Ayurvedic superfoods have a mention in the ancient Indian Ayurvedic system of medicine. According to Ayurvedic science, every human body is made up of three Doshas –  Vata, Pitta, and Kapha.  According to Ayurveda, keeping a note of ‘Ahar’ (your daily dietary habits in Ayurveda) is very important. Also, the food you eat should consist of six flavors/tastes – sweet, salty, sour, bitter, pungent and astringent.  The 7 superfoods recommended here along with their benefits are high in antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, and nutritional value. Consumption of the right ratio and quantity helps to balance the doshas in our body.    

7  Ayurvedic Superfoods You Should Eat Every Day

1. GINGER

Ginger is widely used in mostly all kind of dishes, be it Continental or Asian and easily grown and found in most of the homes.  It is known as the ‘Healing Spice of Ayurveda’ due to its anti-inflammatory properties to cure many ailments. Ginger brings in not just a pungent and strong flavor, however, it also has very effective benefits. Such as:

1. Reduces acidity, gas, bloating and intestinal pain.
2. It provides relief from pregnancy-induced nausea.
3. It also brings relief to those suffering from sinus, migraine, headaches and chest congestion.
4. Dry ginger root works well on joint pains when mixed with almond oil.

These are good enough reasons to sip some spicy ginger tea (chai). It contains numerous amounts of anti-oxidants that work as a barrier for infections.

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2. TURMERIC

Turmeric plays a vital role as medicine in Ayurveda which is used as a healing agent to cure and heal wounds. 

There is a fast-rising trend of the ‘Turmeric Latte’ or the ‘turmeric milk’. It has exceptional medicinal, anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, anti-bacterial, and anti-fungal properties. Therefore, it is the most powerful of all ayurvedic superfoods.

These days’ meat has a high risk of having carcinogenic properties hence turmeric is a good option to cook along with it. Turmeric is anti-carcinogenic in nature and can, therefore, controls the possible risk of having cancer. 

Turmeric as an ayurvedic superfood has a range of health benefits as well. Such as: 

1. Stimulates the functioning of the cardiovascular system. 
2. Boosts cognitive function and uplifts your mood. 
3. Protects the gut from various infections. 
4. It also provides relief to joint pain, stiffness and arthritis. 
5. It lowers blood sugar levels. 

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3. TULSI or the Indian Basil

Tulsi, also known as Indian Holy Basil is honored as the “mother medicine of nature” in Ayurveda. It is widely found in India and some of the tropical regions of Southeast Asian countries. 

This wondrous herb has antibiotic, anti-viral, anti-bacterial and anti-carcinogenic properties. Hence, it also acts as a detoxifying, cleansing and purifying agent. Tulsi, an ayurvedic superfood, along with ginger and cardamom make a healing potion. This helps to treat sore throat, cold, flu and chest congestion. Besides, that, it also offers numerous benefits. Such as: 

1. It relieves stress, fever, and headaches.  
2. Helps in treating respiratory ailments. 
3. It helps to purify the blood, reduce blood sugar and also strengthens your immunity. 
4. Tulsi juice also helps in treating skin disorders such as ringworm, rashes, and acne. 
5. It also improves your dental health, moreover gives you healthy gums. 

4. GHEE 

You must be surprised to know that ghee or clarified butter is an ayurvedic superfood.  Often one doesn’t realize the benefits it brings to the table. Therefore, the myth of ‘ghee’ being fattening is only a myth and not the truth.  

According to Ayurveda, ghee or clarified butter should be consumed daily for a healthy body. It is also considered as the gem of Ayurveda. It is also in fact, healthier than butter and refined oil. 

According to Rujuta Diwekar, (a world-renowned Dietician) recommends ghee with every meal in her prescribed diets.

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Clarified Butter has benefits such as: 

1. Being rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, it helps to improve heart health and is also a good source of energy.  
2. Ghee lowers the cholesterol levels. 
3. It also helps maintain healthy eyesight and radiant skin. 
4. Improves digestion and immune system. 

 Therefore, don’t feel guilty when you eat a spoonful of ghee poured over your rice, pasta, and vegetables. 

Image source: www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com

5. ASHWAGANDHA ROOT 

 Ashwagandha root or also popularly known as Indian Ginseng is an ancient medicinal herb used in Ayurveda.  This Ayurvedic superfood is found in Dabur’s Chyawanprash (a concoction of herbs) along with 39 other essential herbs put together to help your body fight infections. Moreover, it supplies huge amounts of antioxidants in your body to build strong immunity. It is easily available at any Ayurvedic Indian Supermarts or Online as well. It has the following benefits:  

1. Ashwagandha root also acts as a remedy in Ayurveda to treat diabetes.  
2. It lowers the Cortisol levels, a stress hormone in your body. 
3. Increases testosterone levels and also boosts fertility in men. 
4. This helps you to fight stress, anxiety, and fatigue. 
5. It reduces the side effects of chemotherapy and also increases the blood cells and platelets count. 

 Image source: www.sabinsa.com

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6. Bacopa (BRAHMI)

Brahmi, also known as Bacopa balances the three energies or body type mentioned in Ayurveda – Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. It is also an Ayurvedic superfood mixed with sesame oil to soothe your nerves and relieves stress. It contains anti-oxidant and anti-cancer properties as well. Other benefits of Brahmi are;  

1. It acts as a brain tonic to improve memory power, mental clarity, and longevity. 
2. Bacopa (Brahmi) helps to sustain the function of the brain and nervous system. 
3. Normalizes the blood pressure. 
4. This herb also helps in the treatment of asthma, epilepsy, insomnia, and rheumatism. 
5. It is very beneficial in the treatment of skin problems like eczema, psoriasis. 

However, as a precaution, consult your ayurvedic doctor before consuming it due to side-effects such as nausea, stomach cramps. 

7. Indian Gooseberry (Amla)

Amla is popularly known as the Indian gooseberry as this fruit packs itself with powerful antioxidant properties. It has created a niche for itself in the healthcare industry and has a rich source of vitamin C, A, potassium, iron, and calcium.

Therefore, this Ayurvedic superfood is easily available in any Indian supermarket near you in the form of whole fruit, oil or juice.  Moreover, it has anti-aging properties, boosts hair growth, and reduces dandruff. 

The numerous benefits of Amla are: 

1. It fights the common cold and builds immunity levels. 
2. Works as a digestive tonic, cleansing the colon and removes excess heat from the body.  
3. It also promotes healthy hair, skin, and nails. 
4. Amla helps in fighting the common cold, and also builds immunity.  
5. This fruit helps in improving eye-sight, enhances fertility, and flushes out toxins.  
6. It is advised to consume Amla juice once a day to remain fit, active and healthy. 

After the long list of benefits of Ayurvedic Superfoods – are you ready to include them in your daily diet? Let’s acknowledge and embrace the natural food around you and give it the recognition it deserves. Do let me know in the comments below which superfood do you consume the most and why! 

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