The word, Ayurveda, is from the ancient Indian language, Sanskrit, and means “Knowledge of Life”. The Ayurvedic approach to life involves listening to and addressing the unique needs of your body, recognizing and balancing your mental and emotional states, and deepening your connection with your spirit, your essential self. It is about The Raw Food Diet.
What is the raw food diet
The raw food diet is based on the principle that eating a diet high in raw food will normalize and alkalize your body. This, in turn, connects the mind with the body; thus, Ayurveda and the Raw Food diet are very similar.
This article will hopefully provide a brief guidance on how you could connect the two in a way that is optimal for your health.
What is Ayurveda?
In Ayurveda, the idea is that you eat according to your ëdoshaí; vata, pitta, and kapha.
Vata is composed of the elements of air and ether
Pitta is composed of the elements of fire and water
Kapha is composed of the elements of water and earth
Vata types are generally thin and find it hard to gain weight. Vatas need to get sufficient rest and not overdo things, as they can tire easily.
Pitta types are generally medium-sized and well-proportioned. They also tend to be intelligent, with a sharp wit.
Kapha types tend to have sturdy, heavy frames. They are prone to gain weight easily. They often tend to have a positive outlook on life.
So, what does this mean, and how does it apply to you?
In Ayurveda, it is believed that each person is governed by one dominant dosha and you should eat according to that dosha. However, this article is concerned with Ayurveda and Raw Food, so I will only mention the foods that coincide with both these diets.
Vata
Balances: Sweet fruits, apricots, avocados, bananas, berries, grapes, melons, asparagus, beets, cucumber, garlic, radishes, and zucchini.
Aggravates: Dried fruits, apples, cranberries, pears, watermelons, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, raw onions.
Pitta
Balances: Sweet fruits, avocado, coconut, figs, mango, prunes, sweet and bitter vegetables, cabbage, cucumber, okra, potatoes.
Aggravates: Sour fruits, berries, bananas, plums, oranges, lemon, pungent vegetables, garlic, onions.
Kapha
Balances: Apples, apricots, berries, cherries, cranberries, mangos, peaches, pungent and bitter vegetables, broccoli, celery, garlic, onion.
Aggravates: Sweet and sour fruits, bananas, coconut, melons, papaya, sweet and juicy vegetables, potatoes, tomatoes.
There are many suggestions in Ayurveda, which are very easily translated to a Raw Food Diet.
Such suggestions are:
Eat mainly seasonal fruit, vegetables, nuts, seeds and grains
Eat according to your constitution, or dosha
Fast for one day every two weeks
Establish a regular eating routine
Eliminate or limit caffeinated, carbonated, and alcoholic beverages from your life
Drink herbal tea, fruit and vegetable juices
