Traditional food in Ayurveda:
In Ayurveda, the food is well balanced and loaded with nutrients, antioxidants, vitamins and essential minerals. Traditional processing of food, its preservation techniques, and its therapeutic effects have been established for many generations in India. The benefits of these traditional foods prepared along with spices and herbs are that, apart from being delicious, tasty, aromatic and flavourful its medicinal and therapeutic values help in digestion and speed up metabolism, improve cholesterol and blood glucose levels. Some of the most common traditional food items are pickle, murabba, sun-dried amla, sweet amla candy, ginger candy, Chyawanprash etc. Also, there are many traditional food items like apple cider vinegar, Jamun cider vinegar, pink salt, etc which are used in a day to day routine to stay healthy.Let’s explore some of the traditional food items available at Aryan herbals and know its amazing health benefits, etc… Let’s trace our journey through some traditional food. The first on our list is
- Murabba:
The aroma of the sweet, tangy, spicy yet salty murabba can definitely bring water to your mouth and activate your tastebuds. Murabba is basically a sweet fruit preserve. Murabba are traditionally made from fruits like mangoes, plums, Indian gooseberry and apricots, using spices, sugar or jaggery. Some of the most commonly made and beneficial murabba are Amla murabba, Harad murabba, Carrot murabba, Bael murabba, etc. Let’s understand and know more about a few of them.
Amla or the Indian gooseberry by itself is a wonder fruit also known as the ‘Elixir of Life’. It is a powerhouse of nutrients, with many health benefits, as it is high in fibre and a rich source of vitamin A, C iron, proteins, minerals calcium, magnesium and nutrition. It is such a versatile fruit that even after drying in the sun, there is no difference in its properties which means the nutrients present in the gooseberry are not reduced even after boiling it or drying it in the sun. It can be taken in the form of juice, murabba, chutney, candy or even eaten raw. Amla murabba enhances immunity, sharpens the mind and boosts energy level.
Amla benefits:
- Amla murabba is high in fibre and recommended by doctors for digestive and gastric problems including gastritis.
- Amla murabba is known to give relief from constipation.
- It is a rich source of vitamin C and minerals like zinc, copper and iron which helps boost the overall immunity of the body.
- The chromium present in amla helps maintain the cholesterol levels of the blood and improves heart conditions.
- The rich source of iron helps improve the haemoglobin levels in anaemic patients.
- Amla murabba supplies the body with essential nutrients, phytonutrients, vitamins to aid weight loss.
How to consume it:
Amla murabba can be had anytime as a condiment or a dip, however, the best time to consume amla murabba is early morning, especially during winters. For acidity, ulcers and gastric issues, it is best advised to have amla murabba on an empty stomach. As a remedy for constipation, drinking milk after eating Amla murabba helps. Since amla murabba is high in calories due to the presence of a large amount of sugar in it, excessive consumption should be avoided if diabetic and those watching their weight.
Harad or Haritiki is the fresh fruit from the Terminalia Chebula plant which is an ayurvedic herb with a lot of health benefits. Harad murabba is a sweet preserve used in ayurvedic treatments to treat respiratory and abdominal issues. It is nutritious and so good for the brain and respiratory system. It provides strength to the lungs, gives relief in chest congestion, wheezing and breathing troubles. Adding a whole lot of spices like long/black pepper, cinnamon and cloves make the Harad murabba more effective in digestive disorders. Saffron, cardamom seeds, almonds and raisins enhance its nutritional value and boost its action in neurological disorders.
Harad benefits:
- Harad is loaded with nutrients and has digestive and appetising properties which improve digestion.
- It is laxative and so is beneficial for constipation.
- Harad is known to remove the toxins for the body, improves digestion and metabolism which helps manage weight.
- The Kapha balancing properties are helpful in preventing cold and cough.
- The rejuvenating and Vata balancing properties give strength to the nervous system and help control its related disorders.
How to consume it:
Eat one to two Haritaki fruits from Harad Murabba, before going to bed. It should be taken with milk. Aryan herbals have a range of other traditional murabba like Apple murabba, Bael Murabba, Carrot murabba etc.
