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How Can This Ayurvedic Food Make You Feel Great?AYURVEDIC ANALYSISCoffee as a SacramentWhat are your rituals around coffee? Coffee has become a sacrament in our culture. A client reports, "The only time my husband and I relax together is over coffee." My response, "If your marriage is dependent on coffee, you might be addicted."Coffee surpasses tea as the number one consumed drug. It contains high amounts of caffeine, which stimulates the adrenals to release stress hormones. These stress hormones overstimulate the mind, and numb the heart. New trades routes brought caffeine to Europe in the 1500s, stimulating the 'Age of Enlightenment' and ending the middle ages. Before that time, the center of the mind was the heart. Since Enlightenment, the center of the mind is the brain. Perhaps the shift is due to caffeine consumption? Ayurveda comes from an older time where the mind was not separate from feelings and science was not separate from spirituality. Native Meso-Americans drank coffee, ate chocolate and smoked tobacco as medicinal herbs, sacraments and in shamanic ceremony, a practice that continues to this day. However, many non-native Americans consume these substances daily, without the adequate knowledge of their potency or effects on the nervous system. A Love Affair with CoffeeCan you remember what black coffee tasted like as a child? Most kids reject coffee. How have your taste buds changed? That may help you break the habit. Many of my clients drink coffee because the "like the taste," However, of all their coveted foods, usually coffee is the only food they drink daily.
Although we think we like coffee because of the taste, it's possible that the body learns to like coffee without our conscious participation because of its effect on our metabolism. Coffee offers the false promise of energy and vitality, and reorients all of our sense organs toward it. Vitality is the one substance all life forms crave. However, all that glitters is not gold. The human body was not built for the break-neck pace of our lives in industrialized society. Covering up these uncomfortable life choices with coffee prevents growth & healing. As a general rule of thumb, in Ayurveda we never take an herb for more than 3 months in a row. Coffee, one of nature's most powerful herbs, is no exception. Many people drink coffee when they are tired in the morning or at 3pm. People with aggravated Kapha dosha feel sluggish in the morning and need a 'pick-me-up'. If you have aggravated Kapha, avoiding heavy, oily, or sweet foods at night will bring a more authentic and vital 'pep to your step' the next morning. In the morning, wash your face with cold water, drink a hot cup of ginger tea, and practice a fifteen minute exercise routine to revive circulation. If your adrenal glands are exhausted, you'll crave coffee most at 3pm. Unfortunately, the energy boost you receive after drinking coffee depletes the adrenals even further. This process is much like whipping a tired horse. Coffee is akin to a metabolic credit card. Sooner or later, you have to repay the debt. Ultimately, coffee increases exhaustion, anxiousness and fear, especially in Vata individuals who tend to have dry endocrine glands. Coffee over-stimulates the adrenals depleting them of fluids and creating more dryness. Licorice root in a warm glass or water nourishes the kidneys. Vata may combat tired afternoons with a homemade version of Gatorade(tm). Squeeze a wedge of lime and a pinch of salt into warm water. Breaking the Coffee AddictionCoffee has a heavy, hearty, oily quality that is more satisfying than a simple herbal tea with water. To wean yourself from coffee, instead try herbal teas with almond milk. Rice and oat milk work as well. Reduce your coffee consumption in half each month, replacing it with one of these, or your own favorite substitute. Spices such as ginger will provide more balanced stimulation during the process.
Vata and Pitta individuals can tolerate 1 or 2 cups of coffee a month, for leisure only, and never when exhausted or tired. Kapha individuals can tolerate 1-2 cups of coffee a week. Coffee and Reproductive OrgansCoffee affects hormones. Post or peri-menopausal women should not drink coffee because it targets the reproductive organs. Non organic coffee is worse because it carries pesticides directly to reproductive tissue. Coffee irritates the lining of the digestive tract and should be avoided by people with digestive problems. It has a laxative effect. One study reports that coffee is linked to reduced breast size.
