 8 additives that can be found in most supermarket aisles that you may be eating and not even know it

Found in: Practically everything we eat: cake mixes, sports drinks, cheese, candy, and even MACARONI AND CHEESE.
 

Why it's dangerous: Artificial dyes are made from chemicals derived from PETROLEUM, which is also used to make gasoline, diesel fuel, asphalt, and tar! Artificial dyes have been linked to brain cancer, nerve-cell deterioration, and hyperactivity, just to name a few.
Where it's banned: Norway, Finland, Austria, France, and the United Kingdom.

Found in: Fat-free potato chips, corn chips, and French fries.
 

Why it's dangerous: Created by Procter & Gamble as a substitue for cooking oil, Olestra robs your body of its ability to absorb vitamins. Fun side effects include cramps and leaky bowels.
Where it's banned: The U.K. and Canada.

Found in: Sports drinks and citrus-flavored sodas.
 

Why it's dangerous: Bromine is a chemical used to stop CARPETS FROM CATCHING ON FIRE, so you can see why drinking it may not be the best idea. BVO is linked to major organ system damage, birth defects, growth problems, schizophrenia, and hearing loss.
Where it's banned: In over 100 countries.

Found in: Wraps, rolls, bread crumbs, bagel chips, flat breads.
 

Why it's dangerous: Derived from the same harmful chemical as brominated vegetable oil, brominated flour is used to decrease baking time and reduce costs. Only problem is, it's linked to kidney damage, cancer, and nervous system damage.
Where it's banned: Europe, Canada, and China.

Found in: Breads, frozen dinners, boxed pasta mixes, and packaged baked goods.
 

Why it's dangerous: Used to bleach both flour and FOAMED PLASTIC (yoga mats and the soles of sneakers), azodicarbonamide has been known to induce asthma.
Where it's banned: Australia, the U.K., and most European countries.

Found in: Cereal, nut mixes, gum, butter, meat, dehydrated potatoes.
 

Why it's dangerous: Used to keep food from becoming rancid, butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) are known to cause cancer in rats. And we're next!
Where it's banned: The U.K., Japan, and many other European countries.

Found in: Milk and dairy products.
 

Why it's dangerous: Growth hormones are bad for cows and people, potentially causing infertility, weakened muscle growth, and a whole array of cancers.
Where it's banned: Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Japan, and the EU.       

Found in: Poultry.
 

Why it's dangerous: Used in chicken feed to make meat appear pinker and fresher, arsenic is POISON, which will kill you if you ingest enough.
Where it's banned: The European Union.

Source: From the book 'Rich Food, Poor Food' by Dr. Jayson Calton and Mira Calton   http://www.buzzfeed.com/...

Ingredients (serves 4 - 6)

• 1 cup dried quinoa, rinsed
• 1 1/2 - 1 3/4 cups water (anywhere in between)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 can (15oz) garbanzo beans (chickpeas), drained and rinsed
• 1 cup grape tomatoes, sliced in half (diced red bell pepper would work here too)
• 1 cup English cucumber, diced
• 2/3 cup red onion or shallots, diced 
• 1 jar (7oz) kalamata olives, pitted and sliced in half (drained)
• 1/4 cup loosely packed parsley, chopped (dill, mint or oregano would be great too)
• mineral salt & fresh cracked pepper to taste
• juice of 1 large lemon
• Greek pepperoncini, to serve
• lemon slices, to serve (optional)
• drizzle of extra virgin olive oil (optional)
• arugula (optional)
• Greek feta (optional)

In a medium size pot, add the water, quinoa and garlic powder and bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes. Remove cover and let stand for 15 minutes. Fluff with a fork.

While quinoa is cooking, prepare the remaining ingredients.

Once quinoa is ready, add in the chickpeas, tomatoes, cucumber, onion, olives and parsley. Mix well. Season with salt, fresh cracked pepper and the juice of your 1 large lemon.    

Simple, healthy and flavorful...

Enjoy!

Happy Healthy July!

See you all soon!