According to Ayurveda there is a need to modify the diet during the monsoon period in order to control the doshas and enhance digestion. It is advised to have warm foods like soups and khichdi along with ginger and turmeric. Adding whole grain, legume, healthy fat and herbal tea while avoiding cold or raw foods is helpful to be in healthy state.
Monsoon season is a calamity that comes with change in weather as it triggers some challenges that occur during this season. Not surprisingly, Ayurveda has some brilliant suggestions which may help in balancing the doshas by incorporating the food items with balanced and warm qualities. To make your monsoon healthier, tasty, and extra delicious, here is everything you should know about Ayurveda-backed foods to eat this monsoon.
Dietary changes- why they are compulsory in this season?
The periods of rain are inclement and these have an effect on doshas where they may increase in number especially kapha dosha often causing congestion, common cold and indigestion.
One directs of monsoon without getting sick is by ensuring that one takes specific foods in his or her daily meals. Below, let us get to know the list of some ideal foods that should be taken during monsoon according to Ayurveda, The science of life.
Warm foods
According to Ayurveda during monsoon the strength of digestive fire or the Agni within us is reduced due to the excess moisture in the environment. This basically means that according to the Ayurveda system of health for digestion one should take warm and cooked foods as opposed to raw or cold foods.
Soups and stews: Hence, cook healthy vegetable soups and soft textured lentil stews which can be easily digested. include such spices as ginger, turmeric and cumin to add both flavor and health benefits to the food.
Khichdi: This is a one pot wonder made from rice and lentils and is light on the tummy which makes it perfect to eat during monsoon.
Spices for digestion
Using spices goes a long way in enhancing the flavor of and at the same time enhancing digestion and immunity exercise.
Ginger: Ginger is known for its warm nature and thus it is able to deal with the effects of the rainy season and it also has the ability to defeat stomach problems. It may be taken as tea, or mixed with food or as ginger honey.
Turmeric: The following is one of the most effective anti-inflammatory spices that can be incorporated in a variety of dishes and has immunity boosting effects.
Cumin and Coriander: These spices aids digestion and can be incorporated in simmering soups, curries or included in a spice rub.
Fruits and vegetables
Vitamin and minerals rich fresh fruits and vegetables are important in the diet but Ayurveda has a word of caution on what should be consumed during the Monsoons.
Cooked Vegetables
Choose vegetables that are available in the particular season such as pumpkin, carrot and bottle gourd as they are not difficult to digest. Raw salads should not be taken as they may cause increase in kapha thus causing bloating.
Fruits: Fruits which should be used are warm fruits such as apples, pears, and cooked fruits like apples cooked in cinnamon. Foods particularly those containing acids like fruits especially those of citrus should be taken sparingly as they may worsen the condition.
Whole Grains
These are ground whole grains and they offer lasting energy which makes it good to be taken during the monsoon.
Oats and Quinoa
These grains and delicious food that can be prepared in different methods. Oats can be taken as warm oatmeal and; quinoa can also be taken cold in salads or cooked as well.
Brown Rice
Compared to white rice, brown rice is highly rich in fiber content and is best served with lentils or vegetables since it is non-acid forming.
Legumes and Pulses
The needs of the caloric intake are fulfilled by legumes which are good sources of protein and help reduce hunger.
Moong Dal
It is a lentil that is very easily digestible especially suited for the monsoon season. It can also be cooked as soup or khichdi and contains nutritional value.
Chickpeas and kidney beans
These can be incorporated in casseroles or soups so that it adds nutritional values such as protein and fiber.
Healthy Fats
To add to this, it is recommended that one incorporates some fats into their tables to ensure that he or she remains warm and balanced especially during the cold and damp season.
Ghee
A crucial ingredient in every Indian kitchen ghee is derived from butter and is well known to help with digestion and could be used to fry, cook or garnish.
Nuts and Seeds
Dry fruits such as almonds, walnuts and flaxseeds contain fats but are healthy fats and can be enjoyed in small quantities snacking or sprinkled on food.
Herbal Teas
It is very important to maintain a good level of water intake but avoid indulging in cold drink options go for herbal teas.
Ginger Tea: This warming tea is also contributed for the purpose of easing digestion of food and avoiding the flu.
Tulsi Tea
It is used in the Ayurveda to boost the immunity of the body and one can afford to take a holy basil every day.
Avoid certain foods.
List of Foods that should be consumed in small proportions Many foods ought to be regulated during monsoon as it creates imbalances.
Cold and Raw Foods: Crude foods especially vegetables salads and ice-cold drinks are pitfalls for the digestion power and increase kapha.
Heavy and Oily Foods: Do not eat fried and over fattening foods this can cause tiredness and heaviness in the stomach.
Fermented foods: products such as yogurt and pickles cause kapha irritation; however, they can be taken in limited proportions.
References:
Follow The Newzzy for More Exciting Articles.