Popularly known as pink salt, this is not the ordinary iodised sea salt we normally buy. This pink salt(Sendha Namak) is a wonderful salt because of its natural nutritional properties and many benefits. It is known to be the purest form of salt unprocessed by any chemical and we find elements of potassium, zinc, calcium, iron, magnesium and copper, etc in it. The use of this salt has been highly recommended in Ayurveda as it offers multiple health benefits.
Himalayan Pink Salt Benefits:
- It improves digestion
- Good to boost your metabolism, has traces of minerals to enhance immunity, fights bacteria and helps regain metabolism.
- Helps to stabilize blood pressure as compared to other salts
- Helps to improve hair conditions, cleanse the hair follicles without removing the natural oil.
- Is beneficial to treat sinus- will ease the headache as well.
- Helps in respiratory issues. It is also recommended to give relief and treat sore throat, dry cough as well as tonsils.
How to use it:
Normally we can use the salt like any other common salt for everyday cooking. It can also be added to sauces, salads and marinades. We can add it to our bath as well. Exfoliating your skin with Himalayan salt can give you silk soft skin texture. Treating our tired feet by soaking them in warm water saturated with Himalayan salt can help relieve painful, tired feet after a long day. In fact, combining magnesium flakes with pink Himalayan salt allows for better absorption of the minerals, and it can help you hydrate your skin all over. Himalayan salt added to a cup of warm water and then gargle is a good remedy for sore throat.
Amla Candy as the name suggests itself is a cool candy to munch on with a blend of good taste and nutrition. It is an easy way to include superfood Amla (gooseberry )in your regular diet. This candy is an immunity booster which is an excellent source of Vitamin C as amla is a storehouse of antioxidants beneficial for the body.
Amla Candy Benefits:
The sweet and salty taste is a fun-filled treat after a heavy meal, which stimulates the digestive juices and helps in the digestive process. Believed to help promote digestion and an effective immunity booster
How to consume it:
How to have a candy, you know better, just chew it, relish the sweet and sour flavour.
A forceful spoonful of Chyawanprash in your mouth is a memory many of us have when we were a child, a routine followed by our mother. Chyawaprash is not new, it is an Ayurvedic health supplement prepared according to a traditional Ayurvedic recipe, which is made up of a concentrated blend of nutrient-rich herbs, spices, enriched with herbal extracts and processed minerals. It has a distinctly sweet, sour taste with a dash of spicy effect because of the spices used in it, brownish-black hue and a jam-like consistency. Chyawanprash possesses multiple health benefits and has been widely used since ancient times as a health supplement and as a medicine for enhancing immunity and longevity.
The formulation of Chyawanprash may vary from brand to brand but the basic formulation remains the same. The 12 ingredients include Amalaki, Neem, Pippali, Ashwagandha, Safed Chandana, Tulsi, Elaichi, Arjun, Brahmi, Kesar, Ghrita and Shahad.
Cider vinegar basically is an acidic liquid produced through the fermentation of ethanol by acetic acid bacteria. It can be made from a variety of base ingredients like malt rice, cider, or fruits like Apple, Jamun that contribute their own unique characteristics to the vinegar and add extra flavour and vibrancy to foods. We can especially take a closer look and see the benefits of few kinds of vinegar widely used:-
Apple cider vinegar has various healthful properties, including antimicrobial and antioxidant effects. It has been used in cooking and as medicines since ancient times. Apple cider vinegar is mostly apple juice, but adding yeast turns the sugar in the juice into alcohol. This is a process called fermentation. Bacteria turn the alcohol into acetic acid. That’s what gives vinegar its sour taste and strong smell. It is best used in cooking, baking, salad dressings and as a preservative.
A forceful spoonful of Chyawanprash in your mouth is a memory many of us have when we were a child, a routine followed by our mother. Chyawaprash is not new, it is an Ayurvedic health supplement prepared according to a traditional Ayurvedic recipe, which is made up of a concentrated blend of nutrient-rich herbs, spices, enriched with herbal extracts and processed minerals. It has a distinctly sweet, sour taste with a dash of spicy effect because of the spices used in it, brownish-black hue and a jam-like consistency. Chyawanprash possesses multiple health benefits and has been widely used since ancient times as a health supplement and as a medicine for enhancing immunity and longevity.
