The term Gastrology, is used to define the study of the relationship between the horoscope and gastronomic preferences. The French doctor Louis Donnet, was who after studying more than 12.000 patients, published in 1987 a Zodiac for health, where he assigned each astrological sign a particular diet, which would be the most appetizing for those born under that sign, but also the healthiest.
The aim of this post, is to have some fun, discuss something curious with humour, given that it has no scientific basis, rather it is a game where we combine seasonal products with astrology and the influence of the signs of the zodiac.
If we go further back in the past, we find that Nostradamus, a very fine cook, was known for linking cooking to metaphysics. True, this seer didn’t use horoscopes, but he did believe that food might have a relationship with non-earthly questions and that is why he wrote a complete recipe book dedicated to sweet dishes.
In 1547 he published a medical book which informed us about his cosmetic and culinary concerns. He gave us recipes for preserves made from lemon pulp, pumpkin, orange peel, nuts, lettuce, ginger (a green spice from Mecca where Mohammed is buried), pears and cherries. He gives recipes for making wine, cherry jelly, quince jelly and calf’s tongue jelly.
Over time more and more people devoted themselves to these studies and today it is known, for example that Aries prefers fish and vegetables, Cancer refuses alcohol, Virgo meat, and Gemini loves eggs and cheese.
People have even studied what position each sign should occupy at the table, and it is said that for a romantic meal, the best company for a Virgo would be Capricorn, Leo or Sagittarius. Libra on the other hand is the sign of “high cuisine”, Scorpio likes aphrodisiacal meals and Aquarius enjoys eating in cars, ships, trains or airplanes. Aries is best seated at the head of the table; Pisces could be the best companion for Taurus at the table and Gemini very much enjoys rumours and drinks and can be seduced by creativity and surprises.
Even the Chinese horoscope has its own gastrology. For example, the Rat likes scarlet salad, the Dragon salmon rolls, the Monkey fried banana and the Rooster, chicken drumsticks with tarragon.
The Chinese horoscope now forms part of our Western culture, it defines personalities based on the characteristics of the animal assigned to our birth year. The animals are:
Dog, buffalo, rat, snake, dragon, rabbit, monkey, pig, tiger, horse, rooster, goat.
Each personality defines a different metabolism in each person, the food that each can digest better according to their Chinese zodiac sign:
DOG: Red meat, full milk, cheese, yoghurt, accompanied by raw vegetables such as a variety of salads and steamed vegetables.
PIG: leafy green vegetables (all) raw or cooked, seeds (all), fruit: Bananas and oranges. Drink: Lemon water. As protein: cheese and eggs.
BUFFALO: Cruciferous vegetables: Cauliflower, broccoli, asparagus, all pulses, seeds: Chia and quinoa, as a complement: Grilled White fish.
GOAT: Spinach, cucumber, walnuts, almonds, onions, garlic, coriander and parsley. For protein: Eggs, chicken or turkey.
TIGER: Beans, poultry, eggs, fish, nuts, seeds (all). Red and yellow salads (tomato, peppers, corn etc…).
DRAGON: Tuna, spinach, celery, king prawns, peas, cabbage, oily fish. Green leaf salads.
SNAKE: Cereals, eggs spinach, soya and its by-products, liver, lamb, lettuce, seeds.
COCKEREL: Milk, cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, fruit (all), corn, beans, seeds (all) and eggs.
RAT: Lean meat, cheese, carrots, pears, apples, seeds.
HORSE: Fish, brown rice, lettuce, bananas, onion, beef, seeds, whole grain cereals.
MONKEY: Fish, seeds, lettuce, tomatoes, bananas, green apples, almonds, nuts, eggs, cheese.
RABBIT: Potatoes, oranges, lettuce, lemon, cottage cheese, almonds, eggs, white fish or chicken breast without the skin.
Astrology is useful for many things. One of its fundamentals is the interaction that we find between all that surrounds us and nature, given that nothing exists independently, rather that all is interlinked and interrelated by different levels of energy in the Universe.
La The relationship between the zodiac signs and other attributes also extends to certain foods whose qualities are related to the intrinsic qualities of each of the twelve traditional signs of the Zodiac.
According to Astrology, its inclusion in our daily eating regime helps us to be in harmony with this subtle part of our cosmic energy which helps us to be more in touch with our internal Self.
Of course, this never means that this is the only diet possible for each sign and that one should not eat outside this plan. On the contrary! Remember that in our astral chart we have planetary transits, and the Sun and Moon may be in different signs which in turn gives us an affinity for certain foods.
Each zodiac sign is prone to suffering serious diseases and damage to certain organs, so it is important to pay attention to the nutritional advice that I offer below. Take note and start eating as your horoscope tells you:
FIRE SIGNS: Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius
So much to do and so little time! Fire signs prefer fast food, which as we all know are high in sugars and fats, so they tend to suffer from liver and circulation problems. I recommend they go for detoxifying, high energy and high fibre foods such as pulses, soybeans, fish, leafy green vegetables and fruits.
Aries (21 March-20 Abril):
You are guided by your head and eyes; you need lightness and energy but unfortunately you have a tendency to retain fluids. The solution is very simple: Include diuretic fruits in your diet, whether natural or in the form of juices, a good option is citrus. Eat raw vegetables such as lettuce and tomatoes that will give you the vitamins you need. Control the amount of salt in your meals.
* Star food: Red fruits
Leo (23 July-22 August):
You go crazy for meat, but only simple food, low in cholesterol will keep your heart in shape. Choose meat that is low in fat and fruit and vegetables that are rich in vitamins C and E. Avoid consuming tea, coffee, alcohol and of course butter.