Withdrawal symptoms of coffee include constipation, headaches, and irritability. Since the body quickly habituates itself to coffee within several days, chronic caffeine consumption simply brings our energy levels back to normal, preventing a much needed crash. Learn about the health benefits of coffee for FREEYou'll receive free access to our entire website including healthy recipes, nutritional diet plans, medicinal uses of ingredients, & ayurvedic health tips. Sign in once and you can use our website indefinitely..WHY EAT AN AYURVEDIC DIET?Eating Ayurvedically makes you feel nourished and energized. An Ayurvedic diet is tailored to your individual body type and the specific imbalances you are working with at any given time. Ayurveda shows you your specific body type’s needs and what should be favored in your Ayurvedic menu. Watch as you eat less but feel more satisfied because what you are eating truly nourishes you. Since Ayurveda believes all disease begins in the digestive tract, food is your first medicine. By eating a healthy diet that’s ideal for your body, you experience optimal health.Is Coffee Good for My Ayurvedic Diet?SERVING SIZE: 1 tbsp SPECIES: Coffea arabica FAMILY:
Rubiaceae MEAL: PREPARATION: EAT IN: AYURVEDIC MEDICINAL BIOCHARACTERISTICSWhat is the biocharacteristic theory of medicine?
MEDICINAL PROPERTIES Experiences are Personal
Experiences vary according to the person and constitution. Individual results may vary.
The list of herbal-actions below has not be approved by the FDA and should not be used to treat a medical condition.Here are the herbal actions of Coffee: APPETITE-SUPPRESSANTSuppresses hunger without causing weight gain.STIMULATES-PERISTALSISAn herb that promotes involuntary smooth muscle contractions to facilitate the movement of food and waste through the digestive tract.GENERAL-LAXATIVEPromotes a bowel movement. General laxative is an umbrella term that refers to several different types of laxatives...STIMULANT-LAXATIVEStimulant laxatives induce bowel movements by stimulating peristaltic movement (the contraction of smooth muscle in the intestines). They are effective when used on a short-term basis. On a long-term basis, they can create dependency. Aka irritant laxativDETOXICANTAn herb that decongests, dislodges or improves metabolization of toxins from the body, transforming or altering fluids to a more healthy state.CAUSES-TENSIONIncreases feelings of tension, constriction and tightness in the body.MAKES-YOU-TIREDInduces drowsiness and promotes sound sleep.STIMULATES-FRONT-OF-BRAINCreates a feeling of awareness or tension in the area in the forehead. Activates the frontal lobe - the area responsible for motor function, emotional expression, thinking, and decision making.WAKES-YOU-UPInvigorates the body and nervous system, increases energy.STIMULATES-ENERGYThis category groups thyroid and adrenal stimulating herbs.MILD BRONCHODILATOR An herb that encourages the widening or opening of the lung airways. They are helpful in wheezing and asthma. STRONG ANTIOXIDANT An antioxidant is a molecule that inhibits oxidation. Oxidation is a chemical reaction that can produce free radicals that lead to a chain reaction causing damage or death to cells. Antioxidants terminate these oxidation reactions. DRIES-MOUTHMakes the mouth feel dry, or pasty.DIURETICHerbs that promote urine formation, thereby flushing the kidneys and urinary tract while eliminating any excess water retention. As diuretics reduce water retention, they are often used to reduce blood pressure.CHOLAGOGUECholagogues stimulate the release of bile from the gall bladder for improved digestion.LOWERS-THYROIDReduces thyroid function. Useful for people with hyperthyroid.CAFFEINE-METHYLXANTHINESMethylxanthines are purine alkaloids that have a stimulant and bronchodilating effect.