The formulation of Chyawanprash may vary from brand to brand but the basic formulation remains the same. The 12 ingredients include Amalaki, Neem, Pippali, Ashwagandha, Safed Chandana, Tulsi, Elaichi, Arjun, Brahmi, Kesar, Ghrita and Shahad.
Chyawanprash Benefits :
- Enhances immunity
- Promotes digestion
- Treat any lung or breathing problems,
- Enhance cardiac functioning
- Improve memory and brain function
- Helps in weight loss
- Has anti-ageing properties
How to consume it:
It’s important to note that the therapeutic benefit of this ayurvedic food can vary from person to person depending on the medical condition of the person and his need. It is best advised to consume during the winters as the herbs and spices used in the making generate heat and can be avoided during the summers. Ideally, Chyawanprash is best had on an empty stomach in the morning or before any meal. It can be had twice a day with warm milk.- Cider Vinegar
Cider vinegar basically is an acidic liquid produced through the fermentation of ethanol by acetic acid bacteria. It can be made from a variety of base ingredients like malt rice, cider, or fruits like Apple, Jamun that contribute their own unique characteristics to the vinegar and add extra flavour and vibrancy to foods. We can especially take a closer look and see the benefits of few kinds of vinegar widely used:-Apple cider vinegar has various healthful properties, including antimicrobial and antioxidant effects. It has been used in cooking and as medicines since ancient times. Apple cider vinegar is mostly apple juice, but adding yeast turns the sugar in the juice into alcohol. This is a process called fermentation. Bacteria turn the alcohol into acetic acid. That’s what gives vinegar its sour taste and strong smell. It is best used in cooking, baking, salad dressings and as a preservative.
Apple Cider Benefits:
- Aids in weight loss
- Helps to reduce cholesterol
- Lowering the blood sugar
- Improving heart health
- Improves blood sugar and increases insulin levels
- Used to treat dandruff
- Improves skin functions
How to Use:
You can add apple cider vinegar in cooking, in your salad dressing, pickles, homemade mayonnaise and much more. You can also consume it in the morning or before going to bed.
Jamun vinegar is basically Jamun pulp or juice which can be used in cooking as vinegar and it adds taste to the food. Other than cooking it also has medicinal values and is a home remedy that is used in treating abdominal diseases. It is helpful in managing diabetes, diarrhoea, gas problem, bloating etc.
Take away:
As we still are reeling over the pandemic which has struck the whole world and people worldwide have started accepting and using ayurvedic and its traditional food to build immunity like the Haldi Dudh(turmeric milk), Kadha (herbal tea), Chyawanprash, Amla & Giloy juice, Turmeric juice etc as by far these are herbs and spices that help in healing and immunity building. Food is an essential requirement in life and one can attain good health by following a proper, natural diet. Let’s march towards healthy living. Remember Good Health is a state of complete physical, mental and spiritual well-being – not just the Absence of Disease. So strive for it. Stay Happy and Healthy in Mind, Body and Spirit.
Jamun vinegar is basically Jamun pulp or juice which can be used in cooking as vinegar and it adds taste to the food. Other than cooking it also has medicinal values and is a home remedy that is used in treating abdominal diseases. It is helpful in managing diabetes, diarrhoea, gas problem, bloating etc.
Jamun Cider Benefits:
- It is believed to help regulates fat metabolism,
- Help with digestion
- Effectively manage sugar levels.
- Might help flush out harmful toxins from the body
Take away:
As we still are reeling over the pandemic which has struck the whole world and people worldwide have started accepting and using ayurvedic and its traditional food to build immunity like the Haldi Dudh(turmeric milk), Kadha (herbal tea), Chyawanprash, Amla & Giloy juice, Turmeric juice etc as by far these are herbs and spices that help in healing and immunity building. Food is an essential requirement in life and one can attain good health by following a proper, natural diet. Let’s march towards healthy living. Remember Good Health is a state of complete physical, mental and spiritual well-being – not just the Absence of Disease. So strive for it. Stay Happy and Healthy in Mind, Body and Spirit.
Let food be your first medicine and kitchen be your first pharmacy.
This article is originally published on Aryan Herbals Blog.
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