Ayurveda is part of our life, is made of 5 elements of nature. Ayurveda includes 3 doshas such as Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. Vata is a combination of air/space, Pitta is a combination of fire/water and Kapha is a combination of earth/water. As we know, every year we undergo 3 seasons, summer, monsoon, and winters. All these seasons are connected to 3 doshas, as 3 doshas are connected to the human body which gets impacted due to seasonal changes. During winter, kapha dosha is high. Hence, maintaining a disciplined Ayurvedic summer food habit routine is very important to stay away from catching cold, fever, and cough easily. Here are some food habits to balance kapha dosha.
1.Spicy, Bitter And Astringent Foods
Spicy foods such as hot rasam and astringent foods such as kashaya are good during winter as they help warm up the body during winter.
2.Ayurvedic Anti – Cold Tea
Ayurvedic anti-cold tea is a quick cure for colds and coughs and helps balance Kapha dosha in the body.
Ingredients:
- ¾ liter of water quantity.
- 5 Cloves
- 1 large chopped ginger pieces
- 2 Pepper powdered
- 1-2 Tbsp honey
Preparation:
Add a ¾ glass of water and let it boil. Then add all spices and allow it to boil for 5 minutes. Then turn off the gas, add the liquid to the glass add honey to it and stir it well.
3.Cloves
Cloves help with mucus reduction during cold and in easy congestion of the respiratory tract during a cough.
4.Turmeric
Turmeric is a great remedy for colds and improves the immune system to fight against diseases. Its anti-inflammatory and detoxification properties help in easy relief from colds and coughs.
5.Ginger
Consuming ginger helps warm up the body, promotes metabolism, easy movement of the respiratory tract during cough, and helps tone the voice right during cough.
6.Steamed Chicory Vegetables
The steamed chicory vegetable recipe is great food during colds, coughs, and fever.
Ingredients:
- 4 Chicory
- 2 Onions
- 1 Tbsp Fenugreek
- 1 Slice Ginger
- 1 Pepper
- 1 tbsp cumin seeds
- 1 Tbsp salt
- 1 Lemon
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
Preparation:
Remove the outer peel of chicory and cut them into slices. Boil the water and add lemon to it, boil for 5 minutes. Cut ginger and onion into fine pieces. Heat the pan and add olive oil, cumin seeds, ginger, onion, and chili to it. Then add turmeric, fenugreek seeds, and curry leaves, keep it in low flame, and boil for 5 minutes. Place the blank chicory in the oven, and add water and ginger. Add salt and water and roast in the oven for 20 minutes. Mix everything well.
7.Mulethi
Mulethi is one of the best herbs for winter, that helps strengthen body systems and boosts immunity. Usually, Mulethi is used as a tonic, by boiling it in water and consuming it.
8.Sweet Pongal
Sweet pongal served with ghee is an authentic breakfast during winter. Its ingredients of jaggery and rice help give strength to bones, and the body and are great food during colds, coughs, and fever.
9.Makki Ki Roti
Makki ki roti is a delightful lunch or dinner feast during winter. It is stomach filling, light, and when consumed hot is great during winters to balance kapha dosha.
10.Oats Porridge
Hot oats porridge is another great breakfast recipe during winter. In addition to giving a lot of nutrients to the body, it acts as an energy booster during winter cold.
11.Wheat Porridge
Wheat porridge is a great source of meals which helps give you a great source of energy to your body, that keeps you active throughout the day during winter.
12.Dates
Dates are a great dry fruit to consume during winter which helps your mouth be refreshed with sweetness. In addition, it helps in providing iron, calcium, protein, and plenty of vitamins to your body, which gives you a lot of strength during winter cold.
13.Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes contain excess starch. Compared to normal potatoes, they are rich in vitamin C, fiber, and potassium. They are rich in beta-carotene. In addition, they help in reducing constipation and boost immunity.
14.Nuts
Nuts are a great source for boosting insulin sensitivity and great for heart health as well due to their presence of omega fats and vitamin E. Nuts such as almonds and walnuts serve this purpose more strongly during winter.
15.Turnips
Turnips are a rich source of vitamin A and Vitamin K. They are a great source of antioxidants that help boost immunity during winter.
16.Kashaya
Kashaya is a great source of energy boosters during winter colds and coughs. Consuming this 2 times a day in winter helps improve the immune system to fight against diseases during winter.
17.Garlic
Garlic is a must ingredient in your diet during winter, as it is rich in the sulphur-rich herb which gives a heating effect to our body. In addition, it’s rich in phosphorous, selenium, and calcium as well. Garlic chutney and all can be prepared using garlic.
18.Tulsi
Tulsi, an ancient medicinal herb used regularly helps in preventing winter-prone diseases such as colds and coughs. In addition, tulsi is rich in Vitamin A, C, and iron content too.
19.Pepper
Pepper is a great medicinal spice which is a must to include during winter diet. Its anti-bacterial and anti-oxidant properties help in preventing fever, coughs, colds, and sinusitis.
20.Jaggery
Jaggery is a great alternative to normal sugar. It consists of vitamins and minerals such as phosphorous and magnesium which help in generating heat in the body during winters.