Joyful Belly is a recognized school of biocharacteristics medicine. Compare Coffee with these FoodsDandelion Leaves Dandelion Leaves has these Actions in CommonStimulant-laxative, Appetite-suppressant, Diuretic, Stimulates-energy, Cholagogue, General-laxative, Stimulates-peristalsis, Antioxidant, DetoxicantKale Kale has these Actions in CommonCholagogue, Stimulates-energy, Detoxicant, Stimulates-peristalsis, Appetite-suppressant, Lowers-thyroidMustard Greens Mustard Greens has these Actions in CommonAppetite-suppressant, Lowers-thyroid, Cholagogue, Stimulates-peristalsis, Detoxicant, Wakes-you-upGrapefruit Grapefruit has these Actions in CommonDetoxicant, Wakes-you-up, Antioxidant, Stimulates-energy, Cholagogue, Stimulates-peristalsisGreen Tea Green Tea has these Actions in CommonAntioxidant, Lowers-thyroid, Bronchodilator, Stimulates-energy, Diuretic, Stimulates-front-of-brainGarlic Garlic has these Actions in CommonDiuretic, Stimulant-laxative, Cholagogue, General-laxative, Detoxicant, Makes-you-tiredMustard Seed Mustard Seed has these Actions in CommonDetoxicant, Stimulates-front-of-brain, Diuretic, Wakes-you-up, Bronchodilator, Stimulates-energyRed Leaf Lettuce Red Leaf Lettuce has these Actions in CommonStimulates-energy, Antioxidant, Stimulates-peristalsis, Cholagogue, Wakes-you-upStevia Stevia has these Actions in CommonAntioxidant, Stimulates-front-of-brain, Makes-jittery, Wakes-you-up, Stimulates-energyApple Cider Vinegar Apple Cider Vinegar has these Actions in CommonAppetite-suppressant, General-laxative, Cholagogue, Antioxidant, DetoxicantCompare Coffee with these Herb SupplementsPunarnava Punarnava has these Actions in CommonAntioxidant, Bronchodilator, Cholagogue, Diuretic, Stimulates-energy, Stimulates-front-of-brainHoly Basil Leaf (Tulsi) Holy Basil Leaf (Tulsi) has these Actions in CommonDetoxicant, Diuretic, Dries-mouth, Stimulates-energy, Stimulates-front-of-brain, BronchodilatorAmalaki Amalaki has these Actions in CommonWakes-you-up, Antioxidant, Detoxicant, General-laxative, Stimulates-energyBhumyamalaki Bhumyamalaki has these Actions in CommonCholagogue, Detoxicant, Diuretic, General-laxativeTriphala Triphala has these Actions in CommonDetoxicant, Diuretic, General-laxative, Stimulant-laxativeTurkey Rhubarb Turkey Rhubarb has these Actions in CommonStimulant-laxative, Cholagogue, General-laxativeGuarana Guarana has these Actions in CommonStimulates-energy, Wakes-you-up, Appetite-suppressantReduced lemon juice Reduced lemon juice has these Actions in CommonWakes-you-up, Stimulates-energy, Stimulates-front-of-brainVacha (Calamus, Sweet Flag) Vacha (Calamus, Sweet Flag) has these Actions in CommonStimulates-energy, Stimulates-front-of-brain, Wakes-you-upAgrimony Agrimony has these Actions in CommonAntioxidant, Cholagogue, DiureticMaca Maca has these Actions in CommonBronchodilator, Lowers-thyroid, Stimulates-energyCoffee Research & Clinical TrialsTEMPERATURE/CIRCULATIONHow did Coffee affect your temperature?
How did Coffee affect your ear temperature?
How did Coffee affect your sweat quantity?
How did Coffee affect the color of your skin?
How did Coffee affect the color of your tongue body?
How did Coffee affect the swelling of your tongue body?
How did Coffee affect your appetite/hunger?
How did Coffee affect your digestion speed?
TOXINSHow did Coffee affect the amount of gas & bloating?
How did Coffee affect your stool smell?
Tongue: How did Coffee affect the thickness & size of your tongue coating?
How did Coffee affect the color of your tongue coating?
How did Coffee affect your throat soreness?
How did Coffee affect your urine smell?
