How Are Ayurveda And The Raw Food Diet Similar?

Ayurveda and the Raw Food Diet

Are Ayurveda and the Raw Food diet similar? Ayurveda is a word from the ancient Indian language, Sanskrit, and means “Knowledge of Life.”

Everyone has probably heard this word before, but only very few know about it. We can explain Ayurvedic nutrition quite simply. Food should provide as much energy as possible so the body can optimally use it for digestion.
Also, daily food is not only food but also medicine. Like medicine, it can heal, strengthen, and keep people alive.

Particular emphasis on the food is that they grow naturally, without pollutants and pesticides. It’s sad enough that something that should be a standard for us – which everyone knows is pure poison for us humans! In Ayurvedic teaching, only high-quality food provides people with a lot of life energy (Prana).

It involves addressing the body’s unique needs and balancing our mental and emotional states, and deepening our connection with our spirit, our essential self.
The raw food diet principle is that eating a diet high in raw food will normalize and alkalize your body. It connects the mind with the body; thus, Ayurveda and the Raw Food diet are very similar.

Hopefully, this article can provide brief guidance on how you could connect the two for your health in an optimal way.

In Ayurveda, the idea is that you eat according to your ‘Dosha’: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha.

Vata is composed of the elements of air and ether.
It is responsible for mobility, both physically and mentally (alertness), and is responsible for the separation of nutrients and waste, excretion, and breathing. Vata types are generally thin, and it is hard for them to gain weight. They need to get sufficient rest as they can tire quickly.

Pitta is composed of the elements of fire and water.
Pitta, the fire principle, regulates digestion, heat production, hunger, thirst, and eyesight; it is also responsible for the body’s intellect and elasticity, especially the joints. Pitta types are medium-sized and well-proportioned. They also tend to be intelligent.

Kapha is composed of the elements of water and earth
As a structural principle, Kapha gives stability (bone structure), strength, and potency and is, at the same time, the basis for the characteristics of generosity, courage, and forbearance. Kapha types tend to be heavy. They are prone to gain weight quickly. They often have a positive outlook on life.
So, how does it apply to you?

Ayurveda believes that you should eat according to your dominant dosha.

 

However, this article is about Ayurveda and Raw Food, so we will only mention the foods that coincide with both of the 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, mango, prunes, sweet and bitter vegetables, cabbage, cucumber, okra, potatoes.
Aggravates: Sour fruits, berries, bananas, plums, oranges, lemon, spicy 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.

 

Many suggestions in Ayurveda very easily translate to a Raw Food Diet:

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

See: THE VEDIC CHEF- SPANISH TAPA CREATIONS YOU WILL LOVE TO

See also: Alkaline Recipes Will Help You Against Acidification

and  GIVE THESE VEGAN RECIPES A HEALTHY AYURVEDIC TOUCH

Warming Raw Food Recipes Inspired by Indian Cuisine

Recipes with Ayurvedic Touch

MEDITERRANEAN SUMMER SALAD

This summer salad has a number of steps, but the results are well worth it! Some items can be prepared ahead of time. Perfect for an evening on the patio.

CUCUMBER RAITA

Both the cucumber and the yogurt in this recipe can provoke kapha. Kapha can eat this occasionally, with extra hing and mustard seeds.

CELERY, BEET & CARROT JUICING

FENNEL BULB PESTO

Date and Poppyseed Laddu

 

Watch this video, The Basic Principles of Ayurveda. 

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