by ayurveda teacher Andrei Gamulea

What we are all looking for is happiness and as some researchers think, one of the mysteries of the state of happiness resides also in the mysterious transformations that occurs in the nature, more precisely, in the physiological modifications that take place in our body under the action of various ingredients contained in the food and the medicinal herbs that we use. Taking into consideration that, most of us are what we eat, below you can find several foods and medicinal herbs which can help us to awaken and amplify in our beings, in a perfectly natural way, well being, calmness, the psycho-emotional balance and in the end even the state of happiness, of which we may say, we can „taste” it in this manner, here and now.

Bananas

Sweet and of a nice consistency, the well mellow bananas are rich in fibers, potasium and magnesium. Through their content, these fruits lead fast to a psychic state of well being, they reduce and help fighting against depression, maintaining the emotional balance. Consumed separately or in a delicious fruit salad, fresh bananas can adjust the level of magnesium in the body, favouring a fast recovery of the body after prolonged efforts, both physical and mental. The association of the potasium with magnesium in the content of bananas ensures a remarcable effect of relaxation and recovery at the level of nervous cells. This association offers also an excellent adaptability at the possible emotional fluctuations that may occur, leading in the end to attain a better emotional selfcontrol.

Sweet oranges

There are two main categories of oranges: the sweet ones and the sour ones. The number of varieties of sweet oranges is remarcable. Sweet oranges contain inozitol, a substance that adjusts the levels of serotonin and insulin. This is why regular consumption of sweet oranges attenuates the fluctuations of psychic and mental dispositions and helps eliminate depression and anxiety. The constant use of sweet oranges could also help reduce the exceeding fats and cholesterol, favouring the harmonization of the physical body. In addition, sweet oranges are an important source of vitamin C, only one orange fruit offering up to 150% from the daily recommended dose of vitamin C. In this respect it is known that in conditions of great stress, large amounts of vitamin C are very helpful because then both the consumption of noradrenalin as well as the consumption of adrenalin is considerably increased. Both the taste and the flavour of the oranges are extremely invigorating. Recent studies shows that only the smell of fresh oranges can reduce considerably the states of anxiety, awakening well being and optimism.

Peaches

Originating from Tibet and China, the peach tree is being cultivated from over 200 years for its sweet and juicy fruits. Peaches contains antioxidants and fibers. An amount of 150 grams of fresh peaches supplies 8% from the daily recommended dose of soluble fibers which reduces the level of cholesterol from the blood stream. This effect is usually felt by those that savors several mellow peaches, as a sensation of energetical refreshment, similar with the sensation we have after a walk in fresh air, in a mountain forest. Peaches contains also potasium, an element which is not at all accidentally called „the mineral element of youth”, because it has an extremely  important role in the adjustment of a high number of chemical processes in the body.

 

Ananas

Rarely used in their natural form, the ananas fruits are an excellent source of macronutrients. Only 100 grams of fresh ananas fruit can supply 25% from the daily recommended dose of vitamin C for an adult. Refreshing and tasty, ananas is also an excellent activator of the digestive processes. Ananas contains bromeline, an enzyme well known for accelerating especially the digestion of proteins. In the end, the effect felt after consuming almost 200 grams of fresh ananas is one of considerably instant refreshment both physical and psychic.
 

Grapefruit is rich in folic acid (vitamin B9), which is crucial for the distribution of oxygen to the brain. According to a recent american study, the sanguine level of folic acid is lower in those that often suffer states of depression. The folic acid (vitamin B9) contributes in forming healthy cells and plays a very important role in preventing the anomalies of the nervous system. At the same time, grapefruit is a key ingredient for the serotonine production which is sometimes suggestively called „the hormone of happiness”. This is why, the consumption of only one grapefruit daily can bring an instant state of psychic serenity. Besides, one of the main effects of folic acid (vitamin B9) is that of maintaining the emotional and psychic balance. For this reason, a glass of fresh grapefruit juice, sweetened with honey, can make dissapear almost instantly the bad psychic states.

