A Balanced Diet For Every Dosha: Personalised Nutrition Through Ayurveda
Ayurveda prescribes a healthy diet to fight against body Doshas and achieve holistic well-being in the long run
Ayurveda is an ancient medical system that has regained its prominence today. It suggests that the human body is made of 5 elements and any imbalance in their composition could lead to one of 3 doshas - Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. To avoid these doshas, Ayurveda recommends a balanced diet - a diet offering the optimum combination of macro and micronutrients to our body. So, what exactly is a balanced diet and what things must it include to balance our body doshas, here are the complete details:
a) Include Whole Foods: A balanced diet should contain whole foods such as grains, legumes, vegetables, fruits, etc. The addition of small quantities of dry fruits, nuts, and seeds is also recommended as they supply the body with essential micronutrients. Whole foods are also rich in fibre which makes them excellent for managing Vata, Pitta, and Kapha doshas.
b) Freshness is Key: Prioritizing fresh and organic produce is a cornerstone principle of Ayurveda for a balanced diet. Ayurveda also recommends the inclusion of raw food in the diet as it boasts maximum nutritional value and a higher density of enzymes. Raw and partially cooked foods are also easy on the stomach and can play an important role in balancing doshas.
c) Avoid Processed Foods: Although it's hard to completely avoid processed foods nowadays, minimising their intake will have a game-changing impact on managing body doshas. As breaking down canned, processed, and frozen foods into nutrients is very difficult, Ayurveda recommends the replacement of these items with fresh, raw, and warm alternatives.
d) Moderate Intake: While what you eat is crucial, how much you eat is no less important. Ayurveda recommends always eating less than your hunger to aid digestion and keep your doshas balanced. A thumb rule is to stop eating after a burp as more intake will burden your stomach and interfere with the digestive process.
e) Spice it up: A correct combination of spices has therapeutic value for our body. Not only do they boost our immunity but also assimilate nutrients from the diet. Ayurveda recommends the moderate use of mint, coriander, and fenugreek along with cumin, black pepper, and green chilli. Spices also aid digestion which is excellent for keeping body doshas at bay.
f) Stay Hydrated: Hydration is a key to good health and helps the body manage Vata, Pitta, and Kapha doshas. You can take lukewarm water in the morning while for the rest of the day, the consumption of normal water is recommended. Buttermilk is also an effective drink although Ayurveda recommends its intake only during the day in the summer. Canned juices and carbonated drinks must be avoided and limiting the consumption of Tea/Coffee is also recommended to balance the body’s doshas.
According to Ayurveda, a balanced diet should be rich in both taste and nutrition. It must combine macronutrients with micronutrients and offer the body the necessary energy to remain active throughout the day. Remember, a balanced diet is key to good health, and following Ayurvedic principles will help you achieve holistic well-being while successfully managing your doshas.
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