All of us crave a healthy, wholesome lifestyle. And Ayurveda is just the way to achieve it. It embodies purity and mindfulness in all that we consume for our wellbeing, thus balancing the energies or doshas in our bodies. Our energies are made of the 5 elements of the cosmos we live in. Any disturbance in these energies can cause illnesses and ailments. Ayurveda’s holistic method brings about homeostasis that ensures our good health.
What exactly is Ayurveda?
Ayurveda is the world’s oldest holistic healing system that originated in India. It helps to harmonize the mind, body, and spirit and restores the body’s balance. Also known as the “Mother Of All Healing”, this science of life holds the promise of overall health.
Does it work?
Yes, it does. According to Ayurveda, five elements make up the universe — Vayu (Air), Jala (Water), Akash (Space), Teja (Fire), and Prithvi (Earth). These elements are believed to form three different doshas, which are defined as types of energies that circulate within your body. Each dosha is responsible for specific physiological functions. The Ayurvedic diet is an eating pattern focused on promoting balance within your body by following guidelines for your specific dosha, or body type. Here are a few of the potential benefits of the Ayurvedic Diet.
Promotes mindfulness
In addition to what foods you eat, mindfulness is another major part of the Ayurvedic diet. Mindfulness involves being present and paying close attention to how you feel in the now. Hence, mindful eating emphasizes minimizing distractions during meals to focus on the taste, texture, and smell of your food.
Encourages whole foods
Although the Ayurvedic diet has specific guidelines for each dosha, the diet as a whole encourages eating whole foods like fruits, vegetables, grains, and legumes. This can benefit your health greatly, as these foods are rich in many essential nutrients. The diet also minimizes processed foods, which often lack fibre and important vitamins and minerals.
In an Ayurveda diet, there are some primary ingredients that promise good health. Here is unlocking their endless properties.
Ayurvedic wonder foods
Also known as the ‘Wonder Plant’, Aloe Vera has the potential to help you inside out. Known for its incredible therapeutic properties and health benefits, it helps heal wounds and sunburns, and softens irritable skin and cracked heels. When consumed, it acts as a natural laxative, easing constipation, and as a coolant, preventing stomach ulcers. For women, it offers relief from menstrual cramps and mastitis. It is also rich in antioxidants. In fact, due to its natural properties, many fruits and vegetables are coated with Aloe Gel to prolong their shelf life and keep them fresh and free from bacteria for longer. As per Ayurvedic texts, Aloe Vera is also known to increase fertility and acts as an aphrodisiac.
The Indian Gooseberry, as it is called, is also famous for being the “nectar of life”. You can consume it whole, as a juice, or in its powdered form. It is loaded with vitamin C and boasts of a tarty flavour. In Ayurveda, this ingredient is believed to calm the Vata, Pitta, and Khapha, but mostly the Pitta—which affects digestion and metabolism. A powerhouse of nutrients, it nourishes the heart and respiratory system. This superfood rejuvenates the body’s tissues thereby promoting youthfulness. Its anti-bacterial and astringent properties help with increasing immunity and reducing inflammation. With such impressive health benefits, Amla is worthy of a rightful place in your daily diet.
Giloy is famously called “the root of immortality”, or Amrita in Sanskrit. Known for its immunity-enhancing properties, it has been at the forefront in recent times. This amazing root has purification properties that remove toxins from the body. In Ayurveda, Giloy is believed to have Deepan and Pachan properties, that is, it increases the appetite and improves digestion. Giloy is rich in antioxidants that prevent disease-causing germs and is anti-pyretic in nature, which means it fights fevers too, reduces recurring viral infections. It can be consumed as a juice, in a powdered form, or even as a kadha (decoction).
Tulsi, or Holy Basil as it is popularly known as, is loaded with benefits. It helps maintain the health of the skin, liver, and kidney. Tulsi has antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antitussive, and anti-allergic properties. Hence, it is very effective in relieving cough, flu, and asthmatic symptoms while boosting one’s overall immunity. It helps control cholesterol and blood pressure levels. Packed with nutrients, the leaves can be used in beverages and foods, or can be consumed raw or in powdered form.
Karela is packed with the power of vitamin A and C. It is also an excellent source of fibre. Famously known as a natural blood-sugar controller, Karela is recommended to diabetics. Apart from that, it also boosts the immune system, boosts metabolism, detoxifies the liver, and helps in weight loss. In Ayurveda, it is believed that the benefits of Karela penetrate the tissue layer, i.e. the dhatus—rasa (plasma), rakta (blood), mamsa (muscle), meda (fat), and shukra (reproductive fluid) in order to purify, cleanse, and remove toxins.
Jamun
Jamun has an incredible number of benefits right from boosting digestion, preventing acid reflux, improving immunity, and preventing infections. A natural laxative, Jamun keeps your gut clean. It contains Jamboline and Jambosine that stabilize blood sugar levels. It is also loaded with antioxidants, iron, vitamin A and C that help detoxify the body and maintain overall health.
Consumed as fresh juice or in powdered form, Wheatgrass is packed with a powerful combination of vitamins, minerals enzymes, and other nutrients, many of which have therapeutic benefits. It has antioxidant, antibacterial, and anti-ageing properties. Wheatgrass especially aids digestion and due to its cooling properties, calms the agni (digestive fire) while helping reduce symptoms of peptic ulcers. Being another powerhouse of nutrients, it’s one ingredient that promotes holistic health.
Ayurveda encourages us to live in harmony with nature and our constitution. It promotes a healthy lifestyle and helps us remain nourished, inside out. And the best part is that there are no side effects, only an abundance of benefits. So, make Ayurveda a part of your life, and transform your health with this life-changing science of life.
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Glad you have this section on your page!! Thank you for thinking through and putting it up!