Ayurveda and the Raw Food Diet

The word, Ayurveda, is from the ancient Indianhave a positive outlook on life.
language, Sanskrit, and literally means "Knowledge ofSo, what does this mean, and how does it apply to
Life".you?
The Ayurvedic approach to life involves listening toIn Ayurveda, it is believed that each person is
and addressing the unique needs of your body,governed by one dominant dosha and you should eat
recognizing and balancing your mental and emotionalaccording to that dosha. However, this article is
states and deepening your connection with your spirit,concerned with Ayurveda and Raw Food, so I will only
your essential self.mention the foods that coincide with both these diets.
The raw food diet is based around the principle thatVata
eating a diet high in raw food will normalise and alkaliseBalances: Sweet fruits, apricots, avocado, bananas,
your body. This, in turn, connects the mind with theberries, grapes, melons, asparagus, beets, cucumber,
body; thus, Ayurveda and the Raw Food diet are verygarlic, radishes, zucchini.
similar.Aggravates: Dried fruits, apples, cranberries, pears,
This article will hopefully provide a brief guidance onwatermelons, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, raw onions.
how you could connect the two in a way that isPitta
optimal to your health.Balances: Sweet fruits, avocado, coconut, figs, mango,
In Ayurveda, the idea is that you eat according to yourprunes, sweet and bitter vegetables, cabbage,
dosha; vata, pitta and kapha.cucumber, okra, potatoes.
Vata is composed of the elements of air and etherAggravates: Sour fruits, berries, bananas, plums,
Pitta is composed of the elements of fire and wateroranges, lemon, pungent vegetables, garlic, onions.
Kapha is composed of the elements of water andKapha
earthBalances: Apples, apricots, berries, cherries, cranberries,
Vata types are generally thin and find it hard to gainmangos, peaches, pungent and bitter vegetables,
weight. Vatas need to get sufficient rest and notbroccoli, celery, garlic, onion.
overdo things, as they can tire easily.Aggravates: Sweet and sour fruits, bananas, coconut,
Pitta types are generally medium sized and wellmelons, papaya, sweet and juicy vegetables, potatoes,
proportioned. They also tend to be intelligent, with atomatoes.
sharp wit.There are many suggestions in Ayurveda, which are
Kapha types tend to have sturdy, heavy frames. Theyvery easily translated to a Raw Food Diet.
are prone to gain weight easily. They often tend to