This vegetable has a high content of zinc which, as some polish researches discovered, maintains alive the nervous cells, eliminating the burdensome states of spirit. This oligo-element, zinc, is used in transforming the aminated acid tryptophan in serotonine, called „the hormone of happiness”, and some researches state that it is also involved in what we can call „the secret chemistry of love“. Mellow pumpkin is a real tasty feast if it is served with honey and aromatic plants. You can also peel the pumpkin of its skin, cut it in small pieces and then it can be fried slightly in olive oil, adding various aromatic plants such as sage, rosemary, basil or mint and condiments (coriander, fennel, caraway, anise, cinnamon or vanilla). The zinc contained by the pumpkin is responsible for the stimulation of taste and smell buds and of sight receptors. Hereby, zinc present in the pumpkin increases sight, taste and smell. This is why, as we savor the specific flavour of a well cooked pumpkin, we can feel the attraction towards the shiny pumpkin increasung  „as we speak”.

Originating from ancient Persia, spinach has an impressive history. In the 7th century, the king of  Nepal sent spinach to China as a gift. In the 11th century, it was introduced in Spain by the moors and in England it was known as the „spanish vegetable”. In the 16th century, the spinach was highly appreciated by the king of France. At the end of the fist half of the past century, the spinach became already famous due to Popeye, the character created by the designer E. C. Segar. Related to the beet, the spinach is rich in folic acid (vitamin B9) which is soluble in water and it is very important for keeping the psychic balance. Besides, even the name of this vitamin - „folic acid” – cames from the latin word „folium”, meaning leaf, because the folic acid can be found mostly in green vegetables such as spinach. A dish of spinach consumed daily is recommended to eliminate the states of depression. In addition, spinach proved to be an excellent neuroprotector. The constant consumption of raw spinach, as salad or cooked, leads to increased cerebral functions.

 

Cauliflower originates from Turkey and its culture spread throughout Europe starting with the 16th century. The cauliflower is a vegetable rich in vitamin C. The alimentation poor in this vitamin inhibates the production of dopamine, this being responsible of the absorbtion of iron which stimulates the general energy of the body. The dopamine is involved too in the control of the general state of well being. A recent british study showed that 100 grams of raw cauliflower offers to the body 70 mg of vitamin C, quantity which is an excellent stimulator of well being. In addition, the cauliflower contains a considerable amount of folic acid (vitamin B9), reason for which, if we eat it in the evening, before going to sleep, some raw cauliflower with cream and some crisp food, such as corn flakes, we could have after that a profound state of calmness which will ensure us in the following night a calm and refreshing sleep.

 

Eastern civilisations used mushrooms both as food as well as medicine. Mushrooms are a very good source of vitamin B2 (riboflavine) and vitamine B3 (niacine). Vitamine B2 is involved in a great number of  reactions that produce energy. This is why, a mushroom dish is so appreciated for its regenerating effects. On the other hand, a deficit of niacine (vitamine B3) can cause depression. When the niacine level is low, the body produces vitamine B3 from tryptophane, and the remaining quantity that is to be transformed in serotonine is very low. This reaction is not favourable for maintaining a state of well being and psychic balance. Because mushrooms are rich in niacine (vitaminea B3), their use in the alimentation proves to be very useful. Mushrooms can be cooked with olive oil and then fried on the grill. Some of them, such as the mushrooms called champignion could be consumed even raw, in salads.

Avocado has been known and used in alimentation for more than 7000 years. Incas and aztecs appreciated avocado for its soft texture and the multiple great effects of this fruit. The avocado fruit contains potasium, follats, carotenoids, and vitamine B6 (piridoxine). A cup of avocado sliced in small pieces (146 grams) contains 874,54 mg potasium, 90,37 mcg follats and 0,41mg vitamine B6 (piridoxine). The avocado fruit is a very good source of potasium, fighting against states of tiredness and helping achieving a state of general calm. Vitamine B6, present in the avocado fruit, contributes also in maintaining the psychic and psychosomatic balance. It appears in the processes of decarboxylation from which results precursors alamines of the neurotransmitters (noradrenaline and serotonine). Consequently, either served simple, fresh, or added in raws salads, with tomatoes, mushrooms or squashes, the avocado fruit is a real beneficent „vegetable butter”, which instantly vanish depression, irritability, anxiety or agitation.

