Talbeenah

TALBEENAH (ONE OF THE FAVOURITE DISH OF PROPHET MUHAMMAD (S.A.W)

Many amino acids (protein building blocks) contribute to mind and mood behaviour. Tryptophan is one that has already been discussed in the previous chapter. Pheny lalanine is the starter for the formation of dopamine, adrenaline and noradrenaline, which keep you motivated and energized.

Gamma amino butyric acid (GABA) is in it self an anti-anxiety, relaxing and calming neurotransmitter. Try to get most of your amino acid supply from combinations of nuts, beans and whole grains such as wheat, barley and oats.

As we mentioned in the previous chapter, Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) ordered talbeenah (porridge made from barley) to improve the mood of someone recuperating from an illness. Again, be careful of getting too much of a good thing.


Excess protein intake, especially if it is of animal origin, can result in the competition of the amino acids for absorption: usually the amino acid most affected is tryptophan, which negatively affects your mood.

In addition, if too much acid is circulating in your blood, the body responds by leaching the bones' calcium to neutralize it. Furthermore, the breakdown of these amino acids results in a by-product of ammonia putting too much stress on your kidneys.

Research has found that the consumption of high quantities of red meat, when compared to following a vegetarian diet, is linked to an increased risk of old age dementia.

Red meat contains large amounts of saturated fats, which adversely affect your circulatory system, as explained in Chapter Two. In addition, the increased iron load in the body increases free radical generation, causing further damage.

To repeat the Prophet's (S.A.W) warning: Beware of meat, as it has a ferocity like that of wine Remember your micro nutrients Micro nutrients (vitamins and minerals) are needed by the body in small amounts to perform important metabolic functions.

The body cannot synthesize most of them, so a constant supply in the diet is very important. They are essential in glucose metabolism, to produce energy, and to synthesis many neurotransmitters, prostaglandins (hormone-like substances) and phospho lipids.

Please refer to the Table of Micro nutrients at the back of this book for more details concerning their dietary sources and the role each of them performs in the body. To get an adequate supply of vitamins and minerals.

Eat your daily servings of fruits and vegetables. Vary the types, enjoy the different colours and include lots of dark green leafy vegetables.

Make nuts, seeds, beans and lentils part of your daily regime. Be aware that they are rich in calories, so if you are watching your weight, limit quantities to the lower amounts that may be recommended for your age and weight.

Replace refined grains with whole ones that are rich in B vitamins, the vital vitamins for mental performance, memory, mood, and energy production.

We can now further understand why our Prophet (S.A.W) stressed the importance of eating whole grains rather than refined ones.

Avoid nutrient-robbers these are the empty calorie foods like overly refined or processed food, fat loaded fast foods, and foods with added synthetic flavouring and colouring.

We face daily attacks from pollutants, chemicals, smoke, junk foods, pesticides and additives that generate a tremendous amount of free radicals (oxidants) not to mention stress in our bodies.

If they encounter no defence or opposition, these free radicals start a chain reaction that causes the body's cells to reproduce abnormally, affecting body tissues and eventually its organs.

Since brain cells do not divide, it is very crucial to protect them by consuming antioxidants. As detailed in the previous chapter, a wide range of antioxidants is found in foods of plant origin, and a balanced, healthy diet can supply you with your body's needs.