Ayurveda is derived from Sanskrit words, one of the oldest healing therapies. “Ayur” means life and “Veda” means science or knowledge, so Ayurveda means the science of life. It originated in India more than 5,000 years ago.
The emphasis is on disease prevention - which can be achieved through proper nutrition, lifestyle and the right way of thinking. Because Ayurveda is a holistic science, it treats each individual as a unified, aspiring person, and when the disease is already present in the body, it seeks to bring that individual back into balance in a holistic way with natural herbal preparations.
Ayurveda approaches each person individually. During the mind -body types analysis of the individual, the focus is on trying to restore health to a harmonious state by exploring the full complex - both physical and mental causes of the illness.
Ayurveda identifies the 5 elements that are present in everyone and everything - Earth, Water, Fire, Air and Ether. The proportion of these elements determines the physical and mental characteristics, illnesses, and health status of each individual. The grouping and proportion of the five elements creates the 3 main doshas: the Vata, the Pitta, and the Kapha dosha. Every human being has all three qualities of all five elements, however, one is the dominant, then there is a secondary dosha, and finally the least prominent dosha.
What is the Ayurvedic diet?
The Ayurvedic diet is based on the principles of Ayurvedic medicine, which focuses on inner balance and energy and promotes better functioning of the body and mind. It gives suggestions on what foods a particular individual should consume according to their Ayurvedic body type.
The Ayurvedic diet encourages the consumption of foods that balance all three doshas.
1. The Ayurvedic diet encourages the consumption of whole foods.
2. It can help you lose weight.
3. Promotes alertness.
Vata dosha diet
Vata dosha types are generally more attracted to raw foods, including salads and vegetables, however, balance is achieved by consuming hot, cooked foods, especially those with sweet, sour, or salty flavors. Better digestion is experienced when raw foods are limited.
When consuming fruits, ripe and juicy fruits usually balance the Vata type, but dried fruits should be avoided. The fruits should be eaten on an empty stomach.
If the Vata type is exposed to too much cold food or fluids, it can usually cause an imbalance in the body. A Vata-type person responds well to warmer, moist foods. Nutritious foods such as legumes can be consumed in the diet, but are generally recommended in soaked, cooked form.
A person of the Vata type should consume smaller meals about three to four- five times a day and eat snacks throughout the day to keep a two-hour distinction between snacks and meals. This routine is very important for a Vata dosha type.
Pitta dosha diet
Unlike the Vata type, the Pitta type is often balanced by a vegetarian diet consisting of raw fruits and vegetables. Cooling energizing foods are great for achieving balance.
The diet should be limited to spices, nuts and seeds, as well as foods with a sour, salty or very pungent odor. These include fruits such as lemons and limes, chili, and even garlic. Legumes should be included in the diet, especially black lentils and chickpeas. Dairy products, especially sweeter dairy products such as yogurts, can also help achieve Pitta balance. Coffee, tobacco and alcohol should be completely avoided and black tea should be consumed in moderation.
Kapha dosha diet
Kapha types are mostly balanced by bitter, strong-smelling foods, but they are attracted to sweeter, salty, oily foods. Fats generally make the Kapha type unbalanced, so heavier foods containing nuts, seeds and oil should be limited. The best spices like ginger and garlic, with the exception of salt, can be included in the diet.
Above ground vegetables are good for balancing Kapha. It is best to avoid sweet, sour or juicy vegetables and rather include fruits such as apples, apricots, mangoes, peaches and pears in the diet. It is better to digest steamed or fried vegetables, although raw vegetables can also be eaten. Products of animal origin should be reduced. Dairy products should be avoided.
Although cereals should be included in the diet, legumes should be restricted and excessive eating should not be done to avoid Kapha imbalance.
Occasionally black coffee and tea can be consumed. The only sweetener you need to use is honey and avoid processed sugars.
Comentarios