Many academics believe that Ayurveda is the oldest medical science. Ayurveda means “The Science of Life” in Sanskrit. India is home to the origins of ayurvedic knowledge, which is frequently referred to as the “Mother of All Healing,” around 5,000 years ago. Its origins can be traced back to the ancient Vedic civilization, where it was passed down orally from accomplished masters to their students over thousands of years. A large portion of this knowledge is unavailable, but some was put to print several millennia ago. Ayurvedic medicine is the source of many modern Western natural treatment techniques, such as homoeopathy and polarity therapy.
Explanation of Ayurvedic concepts
Many academics believe that Ayurveda is the oldest medical science. Ayurveda means “The Science of Life” in Sanskrit. India is home to the origins of ayurvedic knowledge, which is frequently referred to as the “Mother of All Healing,” around 5,000 years ago. Its origins can be traced back to the ancient Vedic civilization, where it was passed down orally from accomplished masters to their students over thousands of years. A large portion of this knowledge is unavailable, but some was put to print several millennia ago. Ayurvedic medicine is the source of many modern Western natural treatment techniques, such as homoeopathy and polarity therapy.
Doshas and Ayurveda
The five elements of aakash (space), jala (water), prithvi (earth), teja (fire), and vayu (air) are the foundation of Ayurvedic treatment.
Vata, kapha, and pitta are the three humours, or doshas, that arise from the combination of each element. It is thought that these doshas are in charge of an individual’s physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
It is thought that each dosha has a distinct ratio in each individual, usually with one dosha being more prominent than the others. One person can be predominantly pitta, whilst another person might be predominantly vata. Your dosha can be ascertained with the assistance of an Ayurvedic practitioner.
It is believed that an individual’s distinct vata, kapha, and pitta ratio defines their Ayurvedic constitution, which serves as a guide for achieving optimal health.
Despite the paucity of evidence supporting the validity of doshas, many Ayurvedic advocates refer to a dearth of money and research on the topic. Rather than casting doubt on the practice, they think more studies are needed to confirm its effectiveness.
The Three Categories Of Food In Ayurveda
According to Ayurveda, food falls into three categories: Sattvic, Rajasic, and Tamasic, or often spelt Satvik, Rajasik, and Tamasik food. Each has an effect on our emotional and physical well-being. Knowing a few simple nutritional facts might help one see themselves in a new light. In this post, let’s examine the three Ayurvedic dietary categories.
The Sattvic Diet
A Sattvic diet: what is it?
A Sattvic diet is, in short, one that emphasises light, nourishing meals. It has a moderate flavour that isn’t unduly spicy, salty, sweet, or any other extreme. Put simply, sattvic diet is food that purifies the body and calms the mind. Unprocessed, unadulterated, light-potency foods that are rich in prana (life force) make up a sattvic diet. The psyche and the body are revitalised. Food may be considered Sattvic if it is cooked and consumed three to four hours after preparation.
Then why follow a Sattvic diet?
Eating sattvic food improves our bodily and mental well-being, raising our consciousness. It helps our body and mind to regain their proper balance and harmony. High-quality body tissues can grow and heal more quickly when a Sattvic diet is followed on a regular basis.
The Rajasic Diet
A Rajasic diet: what is it?
Rajasic cuisine is rich yet unprocessed. It includes all whole pulses and dals (not sprouted), as well as non-vegetarian foods including fish, poultry, eggs, and onions, as well as vegetables. The rajasic diet is extremely healthful and is made from scratch.
What is the outcome of following a Rajasic diet?
Your body’s Pitta and Vata (or other Dosha) levels may get worse if you follow a Rajasic diet. These foods provide vitality to the body and the mind. Overindulgence in these foods has been connected to irritation, aggression, restlessness, hyperactivity, and insomnia. Additionally, they raise the blood’s toxicity level. To put it simply, food that is too exquisite is known as Rajasic cuisine. The table below offers a selection of Rajasic foods.
Diet Tamasic
A Tamasic diet: what is it?
Tasic foods include foods made with refined flour (maida), pastries, pizzas, burgers, chocolates, soft drinks, Chinese food, naan, tea, coffee, tobacco, alcohol, and canned and preserved foods like pickles, jams, and fermented foods. Fried foods like pakora are also included, as are sugar-based sweets, ice creams, puddings, and most “fun foods.” All foods that are hot, salty, sweet, and fatty are included in the tamasic diet. Overeating is a trait of tamasics.
What occurs if you consume foods that are toxic?
Tasty foods lead to bewilderment, lethargy, and disorientation in addition to mental tiredness. Foods that are reheated or outdated, highly greasy or filling, and phoney foods fall under this category. Consuming food high in tamasic flavours can also intensify Rajas’ rage.
Ayurvedic Ingredients in Indian Cooking
Ayurveda, an ancient science, has a lot to teach us about keeping our bodies and lives healthy. As Ayurveda views the status of the human body as a product of food, diet control is essential. Ayurveda demonstrates how a person might heal by highlighting the relationship between diet, the body, and life’s components.
The following are some common kitchen components that are good for your health:
One of the most well-known condiments, ginger is a staple in practically every Indian household and is used extensively in Ayurvedic medicine. It helps with digestion by getting rid of impurities and boosting the stomach’s production of digestive enzymes. Aside from adding ginger to food, another option to include ginger in daily life is to eat a few raw ginger slices steeped in salt and lime juice before meals.
Furthermore, a strong cold or sinus infection can be naturally treated with ginger added to tea.
Cinnamon
It is well known that cinnamon has antiviral qualities. This aids in the defence against the common cold-causing virus. Moreover, it contains anti-inflammatory qualities that soothe sore throats.
Cumin
Because of its anti-inflammatory qualities, cumin is a seasoning that aids in digestion. It also works as a laxative and expels gas. Additionally, it feeds the agni, or digestive fire.
Coriander
This condiment, which has cooling qualities, is great for people who have acid reflux because of too much heat in their stomach. Along with treating flatulence and bloating, it also boosts appetite and eradicates stomach worms.
Asafoetida
Although heeng has a strong scent, it is a very helpful spice for better digestion. Because of its calming qualities, the digestive tract is strengthened and bloating, flatulence, abdominal pain, spasms, and burp are less common.
Importance of Ayurveda in Indian cooking
Cooking with Ayurveda is both an art and a science. Not only do Ayurvedic meals have flavour and perfume, but they also look good and can be therapeutic when served in a positive environment. The elimination of poisons that have entered the body and the body’s electrical vitalization are the primary goals of Ayurvedic meal preparation.