Carrots cultivation and their use in alimentation has been done for thousands of years. They are an excellent source of beta-carotene, vitamin A and vitamin C. A recent British study made a connection between lack of vitamin B8 (biotin) from carrots and nervous breakdowns. It is well known the fact that vitaminB8 (biotin) is a key in the glucid, lipid and proteins metabolism, and that it stimulates vitamin C activity. As a result, regular consumption of carots, as fresh juices in the morning or even added in daily food gives us all a general state of well being and keeps us in a permanent good mood. Carrots' Beta-carotene is an excellent antioxidant, which gives them regenerative virtues, helping both the old ones as well as the young .So, a good cup of fresh carrots juice is an excellent solution for fatigue states.

String bean

String bean has a rich content of magnesium (28 mg from 100 grams). According to a british study, those that suffer from depression present a lower level of magnesium. The magnesium is an important factor that interferes in maintaining the psychic balance, it is a very good sedative for the nervous system and it has an antidepression effect. The magnesium is present in almost all green vegetables, particularly in the string bean. Therefore, a dish with fresh string bean can increase the level of magnesium in our body, helping us stay on the right side of the emotional balance. In addition, the magnesium from the string bean has a complex action at the cerebral level, generating a stimulation of the nervous cells.

Algae

Algae are some primitive plants, photosynthetisants, with a very simple structure. They have been used even from 5000 years ago as nourishment for the man, thanks to the high nutritional properties they have. Algae are rich in iodine that is excellent to stabilize the tendencies to mental fluctuations, to eliminate the states of depression and to improve the general level of energy. At the same time, algae facilitate mental concentration and the vigilant attention. Having a content of over 50% proteins, algae are used to the preparing of soups and sour soups and especially of the dishes based on rice and of a great variety of raw vegetable salads. Frequently, algae replace some vegetables in the nourishment of a big number of people.

 Sweet cheese

Sweet cheese guaranties us a “sweet sleep”. This is because it is one of the best sources of triptofane, an aminat acid used in the production of melatonin that encourages sleep. Triptofane is one of the 10 essential aminoacids that the human organism uses to synthesize proteins. It has an important role in the best functioning of the nervous system, especially connected with the relaxation, the sleep and to the natural capacity of rest. From the benefits it provides is also the one of regulating the appetite. The triptofane share is useful in the cases of insomnias. At the same time the triptofane positively influences the psychic and emotional state, or otherwise said, it cheers one up. The triptofane acts as a forerunner of serotonin, neurotransmitter that helps the organism in regulating the appetite, in the capacity of rest and of general psychic state. Thanks to the function of increasing the serotonin’s level, the triptofane contributes to the treatment of a great number of disorders, among which the insomnia, the depression and the anxiety. So if the insomnia or the state of well-being gives signs of weakness, don’t avoid taking a snack consisting of integral bread and fresh sweet cheese. You can also add on top some fresh leaves of parsley that are also an excellent natural source of triptofane.

Goat milk

Goat milk has rich calcium content: 500 ml goat milk contains 70% from the daily necessary recommended dose of calcium. As it is known, calcium is an important re-balancing element of the psychic and mental disposition. From a physiological point of view, it is very useful for the transmission of nervous impulses. Therefore, remember in time that a calcium deficiency often leads to an increase of nervousness. So, the use of the fresh goat milk can be of great help for the maintaining of the psycho-mental balance. This is one of the reasons for which calcium can be called, for good reason, “the mineral responsible for our state of calmness”. Therefore, don’t delay the use of goat milk each time it is necessary.


Read part 2 here:
Aliments and medicinal plants which favours the enjoyment of happiness (2)  

Article fromThe spiritual book of the International Yoga Symposium,Costinesti 2009

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