How did Coffee affect the amount of bubbles in your urine?
How did Coffee affect your sweat smell?
How did Coffee affect your acne?
How did Coffee affect your freckles/moles?
How did Coffee affect the color of your sclera (white part of eye)?
How did Coffee affect the color of the lower eye lid?
HYDRATIONHow did Coffee affect your urine frequency/quantity?
How did Coffee affect the dryness of your skin?
How did Coffee affect the puffiness of lower eye lid?
How did Coffee affect the cracks on your tongue?
FLUID-THICKNESSHow did Coffee affect your ear pressure?
How did Coffee affect your congestion?
How did Coffee affect the thickness of your mucous congestion?
NERVOUS-SYSTEMHow did Coffee affect your energy levels?
How did Coffee affect your muscle tension?
How did Coffee affect your anxiety?
How did Coffee affect the stillness of your tongue?
DIGESTIONHow did Coffee affect the amount of gas & bloating?
How did Coffee affect burning sensations in digestive tract (do not include acid reflux)?
How did Coffee affect your appetite/hunger?
How did Coffee affect your digestion speed?
TONGUEHow did Coffee affect the cracks on your tongue?
Tongue: How did Coffee affect the thickness & size of your tongue coating?
How did Coffee affect the swelling of your tongue body?
How did Coffee affect the color of your tongue body?
How did Coffee affect the stillness of your tongue?
How did Coffee affect the color of your tongue coating?
STOOLHow did Coffee affect your stool smell?
How did Coffee affect your stool consistency?
How did Coffee affect your stool frequency/quantity?
How did Coffee affect your stool color?
How did Coffee affect your stool lightness?
URINEHow did Coffee affect your urine lightness?
How did Coffee affect your urine frequency/quantity?
How did Coffee affect the amount of bubbles in your urine?
How did Coffee affect your urine clarity?
How did Coffee affect your urine smell?
SWEATHow did Coffee affect your sweat smell?
How did Coffee affect your sweat quantity?
SKINHow did Coffee affect the color of your skin?
How did Coffee affect your freckles/moles?
How did Coffee affect your acne?
How did Coffee affect the dryness of your skin?
EYEHow did Coffee affect the color of your sclera (white part of eye)?
How did Coffee affect the color of the lower eye lid?
How did Coffee affect the puffiness of lower eye lid?
ENTHow did Coffee affect your ear pressure?
How did Coffee affect your throat soreness?
How did Coffee affect the thickness of your mucous congestion?
How did Coffee affect your ear temperature?
How did Coffee affect your congestion?
SYSTEMICHow did Coffee affect your muscle tension?
How did Coffee affect your anxiety?
How did Coffee affect your temperature?
How did Coffee affect your energy levels?
HEARTHow did Coffee affect your heart rhythm?
How did Coffee affect your heart pain/pressure/cramping?
How did Coffee affect your heart rate?
HEALTH & WELLNESS PRACTITIONERS!(Not you? Keep scrolling!) HOW DOES EATING AYURVEDICALLY MAKE YOU FEEL?Eating Ayurvedically makes you feel nourished and energized. Food digests with ease when right for your body type (dosha). Healthy digestion is seen as the cornerstone of well-being in Ayurveda. Healthy digestion generally prevents illness. If you do get sick, a strong digestive fire reduces the severity of illness and increases your resilience. It also improves your mood. Once you begin eating Ayurvedically, you will feel refreshed, vital and strong.View Other Ingredients for Autumn-WinterCoffee is recommended for Autumn-Winter. Check out these other Autumn-Winter foods here.Comments & Impressions of 'Coffee'Do you like 'coffee'? Why or why not? What makes it unique? Is there something you'd like to know about 'coffee'? (5.00 out of 5 stars) 1 rating, 217 likes Sign in to review this food
I am wondering, what would the effect on our bodies as a whole be if the coffee beans were not roasted, or so lightly roasted that they aren't burnt. I have this feeling that that might make coffee a little bit better for every ones seldom consumption.
