AYURVEDIC FOOD FOR THOUGHT What is Ayurveda? Ayurveda is an ancient art of healing from India and practised for thousands of years. It consists of using nutrition, detoxification and powerful herbs to heal. People are classified, in Ayurveda, into 3 “doshas”: Vata(air), Pitta(fire/heat) and Kappa(water/dampness). Some have a combination of “doshas”. Wellness is attained by balancing “doshas” in the body. How what you eat affects your mind, body, and spirit. Food comes from Nature. According to Ayurveda, Nature is a primordial force of life composed in 3 principles of manifestations called “gunas”(quality). The three “gunas” are: =Sattva: Tranquility/Peacefulness =Rajas: Active energy/Emotion =Tamas:Inert energy/Dullness The food we eat has one or more “gunas” and affects our mind,body and emotion. Sattivic food makes the mind calm and good for a contemplative life. -Whole grains, legumes, brown rice, whole wheat, lentils, oat and bran. -Fresh organic vegetables such as celery, cauliflower, zucchini, lettuce, beans and broccoli. -Fresh organic fruit like apples, pears, oranges, dates, bananas and berries. Rajasic food makes one aggressive and the mind restless with no inner peace. -Fish, meat and eggs. -Spices, salt, pepper, onion, garlic and radish. -Stimulants such as caffeine and moderate amounts of wine and beer. Tamasic food makes the mind dull and the body lack energy. -Preserved meats and pickled food. -Deep fried food including cheese made from non-vegetable rennet. -Hard liquor. While the above is just a partial list,it does include commonly consumed food and beverages. Dietary modification using “gunas” as a guide is even more effective if used with an Ayurvedic diagnosis to determine your “dosha”.

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