Ahar (diet) in Ayurveda says that food eaten should have at least one of six tastes sweet, sour, salty, bitter, pungent or astringent. The right food promotes sattva (purity of soul), detoxes the body and rejuvenates the individual. It leads to an overall increase in immunity, physical and mental strength. Ayurveda, recommends few foods, that can become part of the daily meals.
Amalaki (Indian gooseberry)
It is the powerhouse of nutrients and a rich source of vitamin C, calcium and iron. Taste-wise, it's also powerpacked, as it has an uncommon balance of sweet, sour, pungent and bitter flavours. It can be consumed in any form like juice, powder or raw. It has antioxidant properties and is used to tackle hair and skin problems like dandruff and hair loss. It reduces the level of acidity in stomach, fights inflammation and contains anti-aging properties. It is a superfood in the real sense, as it also helps combat diabetes by regulating the blood glucose level.
Soonth (Dry ginger)
This is one of the most easily available food with many medicinal properties. Its anti-inflammatory properties stimulates appetite and reduces intestinal pain, stomach gas and bloating. Fresh ginger is used to reduce nausea, cough and cold, while dried ginger roots work on joint pain, migraine, cough, cold and fever, and helps to lower blood cholesterol level. It is recommended to dry ginger powder paste on the forehead in case of a throbbing headache. Dry ginger powder contains thermogenic agents, which burns fat and reduces obesity.
Go Ghrita (Ghee from cow milk)
Go Ghrita or ghee from cow milk is used in many Ayurvedic medicines for internal as well as external applications. Basically it is clarified butter from cow milk, which is a healthy option for cooking. Its high smoking point makes it a suitable for cooking and does not produce tissue-damaging free radicals in the body. It balances the cholesterol level in blood, provides additional energy, improves eye health, strengthens immune system, prevents certain types of cancer and protects the gastrointestinal system. Ghee is the combination of fats without milk residue, so it doesn't need to be
refrigerated.
Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus)
Shatavari is considered as a general health tonic to improve vitality and has an antioxidant property, which helps to prevent free radical cell damage in the body. It is anti-inflammatory, and helps boost immune system. Used as an anti-aging agent, it is highly useful for lactating mothers, to increase breast milk. It is also recommended to have it with milk during pregnancy, as well as after childbirth till the time a mother breast feeds. It is recommended to increase the thickness of the hair and to improve the health of the skin.
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)
It is used to rejuvenate and reduce stress. It supports a healthy immune system, calms the mind and develops healthy sleeping patterns. It sustains energy levels, boost strength and vitality and helps beat depression, anxiety and infertility in men. It also helps increases muscle mass and strength.
Haridra (Turmeric)
It improves complexion, cleanses skin, relieves itching and detox against microbial infection. Also called the Curcuma longa, it is a healing agent in diabetes, urinary tract infection, running nose and upper respiratory tract infection. Its anti-inflammatory property makes it useful for external applications in cases of insect bites. Due to its flavour, it is used regularly in the daily diet.
