Munch on these summer superfoods as per ayurvedic regimes.

Lets Discuss ingredients and foodstuffs as per the doshas, as each individual is different . Primarily human beings have One main and one secondary dosha constitution.

Summers are hot and windy ,Food and water intake should be as specific for combating summer disorders.

Irrespective of Doshas in the body following herbs and foodstuffs are considered beneficial for summers according to ayurved:

1. Amla : Latin name Emblica Officinalis , It is ayurvedic medicinal herb which is used in medicines and food preparations as well. It is sweet and sour in taste , It generates new enzymes in the digestive system of the body which results in better digestion. It is considered to be an element for new cell generation . It is a rich source of Vit C ,Vit A. It reduces pitta dosha, vata dosha and provides energy to kapha dosha for its function in human body.

1. Ghee: Organic Ghee is used in indian cooking everyday ,It is snigdha ( lubricant), sheeta( cold), bruhan (giving strength ) to human body. It is recommended to eat along with rice and dal or along with chapatis for better absorption in human body. Concept of Ghee is different outside indian . It is refered as purified butter and can be incorporated in american and european foodstuffs very easily. In summers it helps to reduce pitta dosha and strenghten the digestive system of the body

                                     

1. Honey: Also called as Madhu in ayurveda is a refined substitute of sugar . It used for internal and external consumption in ayurveda. It is used for internally in diseases like vomitting, cough , cold , indigestion ,hiccups. In summers it helps reduce cough and cold related disorders .

                                                                                   

       

1. Turmeric: It is an international superfood . It is antiviral, antibacterial and wound healer. When ingested internally is acts as an immune booster. Haldi milk or golden milk is prepared using turmeric for internal consumption . 

                                             

                                                

1. Tulsi : It is a herb which every Indian household has in their garden. It is an excellent Kapha Dosha reducing herb. it helps in soothing sore throat . Helps to reduce Vata dosha as well. In summers it helps to regulate temperature in human body.

After going through common herbs for daily consumption in summers let discuss Dosha specific food items, herbs.

1. Vata dosha:  Vata dosha is considered rough, cold  in nature . So foodstuffs which bring lubrication , warmth to the body should be consumed .  herbs like Aswagandha, Jeshthmadh, shatavari, Brahmi , are considered for reducing vata dosha in the body. Fruits like Mango, Jackfruit, Grapes ,Banana , custard apple are vata reducing. Having Chawanprash  made from Amla and ghee along with other herbs is considered for reducing vata dosha in the body.  Vegetables like cabbage, tomato, green leafy vegetables are efficient Vata reducing foodstuffs. Any form of bread, pulses in summers will in crease Vata Dosha in people who have it as its primary constitution dosha.
2. Pitta dosha: Pitta is hot, dry . Herbs like Amla , Bhunimba , Shatavari  are considered best for reducing Pitta dosha in body. Fruits like watermelon, banana, apple, reduce pitta dosha in summers. Vegetables like potato, bottle gourd, snake gourd, beans , cabbage, cauliflower reduce pitta in summers. Ghee is an excellent medium to regulate pitta dosha . Having Buttermilk prepared from yogurt( Dahi) is benefcial in summers for reducing pitta dosha. Gulkand prepared from rose petals and sugar combination also reduces pitta in summers.
3. Kapha Dosha: Its extra elastic, cold, heavy in nature. Foodstuffs which reduce these properties should be . Herbs like Gulvel, Brahmi help in reducing Kapha dosha. Vegetables like bitter gourd, drumstick reduce kapha dosha. All fruits increase kapha dosha so fruits must be consumed in regulated manner for Kapha Dosha constitution. Honey is an excellent source for reducing kapha dosha in all seasons . It is used in various fat reducing medicines in Ayurveda.
4. Coconut water is beneficial to reduce pitta and vata dosha in summers. It helps in temperature regulation as well.

To know more about Dosha  please refer My blog Decoding Concept of dosha in ayurveda.