Health experts from world wide suggest, all the several seasons within the 12 months call for certain changes to at least one’s weight-reduction plan and lifestyle during those times. Ayurveda relates specific doshas to specific seasons and winters are related to the Vata and Kapha dosha. This follows that a winter weight-reduction plan is one that might help balance or regulate the Vata and Kapha doshas within the body and strengthen immunity. Sahaj (hereditary), Kalaj (seasonal), Yuktikrit (established) are the three forms of immunity recognised by Ayurveda. During winters, we’d wish to strengthen our Yuktikrit immunity through an everyday and balanced weight-reduction plan and lifestyle, and systemic practice of yoga.
In accordance with Ayurveda, there are particular food groups which might be unsuitable for consumption during winters, like bitter, astringent and pungent tasting foods. Cold foods and drinks like ice cream must be avoided. Incorporating sweet, salty and sour foods, in addition to warm, well-cooked food in our winter weight-reduction plan is an excellent idea to maintain the digestive system functioning properly. Consumption of fats, oils in addition to fresh dairy products can also be advisable. It’s because the cold weather results in the body attempting to retain heat and preserve, thereby strengthening the digestive system. Ayurveda talks about digestive fire or Jatharagni that becomes increasingly strong during winters, thereby enabling the straightforward digestion of wealthy fatty foods and dairy products. Other food items that could be consumed during winters are quite a lot of legumes like kidney beans (rajma), black beans (urad dal) and jaggery (gud), considered to extend the heat in a single’s body, and grains like wheat and rice. Hot beverages, stews and soups, lukewarm water and different sorts of tea- especially ginger tea- are also considered very helpful.
Foods to be incorporated into the winter weight-reduction plan in accordance with Ayurveda could be broadly categorised into:
1.Good fats and natural oils:
The health of the digestive system is in large parts liable for the immunity of 1’s body. Ayurveda recommends adding natural dairy products, fats and oils (sesame or mustard oil), A2 ghee to our weight-reduction plan in winters with a purpose to retain heat and facilitate the digestive means of the body. Winters may result in our body becoming lethargic resulting from a loss of warmth and the one technique to treatment that’s to have a wealthy and warmth-inducing weight-reduction plan that includes good fats in it.
Also Read: 9 Advantages Of Ghee You May Not Have Known
2. Warm, well-cooked winter vegetables:
Winters are a beautiful time to have steaming hot broths, soups, stews, etc., made simply with delicious seasonal vegetables like carrots, beets, parsnips and leafy vegetables like cabbage, cauliflower, etc. Pre-cooked or able to eat meals must be avoided so far as possible and as mentioned earlier, warm, well-cooked food is an absolute necessity in winters, with a purpose to regulate the vata dosha in our bodies.
Also Read: Winter Diet: 7 Ways To Add Vegetables To Your Diet Without Even Noticing In Winter
3. Dry fruits:
It is not any mystery why people from places known to record freezing temperatures during winters have dry fruits featured as a everlasting a part of their weight-reduction plan. Dry-fruits have a myriad of health benefits- they assist to maintain the mind sharp and improve memory, but in addition they help keep one warm from inside. Nuts and fruits like cashews, pistachios, dates, almonds, walnuts and the oil they secrete have amazing health advantages and keep the body’s spirits up throughout the winters.
Also Read: Dry Fruits Advantages: From Heart Health To Thyroid Control
Creator Bio: Dr Partap Chauhan is an Ayurvedacharya and Director at Jiva Ayurveda.
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