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Ayurveda, which originated in ancient India, is a broad medical approach that promotes the interconnection of the body, mind, and spirit in obtaining optimal wellness. Ayurvedic principles are based on the concept that maintaining bodily balance is critical for preventing sickness and promoting longevity.
In Ayurveda, diet is everything; what you eat reflects on your body and maintains balance. The Ayurvedic approach focuses on the concept of "agni," or digestive fire, which helps to regulate the body's ability to properly metabolise food. Balanced agni ensures that nutrients are efficiently absorbed and waste products are properly excreted. Which helps with all-over health. When cooking Indian cuisine, here are some Ayurvedic tips to keep in mind and follow for betterment :
1. Maintain Taste Balance: Six Tastes (Shad Rasa)
The teachings of Ayurveda say that a balanced meal should incorporate all six tastes: sweet, sour, salty, bitter, pungent, and astringent. The taste affects our bodies and minds in many ways, boosting digestion and overall well-being. Sweet foods such as grains, rice, wheat, and dairy nourish cells, while turmeric promotes detoxification. Including a diversity of tastes in meals promotes holistic nutrition, good digestion and nutrient absorption, which aligns with Ayurvedic concepts of balanced living. Ayurveda describes six tastes. Sour, which are curd, tomatoes, and citrus fruits. Salty, which is salt. Bitter like leafy greens, turmeric, and bitter gourd.The pungent spices include black pepper, ginger, and chillies, and lastly, astringents include lentils, beans, and green tea.
2. Always Use Seasonal Ingredients
Ayurveda always emphasises using fresh fruits, veggies, and ingredients. It says to use fresh and seasonal ingredients. This will help with nutritious and healthy meals. Always go for locally sourced, hygienic, and fresh ingredients rather than packed, non-seasonal ingredients that are stored for months. For a better understanding, always use summer vegetables and fruits, as seasonal meals are naturally suited to our bodies' demands at various seasons of the year. In summer, cooling foods like cucumber and watermelon help calm the heat, while in winter, sturdy grains and warming spices bring comfort and nourishment.
3. Spices
Spices are important in Ayurvedic cookery because of their therapeutic effects as well as their flavour. Incorporate spices that promote digestion and overall wellness. Use turmeric as an anti-inflammatory and digestive aid. Cumin improves digestion and nutrient absorption; coriander is known for calming and aiding digestion; and ginger assists with digestion.
4. Use of Ghee
Ghee (clarified butter) is highly regarded in Ayurveda as it helps to improve digestion, enhance nutrient absorption, and lubricate joints. It is considered a sattvic (pure) food that enhances ojas (vitality) and overall well-being. Ghee pacifies vatta and pitta in our bodies. Two of the three doshas in Ayurveda, Vata and Pitta, stand for the principles of movement and metabolism, respectively, and each has an impact on both physical and mental characteristics. It keeps our gut health healthy and aids in better digestion.
5. Patience and focus when cooking and eating
In Ayurveda, food preparation and consumption are highly charged with intention. Always cook with love, as the emotion of love helps make food more tasty. Avoid distractions as much as possible. Keep your focus on one thing at a time; concentration is the key to making good food. Like this, always eat in a peaceful environment. Always maintain patience while eating; don't gobble up, chew your food, as it will help in nutrient absorption and digestion.
6. Intelligent Food Combinations
To help yourself with digestion, always combine food properly and patiently. Don’t hurry up while eating and don’t eat the wrong items together. As per Ayurveda, avoid combining dairy with fruits, as this combination is believed to disturb digestion. Always eat fruits alone, as this helps with nutrient absorption and reduces indigestion. Never mix proteins with starches, as combining foods like meat and potatoes can be heavy on digestion.
According to Ayurveda, there are many digestive aids. Use them intelligently to promote betterment in your body. Using ginger with lemon juice before meals can help with digestion. Turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties, which support liver function. Ayurvedic tips are essential, as they can change our body from within.
