Ayurvedic medicine was developed in India over 5000 years ago. She considers that the food we eat has a direct impact on our health and well-being. Ayurvedic diets aim to maintain a balance between mind, body and environment.
The basic principles of Ayurvedic medicine
Ayurvedic medicine is based on three basic principles: doshas, gunas and dhatus. The doshas are the forces that regulate the functioning of the body. There are three: Vata, Pitta and Kapha. Gunas are the qualities that determine the nature of foods and herbs. There are three: Sattva, Rajas and Tamas. Dhatus are the tissues that make up the body.
According to Ayurvedic medicine, each person has a unique combination of doshas that determine their physical, mental, and emotional makeup. The three doshas – Vata, Pitta and Kapha – are associated with the elements air, fire and earth respectively. These doshas are in constant interaction with each other and their imbalance can lead to health problems.
To maintain a balance, it is important to choose foods that are suitable for your constitution. Foods can be classified according to their taste, quality, and effect on the doshas. For example, sweet and salty foods have a soothing effect on Vata, while bitter and astringent foods are beneficial for Pitta. Kapha, on the other hand, benefits from light and warm foods. It is therefore important to know your constitution and choose foods that promote the balance of the doshas for optimal health.
Ayurvedic foods
Ayurvedic foods are chosen according to their impact on the doshas, the three energies that regulate our body. Vata foods are considered hot, heavy, and oily, and are recommended for people who tend to be anxious, stressed, or have digestive issues.
Pitta foods, on the other hand, are fresh, light and dry, and they are recommended for people who have a Pitta-type constitution, who tend to be perfectionists and who may suffer from skin or digestive problems. Kapha foods are hot, dry, and light, and are recommended for people with a Kapha-type build, who tend to be slower and have weight or circulation issues.
Sattva Foods are considered the most beneficial to health because they are fresh, pure and natural. Indeed, these foods are rich in nutrients and enzymes, which help maintain an optimal balance in the human body. They are often consumed before physical activity to give a boost. However, it is important to be careful not to consume too many of them, as they are often heavy and difficult to digest, which can cause long-term health problems.
Vata foods: bananas, dates, nuts, avocados, brown rice, sesame oil, ginger, cinnamon.
Pitta Foods: apples, grapes, cucumber, lettuce, broccoli, cilantro, mint, turmeric.
Kapha Foods: potatoes, cabbage, cauliflower, mushrooms, onions, black pepper, dry ginger, cinnamon.
The six tastes
According to Ayurveda, it is important to consume a variety of foods that provide all six basic tastes to maintain balance in body and mind. Sweet taste includes foods such as milk, grains, fruits, and root vegetables, while sour taste includes foods such as lemon, vinegar, and citrus fruits.
Salty foods such as salt and fermented foods, while bitter taste includes foods such as leafy green vegetables and bitter herbs. Pungent foods include foods like hot spices and chili peppers, while astringent taste includes foods such as legumes, nuts, and fruits like pomegranates and quinces. By incorporating all six tastes into your diet, you can help maintain balance and health according to Ayurvedic principles.
Ayurvedic eating habits
Along with choosing the right foods, eating habits are also important in Ayurvedic medicine. Here are a few tips:
Eat at regular times is important in Ayurvedic medicine. This helps maintain healthy digestion and prevent gastrointestinal upset. It is recommended to eat three meals a day and avoid snacks between meals.
eat slowly and chew food well. This promotes better digestion and prevents bloating.
Avoid eating cold or hot foods. Foods that are warm or at room temperature are best to aid digestion.
Avoid processed foods and chemicals. Favoring fresh and organic foods reduces the intake of toxins in the body and promotes a healthy and balanced diet.
Ayurvedic diets are a holistic approach to food and health. By choosing the right foods for your constitution and following healthy eating habits, you can maintain a harmonious balance between your mind, body, and environment. Try to integrate these principles into your daily diet for a more harmonious and balanced life.