What about one cup of organic, decaf coffee per day?
Thank you Erik of Texas. I will experiment with this when the opportunity arrives!
Eric in TX: You mean you just throw the whole bean in boiling water as you would with tea? And what's a green coffee bean? I've never heard of such a thing.
TRADITIONALLY INDICATED FOR THESE SYMPTOMSCoffee may be beneficial for these symptoms. The suitability of any food for a condition is highly dependent on the individual. Please see your doctor before using this food to treat a medical condition.Bowel, Poop EliminationConstipation  How does IT FEELS BETTER IT FEELS WORSE IT FEELS THE SAME We will use this information to better predict food that helps you. Mind, Stress & SleepDifficulty waking up , How does IT FEELS BETTER IT FEELS WORSE IT FEELS THE SAME We will use this information to better predict food that helps you. Excessive sleep , How does IT FEELS BETTER IT FEELS WORSE IT FEELS THE SAME We will use this information to better predict food that helps you. Fatigue / tired , How does IT FEELS BETTER IT FEELS WORSE IT FEELS THE SAME We will use this information to better predict food that helps you. Sleep deep & long, trouble waking up , How does IT FEELS BETTER IT FEELS WORSE IT FEELS THE SAME We will use this information to better predict food that helps you. Sleep during the day , How does IT FEELS BETTER IT FEELS WORSE IT FEELS THE SAME We will use this information to better predict food that helps you. Tired in morning How does IT FEELS BETTER IT FEELS WORSE IT FEELS THE SAME We will use this information to better predict food that helps you. Heart, Blood & CirculationLow energy How does IT FEELS BETTER IT FEELS WORSE IT FEELS THE SAME We will use this information to better predict food that helps you. CONTRAINDICATED FOR THESE SYMPTOMSCoffee may be harmful or contraindicated for these symptoms. Please see your doctor before using this food to treat a medical condition.Kidney, Bladder & UrinaryBladder Cramping / Spasm , How does IT FEELS BETTER IT FEELS WORSE IT FEELS THE SAME We will use this information to better predict food that helps you. Sensitive / Overactive Bladder How does IT FEELS BETTER IT FEELS WORSE IT FEELS THE SAME We will use this information to better predict food that helps you. Bowel, Poop EliminationDiarrhea How does IT FEELS BETTER IT FEELS WORSE IT FEELS THE SAME We will use this information to better predict food that helps you. DigestionIrritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) , How does IT FEELS BETTER IT FEELS WORSE IT FEELS THE SAME We will use this information to better predict food that helps you. Leaky Gut Syndrome How does IT FEELS BETTER IT FEELS WORSE IT FEELS THE SAME We will use this information to better predict food that helps you. 
About the Author John Immel, the founder of Joyful Belly, teaches people how to have a healthy diet and lifestyle with Ayurveda biocharacteristics. His approach to Ayurveda is clinical, yet exudes an ease which many find enjoyable and insightful. John also directs Joyful Belly's School of Ayurveda, offering professional clinical training in Ayurveda for over 15 years.John's interest in Ayurveda and specialization in digestive tract pathology was inspired by a complex digestive disorder acquired from years of international travel, as well as public service work in South Asia. John's commitment to the detailed study of digestive disorders reflects his zeal to get down to the roots of the problem. His hope and belief in the capacity of each & every client to improve their quality of life is nothing short of a personal passion. John's creativity in the kitchen and delight in cooking for others comes from his family oriented upbringing. In addition to his certification in Ayurveda, John holds a bachelor's degree in mathematics from Harvard University. John enjoys sharing Ayurveda within the context of his Catholic roots, and finds Ayurveda gives him an opportunity to participate in the healing mission of the Church. Jesus expressed God's love by feeding and healing the sick. That kindness is the fundamental ministry of Ayurveda as well. Outside of work, John enjoys spending time with his wife and 6 kids, and pursuing his love of theology, philosophy, and language. |
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