Summer is the season of expansion and ripening, the season of growth. The body’s yang energy is abundant and the season’s energy is associated with the heart and fire element. According to the 5 element theory, an overactive heart energy can affect the lung (fire overacting on metal). Therefore, it is advisable to eat less bitter foods and more pungent foods during the hot summer months. The bitter taste corresponds to the fire element and pungent flavor the metal element. Sw