Theory of the Humours
There were four basic elements of the universe that people understood and brought into their food: earth was dry, water was moist, fire was hot, and air was cold. People in the Elizabethan Era believed in different diets for different ages of people.
Sanguine: hot and moist food
Phlegmatic: cold and moist food
Choleric: hot and dry food
Melancholic: cold and dry food
Children were said to be Phlegmatic, therefor they needed to eat the opposite; Sanguine. Youths and adults were said to need to eat Phlegmatic. in old age, people were encouraged to eat Sanguine.
Sanguine: hot and moist food
Phlegmatic: cold and moist food
Choleric: hot and dry food
Melancholic: cold and dry food
Children were said to be Phlegmatic, therefor they needed to eat the opposite; Sanguine. Youths and adults were said to need to eat Phlegmatic. in old age, people were encouraged to eat Sanguine.