5 Important Foods You Must Include in Your Ayurvedic Diet

An ayurvedic diet considers meals that balance the doshas or energy types in your body.This Indian medicinal philosophy functions on the basis of three doshas. While the vata dosha indicates air and space, kapha signifies the energy of water and earth. Fire and water form the basis of the pitta dosha.

From the moment you are born, your body has a dominant dosha with some measure of other two. According to ayurveda, you are what you eat. Consuming an unsuitable diet may need you to depend on medicines to cure health ailments. Once you keep a check on what you eat, you may hardly need any medicine at all!

Here are the must-haves of an ayurvedic diet so you can benefit from ayurvedic nutrition.

Improve Your Digestion with Cumin Seeds

There are many benefits of including cumin seeds in your diet. They contain hypolipidemic properties that control cholesterol and blood sugar. The oil present in cumin seeds functions as an antiseptic. It eliminates harmful pathogens that attack your immune system. No wonder cumin is a popular food preservative!

Cumin also contains antioxidants that protect your cells from free radicals [1]. Have enough of it and you will feel energized. Cumin also prevents your skin from premature aging. It improves your concentration and memory, while helping you reduce your weight. To enjoy this benefit, boil cumin seeds in water and have this drink. You can also soak cumin seeds overnight and drink the water the next day on an empty stomach.

Include Ginger as an Ayurvedic Food in Your Diet

Ginger contains gingerol that has medicinal properties. It is effective in reducing nausea, improving digestion and fighting the common cold. Ginger also contains antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that help in reducing oxidative stress. It lowers stiffness and joint pain too. This was also confirmed by a study on the use of herbal ointments containing ginger to decrease the pain caused by osteoarthritis [2].

Other reasons to have ginger include:

• Minimizes blood sugar levels
• Treats indigestion problems
• Reduces menstrual pain
• Lowers cholesterol levels
• Improves functioning of the brain

Drink Warm Milk to Balance Your Energy

Milk contains tryptophan. This amino acid has soothing effects that induces restful sleep. The melatonin hormone present in milk functions as a neurotransmitter. This helps regulates your sleeping patterns. Various other proteins present in milk reduce anxiety and provide good sleep. No wonder ayurveda recommends having a glass of warm milk before bed! Remember, cold milk is difficult to digest when compared to warm milk. Milk needs to be digested well to balance your doshas and give you strength. Drink a glass of warm milk before you sleep and build healthy bones too.

Get Rid of Toxins by Including Ghee in Your Ayurvedic Diet

According to ayurveda, ghee is a superfood that you shouldn’t ignore. It has a longer shelf life compared to butter and is easier to digest. It keeps you warm inside and that is why ghee forms an integral part of winter food. Ayurveda also recommends doing the nyasa treatment for a blocked nose. This involves pouring warm ghee in your nostrils as soon as you wake up in the morning. You get instant relief when the ghee reaches the throat and soothes it. Ensure that ghee is pure and temperature is lukewarm. Ghee contains butyric acid that promotes good intestinal health as well.

Make Your Skin Glow by Drinking Plenty of Warm Water

Drinking warm water can relieve you from nasal congestion. Have a cup of warm water to loosen your blocked nose and reduce your headaches. Warm water aids in smooth functioning of the digestive and nervous system. When there is lack of water intake, it can cause dehydration. This can affect your bowel movements. By drinking warm water, your bowel movements become regular [3]. Warm water also helps in maintaining the body temperature during cold weather. Sipping warm water improves blood circulation and minimizes stress levels too!

Following ayurvedic tips can definitely improve your diet and lifestyle. Reduce how much processed foods you eat and focus on having nutritious food to balance your energy. All you need to do is be consistent in your routine to stay safe from health ailments. For advice on ayurvedic nutrition, visit an ayurvedic specialist on Bajaj Finserv Health. Book an appointment at the earliest and work towards a healthy ayurvedic lifestyle!