We are in a timezone where we live and breathe technology. This modern techno-savvy world makes our lives way easier and better, but at the same time fails to provide us with a healthy body and lifestyle. Our generation is a digital species generation who are at a higher risk of developing ailments, regardless of the age. Our sedentary stress bound lifestyle, eating-sleeping habits, and deteriorating environmental conditions are responsible for developing health issues.
The chemical health sector has grown so much in last two decades that it fails to cure the root cause of the problem. In this situation, the ancient health care system of Yoga and Ayurveda are boon for us.
Ayurveda is the sister philosophy of Yoga and is one of the ancient systems of holistic medicine practice. Ayurveda is based on the principle that for excellent health our body, mind, and soul need to be kept in balance. According to Ayurveda, an unhealthy body is the result of an improper diet and imbalanced Dosha- Vata, Pitta Kapha.
Dosha and Healthy Body
As per Ayurveda, a person should eat according to their body constitution or Dosha type. Dosha is made up of five elements- Air, Earth, Space, Water, and Fire.
- Vata- Air + Space
- Pitta- Fire + Water
- Kapha- Water+ Earth
Vata- Eat warm food like boiled veggies, warm milk, ripe fruits, herbal tea, rice, and wheat. Consume spices like cinnamon, cardamom, fennel, coriander, cumin, etc. Always eat cooked food, not raw.
Pitta- Eat sweet fruits, herbal tea, cooling and mild spices like turmeric, cumin, curry leaves, mint, coriander, and cloves. Eat grains like wheat, rice, barley, and oats, and consume only a moderate amount of dairy.
Kapha- Eat boiled or steamed veggies, ripe fruits, honey, herbal tea, grains like corn, oats, wheat bran, millet, barley, and rye, and consume strong spices like salt, garlic, ginger, cinnamon, black pepper, paprika, allspice, etc. Try to avoid dairy products or consume reduced dairy.
5 Top Ayurveda Food Ingredients To Eat Daily For a Healthy Body
Though eating all the natural and organic food according to the body dosha always benefit you, but incorporating a few in your daily meal is essential.
Cumin Seeds (Jeera)
Cumin seeds are the most used seeds in the Indian household and are best for curing the digestive issues and reducing ama. The seeds flush out toxins from our body and are an excellent source of dietary fiber and iron. Consumption of cumin seeds soothes the nervous system, increases the production of gastric juices, and relieves stomach pain.
How to Consume? Start your day with a glass of cumin seed water. Soak a teaspoon of cumin seeds in a glass of water, and next day lukewarm it, and drink on an empty stomach.
Ginger (Adrak)
The ginger root is considered as the universal medicine and is great for curing digestive issues, removing ama(toxins), and waiving off infections like cold and cough. Both fresh ginger and dried ginger powder contain a lot of benefits and are frequently used in North Indian curries. Eating ginger powder relieves menstrual cramps. Rich in antioxidants, ginger contains 25 types of antioxidants and fights against free radicals in the body that cause diseases.
How to Consume? You can eat an inch of a fresh ginger piece before having a heavy meal. Sprinkle lemon juice and salt on the slice and eat. In case of cold and cough, consume ginger tea or ginger water with honey.
Black Pepper (Kali Mirch)
This spice tops the list when it comes to Ayurveda food and consists of antibacterial and anti-oxidizing properties. Black pepper also consists of Vitamin C and K, Manganese and Potassium, and is a great ingredient to relieve pain, improve blood circulation, and treat rheumatism. It is one of the most common spices used in many cuisines due to its medicinal properties and flavor.
How to Consume? Use it as a seasoning. Sprinkle on yogurt, buttermilk, salad, etc.
Turmeric (Haldi)
Turmeric is another amazing Ayurveda food ingredient and a common spice used in Indian cuisine for color, flavor and medicinal purposes. The spice Turmeric is known for its medicinal properties and during the ancient times, it is used as an ointment to heal the wound, pain, and to decrease the inflammation. This magical ingredient balances all the doshas and is also great for treating skin issues and to impart glow and radiance.
How to Consume? Add turmeric in veggies or consume warm turmeric milk- especially in winters. Turmeric milk is globally famous as turmeric latte.
Clarified Butter (Ghee)
The food in the modern times is considered unhealthy. But, as per Ayurveda, it is the best ingredient that promotes longevity and rejuvenates the body. Ghee or clarified butter calms the nerves, aids in digestion helps to transport nutrients to the body from the food, and is good for the eyes and skin. Ghee hydrates dryness, balances all the three doshas, fights insomnia and calms the mind.
Consume- Add in your meal or add 1 tablespoon of ghee in a glass of warm milk and drink before bed.
Balanced Diet and Healthy Body
- The food should balance according to the six Ayurveda tastes- Salty, Sweet, Bitter, Astringent, Sour, and pungent.
- Always eat seasonal fruits and veggies, especially of purple, blue, green, red, and orange color as these are rich in nutrients and antioxidants.
- Spices are important for a healthy body. You just need to balance it according to your Dosha.
- Keep the body hydrated for regular detoxification of the body. But, avoid drinking cold water or drinks with food.
Food is one of the basic and most essential amenities for living. Choosing it carefully helps you to have a healthy body and mind. Adopt the Ayurveda diet for mindfulness eating and better living.