Common daily ingredients but with extraordinary impact over our mind

Non pharmacological Medicinal Foods for a Positive Mind!

We all know that our mind and body are deeply connected, and what we eat plays a crucial role in our mental well-being. Most of us grew up hearing adages such as

“जैसा खाएगा अन्न, वैसा होगा मन।”. :grinning:

Even our Mother Bhagvad Gita highlights the importance of food

आयुः सत्त्वबलारोग्यसुखप्रीतिविवर्धनाः।
रस्याः स्निग्धाः स्थिरा हृद्याः आहाराः सात्त्विकप्रियाः।भगवद गीता 17.8

Meaning

“Foods that increase life span, purity, strength, health, happiness, and satisfaction; that are juicy, smooth, substantial, and nourishing—such foods are dear to those in the mode of goodness Sattva …

Many natural foods, easily found in our kitchens, possess medicinal properties that promote calmness, clarity, and emotional balance. Here are some powerful foods that can nourish our mind…
(Ofcourse this is not a medical advice and seek your physician’s advice before going with them)

  1. Saffron

This golden spice is known for its ability to uplift mood and reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. A pinch of saffron in hot water can work wonders for emotional well-being. When I have it, I feel a lighting effect around the heart region.

  1. Cardamom

Often called the “Queen of Spices,” cardamom aids digestion, detoxifies the body, and helps relieve stress. It has a calming aroma that soothes the mind and promotes relaxation, just boil water for a minute and add one whole crushed cardamom and enjoy!

  1. Brahmi

A revered herb in Ayurveda, Brahmi is known for enhancing memory, reducing stress, and improving focus. It is often consumed as a tea or I eat it raw when I go to my farm, or have the tablets available otc.

  1. Ashwagandha

An adaptogenic herb that helps the body cope with stress, Ashwagandha reduces cortisol levels, enhances mood stability, and improves sleep quality. Again I have the tablets which are available otc.

  1. Chamomile

A well-known herb for relaxation, chamomile tea is an excellent remedy for anxiety, restlessness, and insomnia. Available in the form of tea packs.

  1. Sea Cod (Cod Liver Oil)

Rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, cod liver oil supports brain function, reduces inflammation, and helps combat mood swings and depression. And one of those super foods which has the properties to reconstruct the brain :brain:! Once again available otc, but take very small doses as it’s heat generating… it’s the only so called “Non Vegetarian” option in the list so the Vegetarian alternative for it could be your Flaxseed…

  1. Ash Gourd! :melon:

Highly valued in yogic traditions, ash gourd is a cooling food that calms the nervous system and promotes mental clarity.

  1. Almonds & Walnuts

Packed with essential fatty acids and antioxidants, these nuts nourish brain cells, improve focus, and help regulate mood swings. Keep munching then when hungry :drooling_face:

  1. Turmeric

Curcumin, the active compound in turmeric, has potent anti-inflammatory and antidepressant properties, making it a great addition to daily meals. Traditionally we’ve been having it with warm milk before bed! (Psst… it can help reduce weight with this practice if we finish our dinner before sunset!)

  1. Honey

A natural brain booster, honey has been used for centuries to enhance memory and promote relaxation. It also helps regulate serotonin levels, aiding in better sleep… having it with Saunf (Fennel Seeds)…

And……
:drum: drumroll for the climax……

The South Indian delicacy… Curd Rice…:rice:
When Neha and I were on our honeymoon we came to know that this was our favourite…

Nature has gifted us an abundance of foods that nourish not just the body but also the mind and these are safe and non pharmacological so we can provide these to our family and friends isn’t it?

Do you have such foods for good thought :thought_balloon:?

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This topic is something very close to my heart. I love to cook mindfully and being a vegetarian, use ayurvedic way of cooking whenever possible. Another thing which is extremely important is our thoughts while cooking. If we cook with a lot of love and a thought that this food is ‘Prasad’ it will have another level of effect on all who consume it. I also believe that we should cook ourselves instead of a helper doing that for us, especially so if we have children home. I feel, we would do them a favour and see the difference in their way of life as they grow.
Thank you for sharing this @venu sir! :innocent:

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I have developed my relationship with food over the last few years in order to heal my health. It began with asking my body what it needs to heal a particular issue and developed on to “talking” to the food itself!
I had a profound spiritual experience last November (will make a post about that soon), and through that, I became aware of the consciousness of plants. I have started speaking to the plants I’m eating and that has had wonderful effects in my life!
I also love cooking and treat it as mindful meditation and the flavors in my food just come out to be amazing even when I just “eye-ball” the quantities of ingredients, following no recipe, just adding ingredients intuitively.
We will be moving back to India soon and grow our own food so I know I’m going to have an even deeper connection with plants and mushrooms I grow.

Adding to the list:

  • Chia Seeds: So good for fibre, protein, minerals, vitamins, and holding water inn your body! We use it to counteract dehydration in summers and when we are traveling. They release water slowly, so body stays hydrated for longer. Add it to your lassi, yogurt, milk, lemonade, or any cold drink. Make pudding with it! It’s so versatile.
  • Fortified Nutritional yeast: Great for vegetarians and vegans to add Vitamin B12 to their diet. Just 2 spoons are enough for a day. Add it to your sabzi, or salads. It gives a cheesy flavor.
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Yes my dear Dad @venu i believe “way to Perseus heart is through his stomach”… except for Brahmi and Ashwagandha all other ingredients are more or less included in regular meals and dad my honeymoon he made me fall in love with fruits as I don’t eat fruits before (we are the tsunami couple as the day we boarded the flight from Colombo tsunami happened )

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