Ayurveda, a system of self-care, has three governing principles, or doshas, called vata, pitta and kapha. Ayurveda believes various foods have abilities to balance each dosha, as well as affect your heart, mind and spirit. Although some of these popular ayurvedic foods may be unfamiliar to you, others won't be; you may already have more ayurvedic foods in your diet than you realize. Consult with your doctor before trying any alternative therapy.
Lemons
Lemons are used in recipes for seasoning and garnishing, and taken in lemonade to stimulate digestion and reduce toxins. A lemon that has been slightly hollowed and filled with black pepper is an Indian cough remedy. According to the Ayurvedic Cooking website, lemons are considered a sattvic food, inducing clarity, harmony and balance.
Ghee
Ghee, or clarified butter, is believed to aid digestion and calm the nerves in ayurvedic practice. Ghee is thought to bring out the therapeutic value of herbs, and to enhance the aroma and flavor of foods. According to "Yoga Journal," ghee's high absorption rate makes it a medium for transporting nutrients of other foods to tissues.
Almonds
Ayurveda recommends blanching and peeling almonds to eat as an energizing food. According to the World's Healthiest Foods website, almonds are high in monounsaturated fats, the same type of health-promoting fats as are found in olive oil, which has been associated with reduced risk of heart disease. Almonds are also high in vitamin E and are rich in magnesium.
Mung Beans
Mung, or moong, beans are either used whole or are split and hulled. When hulled, they are referred to as moong dhal. Mung beans are considered tridoshic, meaning that they can be eaten to balance all doshas. People in ayurvedic therapy recovering from illnesses often eat khichari, a mix of mung beans and basmati rice. According to the website AyurBalance, mung beans are rich in fiber, and contain 14 grams of protein per cooked cup, as well as thiamin, iron, magnesium and phosphorus.
Ginger
Ginger is thought in ayurvedic therapy to remove ama, or toxins, from the body. Dried ground ginger is used as a seasoning, and thin slices of ginger, sprinkled with lemon juice, are eaten before a meal to promote good digestion.
Cumin Seeds
Cumin seeds are used in ayurvedic therapy as a digestive aid and to reduce ama, and are considered appropriate for all doshas, or physical types. According to "Yoga Journal," powdered cumin, along with powdered ginger, can be added to a cup of warm water to drink in the morning.
Lassi
Lassi, prepared by mixing one part yogurt with two parts water, is served as a beverage to help promote digestion in ayurvedic therapy. It can either be served sweetened, with honey and ground cardamom, or spiced, garnished with cumin, black pepper and ginger. Ayurveda believes lassi balances all three doshas.
Basmati Rice
Basmati rice is held in high esteem by ayurvedic healers. It is considered a sattvic, or pure, food. Eaten in the form of a rice pudding, it is recommended for both pacifying both vata and pitta. According to the AyurBalance website, basmati can be used to balance kapha as well, but should be eaten in small portions, and cooked with peppercorns, ginger and cumin. Before cooking, rinse the rice until the water runs clear.
Bitter Gourd
Bitter gourd, also called bitter melon and Balsam pear, is said to be an acquired taste, but contains many nutrients. It is rich in vitamins A, B1, B2, and C, as well as minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, iron, copper and potassium. The gourds must be cooked when immature. From an ayurvedic standpoint, bitter gourd is considered helpful in balancing kapha, and is believed to have purifying and digestive effects. According to AyurBalance, you should not use mature bitter gourds; if you are pregnant or nursing, you shouldn't eat bitter gourd at all.
Cilantro
Cilantro, also known as Mexican parsley, is a staple not only of Indian cooking but of Asian and Latin American cuisines as well. It is used ayurvedically to enhance digestion, detoxify the body and strengthen liver function. It contains vitamin C, vitamin E, calcium, iron and niacin.
Member Comments