* Star food: Citrus fruits
Sagittarius (22 November-21 December):
Your weak points are the hips and thighs and so you should avoid fat at all costs, unfortunately you love fried foods so controlling yourself is going to be a challenge. Go for steamed food, choose lean red and white meats and eggs and detox your body with tropical fruits, vegetables and wholefoods.
Star food: Lean meat
EARTH SIGNS: Taurus, Virgo and Capricorn
The signs that come under this element enjoy Good food and a good rest, so their slow metabolism and their sedentary lifestyle could lead to them becoming overweight. It’s highly recommended that they eat vegetables in multi-coloured salads which are pleasing to the eye and to the palate, the most suitable fruits for them are cherries and figs and for the main course chicken and shellfish.
Taurus (21 April-21 May):
Your throat is your weakest area. You particularly enjoy the pleasures of the table, and that is why you tend to put on the pounds. Food is so delicious! You suffer from frequent gastro-intestinal problems. The solution is easy: Eat whole foods, cereals and vegetables that will help to control your appetite, choose lean meat and fresh fruit and whenever possible avoid eggs, pulses, meat with a lot of fat and very elaborate desserts.
* Star food: Lemons
Virgo (23 August-22 September):
Probably you enjoy cooking as much as eating, so look after your digestive system. Firstly, you need a healthy breakfast, with fresh fruit and foods rich in fibre, the rest of the day keep your energy levels high by eating potatoes, cooked pulses, carrots, eggs and fish. Avoid red meat and coffee.
Star food: Fruit
Capricorn (22 December-20 January):
Your greatest weakness are your bones and teeth, so you need food rich in calcium and magnesium to promote muscle relaxation and to strengthen the bones. Choose dairy products, a lot of vegetables and nuts. Avoid sugary drinks with meals. Star food: Dairy products.
WATER SIGNS: Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces
These signs are governed by their emotions, and this, of course, influences their diet. They are prone to fluid retention, so it is advisable to avoid excess salt in meals. They need to eat a lot of proteins.
Cancer (22 June-22 July):
You must take care of your nervous system. The natives of this sign usually suffer from anxiety, digestive disorders and fluid retention. So, Cancer, eat fresh, crunchy vegetables, fruits and pulses because you need vitamins E, H and K and iodine. Dairy products are very good for you, as are lemon and chamomile infusions. Avoid products made with flour and spicy sauces.
* Star food: Vegetables and dairy products
Scorpio (23 October-21 November):
Your key organs are the genitals and those of the reproductive system. You love hot, spicy foods and, of course, you are susceptible to stomach ulcers and gastritis.
Your habits are usually somewhat erratic, so you need some order: Tasty fruits, pulses, vegetables and meat dishes. Avoid mixtures of spice, salt, spicy dishes and fast foods.
Star food: Tropical fruit
Pisces (20 February-20 March):
Your weaknesses are heavily seasoned dishes and alcoholic drinks, banquets your downfall, so you better opt for delicious breakfasts and light dinners, you must help your urinary system. Your diet should include dairy, vegetables, fruits and seafood. Avoid high-fat meats, salty and spicy foods and moderate your alcohol consumption.
AIR SIGNS: Gemini, Libra and Aquarius
Air is very volatile, so for these signs, meal schedules do not exist. A balanced diet of five meals a day and plenty of fluids (preferably water) is all they need. They must choose whole grain products, fruits with high water content, cucumber, legumes, freshwater fish and eggs.
Gemini (22 May-21 June):
Your key organs are the lungs. You need to enrich your diet with foods that give you iron, calcium and vitamin C (to fight lung infections), because usually your eating habits are pretty disorganized. I suggest you eat dishes based on meats and salads, innovate, have fun, add seeds and soy. Avoid coffee, tea and soft drinks.
* Star food: Carrots, lemons and nuts
Libra (23 September-22 October):
Your most sensitive organs are your kidneys, so you need to consume lots and lots of water and delicious infusions of chamomile, lemon balm or linden to avoid infections and eliminate toxins. Healthy homemade food is the best for you, try to choose white meats and whole grains, but don’t worry, you can have some bread. Avoid processed foods, coffee and heavy meals.
Star food: Water and artichokes
Aquarius (21 January-19 February):
If you are a native of this sign you should take great care of your circulatory system and your pancreas because you can easily get gout and diabetes. Opt for white meat (chicken, turkey, fish) and dairy, as well as cereals and other fibre-rich products and don’t forget raw or cooked vegetables. Avoid eating sugars, snacks, precooked foods and soft drinks
But gastrology doesn’t stop there…. to bring a few smiles to people’s faces they have also studied the position each sign should occupy at the table (Aries should be at the head) and above all the best dinner companions. In fact, they assure us that for a romantic meal the best company that Virgo could have is Capricorn, Pisces would be the ideal companion for Taurus at the table and lastly Leo and Sagittarius get on like a house on fire.
Finally, Larousse in its tireless endeavour to spread knowledge has published an interesting work titled “Gastrology”, which combines gastronomy and astrology. The Chef Atari Cuenca Maitret and the astrological consultant Kala Ruiz are the authors. It is a book which is well worth having a look through.
The publication was accompanied by recipes for each sign with wonderful photographs. In the book they bring together more than sixty recipes divided into first courses, main courses and desserts ideal for each sign of the zodiac, starting from the logic that each recipe defines the dishes that most delight the palate.
In general, eating a balanced diet rich with many different colours is the key to good health. Daring to explore new flavours is a sign of intelligence and creativity, it also stimulates our sense of taste which often doesn’t get developed when out of habit we always eat the same things and don’t add variety to our diet, nor do we explore new gastronomic possibilities. You may be interested in reading my post “Where is the Pantry of the Future going?” It’s time to go for it and give our taste buds a pleasant surprise!
