Healing Power of Food in Ayurveda – Ayurvedic Nutrition & Wellness

Apr 05, 2019

Food is called "The great Medicine" in Ayurveda. A whole some, Well balanced diet is the foundation of health, strength and happiness for, both mind and body. The food we eat should be appetizing and appeal to all our senses. A well balanced diet consist of two third nourishing food, which help build tissue and one third purifying food, which prevent Kapha increase and excess tissue build-up. Nourishing foods we should include in our diet are grains, Fruits, milk, dairy product, nuts, fats and starchy vegetables such a potatoes. Pulses and all vegetables those are rajasic or tamasic are the purifying foods.

A small glass of hot water or water at room temperature half an hour before a meal and during a meal is beneficial. More than that will weaken agni.

Follow the eight guiding principles to ensure the food you eat has the power of healing. They are…

1. Quality of Food: - Don’t eat too much or too little. Fill your stomach half with solid food, One quarter with liquids and leave one quarter empty.

2. Quality: - Food should be organic, fresh and selected according to the taste, heating or cooling quality, digestibility and effect on the doshas and tissues. Avoid processed and pre-packaged foods and meals.

3. Timing: - The season, the time of day and your phase of life all tell you which foods are the best to eat. In winter meals should be rich and nourishing. In summer food we choose should be light and cooling. Make lunch your biggest meal.

4. Origin: - Choose regional foods that are fresh and ripe. Rather than imported foods.

5. Combination: - Body’s ability to digest the food is affected by how different foods are combined.

6. Preparation: - You are not what you eat, but what you digest. Naturally grown food that is properly prepared is easiest to digest and absorb.



7. The Surroundings: - The atmosphere we cook and eat in and the state of our kitchen play an important role. Cook and eat in a tidy, positive environment.

8. You: - The person who eats, are important. The healthiest food can become poison if you are in a hurry, stressed ill or have a weak agni.