Superfoods
are dietary substances that provide large proportions of minerals, vitamins, antioxidants etcetera are referred as 'superfoods'. In addition to being a powerhouse of nutrients and providing all the essential ones, they have various other health benefits as well. Ayurveda acknowledges them as a “natural” and holistic approach to physical and mental health. The right Ayurvedic foods can boost immunity, detox the body, increase physical and mental strength, and improve digestion. Listed below are 10 ayurvedic superfoods you should eat every day.
Basmati Rice
is Sattvic, nourishes and is also light and easy to digest. It is a long grain rice with a distinctive fragrance and delicate flavor, quick and easy to cook and absolutely delicious!
Dates
are Sattvic and very nourishing but are also quite rich, heavy and difficult to digest. Just because they are “super” doesn’t mean you should eat them by the handful. Stick to two dates a day. Anything more and you may put a strain on your digestive fire.
Almonds
are also Sattvic and are also quite rich and heavy so don’t overdo them either. Two to four almonds a day is enough. To make them lighter and easier to digest, soak them in boiling water overnight, blanch them (remove their skins), then dry roast them.
Honey
is super Sattvic and directly nourishes our body. The main thing to remember with honey is to choose the non heat-treated variety. Ayurveda teaches that when honey is heated to high temperatures its chemical composition is altered making it difficult to digest.
Ginger
is an amazing spice! It is Sattvic and it promotes a strong, balanced digestive fire. And eating ginger with all of the other foods on this list will make them easier to digest too!
Saffron
is one of the most revered of all exotic spices. It has a strong medicinal action on the blood, heart and reproductive system, is super Sattvic and also potentiates the action of any substance it is taken with, including the actions of the superfoods on this list! One to five strands per day is enough to impart its benefits.
Turmeric
is currently trending as an international superfood, turmeric is an all rounder, thanks to its anti-viral, anti-bacterial, and anti-fungal properties. While it can be applied directly to treat wounds, it is very beneficial when ingested, preferably when mixed in milk with some black pepper and honey.
Brahmi/Bacopa
is used to balance the three body types specified in Ayurveda: Vata, Pitta and Kapha. This herb also helps sustain brain and nervous system functions. It is traditionally mixed with sesame oil, and used to massage away stress and soothe the nerves. Brahmi also helps improve memory power.
Amla
is popularly known as the Indian gooseberry, this fruit has carved its own healthcare niche on account of its powerful antioxidant properties. It also works as a digestive tonic, cleansing the colon, and removes excess heat from the body. A rich source of natural Vitamin C and calcium, Amla is also known for its anti-ageing properties.
Ashwagandha
is widely used in Ayurveda for fighting stress, aging, anxiety and fatigue. Also used to relieve painful swelling or rheumatoid arthritis. Ashwagandha is also considered beneficial for increasing sperm count in men.