Rejuvenate from the Cells Up with Kampo Pharmacist Ai Okubo's "Food & Medicine Recipes" for August

[August 2024]

When you need a boost in mid-summer, reach for "corn"

For the past few years, the intense heat of summer has made many reluctant to go outside. Even in daily life, there are many times when we are exposed to strong sunlight, and we often feel UV fatigue. UV rays not only cause spots and wrinkles, but also generate reactive oxygen species throughout the body, damaging the mitochondria that produce energy for physical activity, which can lead to reduced cognitive function, fatigue, eye strain, and headaches.
Therefore, in August, it is especially recommended to consciously consume nutrients such as antioxidants, B vitamins, and omega-3 fatty acids.

◆ Key Ingredient of the Month

Corn

Corn is a vegetable that carefully addresses the ailments common in summer. It is rich in B vitamins, which aid in recovery from fatigue, as well as vitamin E, which helps with cold sensitivity and UV protection, and dietary fiber, which is useful for constipation when biased eating habits persist. Many people lack protein and tend to eat only carbohydrates like noodles and bread when it's hot and humid, so recipes that combine corn with meat or fish are effective.

◆ Recipe Introduction

Gentle on a chilled stomach and intestines
Gluten-free Corn Samgyetang

This soup, simmered with chicken wings, has high nutrient absorption efficiency and gently soothes a tired and chilled stomach and intestines. The sweetness of corn and the umami of dried ingredients and miso enhance the flavor and nutritional value.

→Watch the video for instructions

Ingredients (for 2 servings)
Chicken wingettes　　　　　　5 pieces
Corn　　　　　　　　　　1/2 ear
Ginger　　　　　　　　　3 slices
Miso　　　　　　　　　　2 tablespoons
Oatmeal　　　　　　　　6 tablespoons
Dried shrimp and salted kombu　　　1 tablespoon each
Water　　　　　　　　　　600㎖
Sake　　　　　　　　　　50㎖

Instructions
① Slice the corn into easy-to-eat rounds and julienne the ginger.
② Put all ingredients into a pot and simmer for at least 30 minutes. Done.

Point
*Garnish with goji berries if desired.

 

Edible Anti-Aging Care
Summer Vegetable Terrine

A terrine that's easy to eat even when you don't have much appetite. This anti-fatigue and anti-aging dish wraps nutritious vegetables in salmon, which contains antioxidant astaxanthin and protein.

→Watch the video for instructions

Ingredients
Corn　　　　　　　　　　1/2 ear
Paprika　　　　　　　　　1/2 piece
Onion　　　　　　　　　1/2 piece
Garlic　　　　　　　　　1 clove
Salmon　　　　　　　　　About 4 slices

A)
Water　　　　　　　　　　200㎖
Soy sauce　　　　　　　　　2 teaspoons
Mirin　　　　　　　　　　1 teaspoon
Vinegar　　　　　　　　　1 tablespoon
Powdered gelatin　　　　　　2 teaspoons

Instructions
① Wet the corn, wrap it in plastic, and heat in a 600W microwave for 3 minutes, then remove the kernels.
② Dice the paprika and onion into bite-sized pieces, and slice the garlic.
③ Sauté the corn, paprika, onion, and garlic in olive oil, add ingredients from A, and bring to a boil.
④ Line the inside of a container with salmon, pour in mixture ③, and chill in the refrigerator for about 3 hours.
⑤ Remove from the container, cut, and plate. Done.

Point
*Both sashimi-grade salmon and smoked salmon are delicious.
*Lining the container with plastic wrap before pouring makes it easier to remove.

 

Profile

Ai Okubo

Pharmacist, Kampo counselor. Studied Kampo, medicinal cuisine, and Eastern beauty at Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, becoming the first Japanese to obtain International Chinese Medicinal Beauty Specialist certification. After managing Kampo pharmacies, dispensing pharmacies, and beauty salons, she is now involved in product development, writing, and corporate consulting as an expert in Kampo, medicinal cuisine, and other medical and beauty fields.

Official Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/aivonne85/

Official Twitter:https://twitter.com/Ai_loveflower