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When people talk of India, they associate it with temples and spicy food. However, there is a long history that has shaped the cuisine of India as it is today. One of the major influential elements in Indian cuisine is Ayurveda. Ayurveda is not just about yoga and holistic health care, it is also about diets and eating the right ingredients.
In a generation of processed and fast foods, it is crucial to know the importance of Ayurveda and an Ayurvedic diet. Luckily, universities today like the MAMC, take care to educate students on what to eat, how to eat, and about Ayurvedic superfoods.
Ayurveda categorizes people into three - Vata, Pitta, and Kapha dosha. These doshas are a combination of five earthly elements, namely, earth, water, air, fire, and space. Ancient texts on Ayurveda state that these elements and doshas make up a person’s mental and physical disposition.
Since each person of these doshas is different, the process of treating ailments and diets must be different. In terms of diet, the same ingredient while being beneficial for one person can cause harm to others. This is where Ayurvedic diets come into the personalized picture according to the individual.
A ‘Superfood’ is a marketing term that was created to describe a vegetable, fruit, or spice. These ingredients have a ton of benefits or are higher on the nutritional scale, hence its name, superfood. They are full of essential vitamins, minerals, and acids. Generally, people associate the term superfood with exotic fruits and vegetables like acerola cherry or goji berries. However, Ayurveda has a list of ingredients that would fit the superfood category and these are all easily available and present in most kitchens. For instance, ginger, honey, amla, turmeric, coconut oil, and ghee are some examples of Ayurvedic superfoods. Some of these superfoods along with their benefits have been elaborated on below.
The first among many superfoods that Ayurveda has to offer is the modest amla. Also known as Indian Gooseberry, this tiny berry comes with a host of benefits. When the pandemic started, the first superfood companies capitalised on is - amla. Soon, amla juices and tablets became available. For the right reason too, amla is known to have strong antioxidant properties and is a source of vitamin C in Ayurveda. Regular consumption will help keep the digestion system smooth but also make the elimination process unproblematic.
Studies have also found that amla supports a healthy immune system and helps in achieving overall well-being. Amla oil when used for hair helps achieve long, shiny and strong locks. Ayurveda recommends including six major tastes or flavour profiles in our daily diet. Amla contains five of the six tastes and contributes much more to improving the digestive fire.
Also Read: Bring Ayurveda to your Kitchen for a Healthy LifestyleTo continue with the question of what is the most healthiest superfood in Ayurveda, are dates. Dates are a natural source of vitamin C and iron. These properties together keep our skin young, healthy and free from wrinkles. Respiratory issues are not common when dates are consumed regularly as is a healthy immune system or ojas. In Ayurveda, dates are sattvic or it brings about peace of mind. Individuals suffering from UTI, and cystitis would benefit greatly from eating dates daily.
The presence of high polyphenols also works at fighting inflammation in the body. A couple of dates a day is perfect to start including them in the daily diet. Dates can also be used as a replacement for sugar in recipes. However, it must be kept in mind that dates are also high in calories and must be consumed in moderation.
One of the more unique superfoods is bee pollen Ayurveda. Bee pollen is, per the name, not just pollen. It is a mix of flower pollen, bee secretions, honey, wax, nectar and also certain enzymes. Bee pollen is not similar to other bee-related products like royal jelly or honey which could also contain trace amounts of pollen. It has several benefits due to a range of active ingredients like amino acids, nutrients, vitamins and lipids.
The high antioxidant content of bee pollen removes harmful free radicals from the body thus reducing the danger of contracting diseases like cancer. The same properties could also help with the reduction of chances of heart disease but there are no studies yet towards this. Other observed benefits include decreasing inflammation, allergies and aiding in weight loss.
Ginger is also another one of those Ayurvedic foods that should be included in meals due to its several benefits. It is a terrific sattvic spice and can work wonders in igniting the digestive fire. Ginger is also well known for its medicinal properties. It is filled to the brim with vitamin A and K with iron, magnesium and copper. Indigestion and constipation patients are often recommended ginger as an additive to their regular meals.
Ginger is one of those spices that hold its beneficial properties in both fresh and dried forms. When traveling and nausea hits, a little bit of dry ginger will do the trick. In the winter months, when cough and cold cases rise, boiling ginger with honey will work wonders. Seasonal allergies and infections can be kept at bay at home with ginger.
Ghee has recently grown in popularity within the western countries. For good reason too, ghee has many benefits if consumed correctly. Ghee is one of the wonderful ingredients that is present in most Indian kitchens and in use for years. To start, ghee strengthens memory, promotes Vatta and Pitta dosha and is also wonderful for fever. Although it can be used throughout the year, it is one of the best winter superfoods in India.
Ghee has short-chain fatty acids like butyrates that assist proper digestion by making the bile flow smooth. Some research studies have also shown ghee to help cancer patients by shutting off the gene expression. The presence of fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, E, and K aid in weight loss and does not build up cholesterol. Eat ghee to keep warm during the colder months, keep skin moisturized and improve eye health and hair fall.
Ayurveda has much more fruits, vegetables, nuts, and spices with varying advantages. The list above states only five such superfoods. One must research the best food to eat per the dosha they are and find out the best way to include it in their diets.
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