Check what we eat, what we drink

Check what we eat and what we think.

Our happiness depends upon the internal factors as well as external factors.

Let us check the internal factors (atma bodh) first.

A mind control breathes and breathes control the mind. The speed and length of breathes determine the status of our mind and moods. 

Patanjali Yogsutra has suggested ‘Ashtang Yog’ (yama, niyama, asana, pranayam, pratyahar, dharna, dhyan and samadhi) to improve the ‘panch koshas’ (annanmay, pranmay, manomay, vigyanmay and anandmay). Of which aasanas and pranayams are popular. Following path of ashtang yoga can improve our physical and mental health.

Food also plays important role in quality, length and output of life. A famous phrase ‘Jaisa anna vaisa mann’, indicates the importance of our food items. It is said that thoughts are the refined and smallest form of the food we eat. Our mind (Brahma) is the place for generation of thoughts. Thoughts are coming and going. But the thought which holds our attention, starts getting energy and life (Vishnu). The series of such thoughts develop our nature. The nature put us in actions and the actions bring positive or negative results in our life.

Therefore, let us check up first, the food cereal(grasses) grains (carbohydrates).

Vegetarians are called grass eaters by non-vegetarians! But cereals are grasses only. Therefore, all of us are grass eaters! 

There are many cereal grains, i.e., wheat, rice, millet, jowar, barley, maize, etc. But most of us eat wheat and rice mainly. As both the grains can be preserved for a long, they have captured the major position in our food basket. 

As we grow older, the metabolism rate goes down and the digestion system gets weaker. As some hormones are getting off, the taste of tongue plays major role in our ‘vanprashtha’. As we eat as per the taste of tongue and unable to digest, the body mass index get adverse. It increases load over our heart pump and damage the quality and length of life. 

Wheat is good for strength of bones and muscles. But the ‘gluten’ in wheat gives stomach pains. Therefore, rice eaters are uncomfortable with wheat. Those who have complaints of heaviness of stomach, indigestion can stop taking wheat for some days.

Rice is cold in nature and it increases sperm count (major reason of population explosion in Asia!). Those who have inflamed intestines and edema over naval centre can stop eating rice for some days. 

Pearl millet (bajari) is a big source of iron. If taken with buttermilk (folic acid), it improves the hemoglobin and in turn improves brain and body functions. But it is hot in nature, therefore generally eaten in winter. Winter is on, therefore, enjoy bajari with buttermilk. 

Those who have heat problem in stomach can opt for Jowar. It is cold in nature and calms down the bowel movement. It is good for ‘rogy’ (going for stools many times!). Those who have constipation can take ‘harde’ after the meal.

Barley popular by its product Beer, is good for regeneration of cells. It is said that neurons can’t be regenerated once lost. But barley regenerate them. Beware; there is prohibition in the state. Better to eat chapattis of barley or mix barley with wheat. It is good for those who have fire (pitta) problem. It stabilizes the fetus and prevents miscarriages. 

Maize/corn a food for tribal/indigenous people make them very strong and hard worker. It needs physical movement to digest it. It is cold in nature and create gas, therefore, can take ‘harde’ after the meal.

Choice of cereal is yours!

Shubham bhavatu kalyanam.

Punamchand

15 December 2011