Ayurvedic Detox Ingredients
In ancient times food was considered medicine. This being the case, people valued food much differently then. For example, considerations such as from whom and where we buy our food, the state of mind when preparing and eating food all matters and has subtle effects upon our state of health and well-being. Therefore, always seek out locally grown organic sources of food and eat in a peaceful manner in order to help nourish your body and mind.

Likewise, from an ayurvedic perspective, the setting which one eats should be as clean and pure as a sacred temple. This same sense of austerity should also be projected upon oneself [i.e. state of mind] when eating. Also, when eating we should eat with a balanced state of mind in order to appreciate the nourishing qualities we introduce into our body. Finally, ayurveda considers the unique needs of each individual – such as “vata”, “pitta”, and “kapha” individuals. Therefore, in order to help maintain health and balance we should learn to eat accordingly to these very needs.

Ayurvedic Detox Ingredients – Guest Anurag Sharma 

“EAT SATTVIC FOOD”
Sattvic food is light and easy to digest. Eating sattvic food brings about clarity to the mind and often desired by individuals who live a life of austerity. Examples of sattvic food is listed at the bottom of the page.

Three Powerful Detox Ingredients:

1. Black pepper. Modern research suggests that black pepper enhances the uptake and utilization of oxygen by brain cells. Likewise, black pepper helps to improve the quality of digestion – therefore, preventing formation of by-products of poor digestion [ama].
2. Ginger. Ayurveda describes fresh ginger root as one of the best enhancers of digestion – helping to better assimilate food and prevent the formation of toxic by-products of digestion [ama].
3. Turmeric. Turmeric is anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and antibacterial and has long been used in the Indian system of medicine to treat a variety of conditions.

Healthy Ayurvedic Dessert Recipe
~Sooji Halwa~
Halwa is a popular indian dessert that is widely used across many cultures and countries. It is usually made up of flour, sugar, ghee and can also encompass nuts and certain fruits. There are several varieties including almond, carrot, sesame and mung amongst others. Sooji Halwa is made using semolina flour and has many health benefits. It is a great source of vital minerals, nutrients and also yields high energy.

Some health benefits of Sooji:

• Good for weight loss and diabetics as it has a low glycemic index
• Provides energy as it is low in fat and high in carbohydrates
• Low sodium and cholesterol levels and high levels of potassium, vitamins B and E therefore supports good heart and kidney function
• Phosphorus and magnesium levels in sooji assist in maintenance of healthy muscles, nerves and bones
• The calcium and zinc content is also helpful in bone health and immunity
• During cases of fever and upset stomach, sooji can be made into rava kanji which is a light, easily digested type of porridge. It is also very nourishing.

Ayurvedic Sooji (semolina) Halwa 

Ingredients

• ½ cup of coconut oil or ghee
• 1 cup of semolina flour
• ½ teaspoon of cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon of cardamom
• 1 cup of whole milk
• 2 cups of filtered spring water
• ½ cup of raisins
• ¼ cup of sunflower seeds
• ¼ cup of pumpkin seeds
• ¼ cup of turbinado sugar

1. In a saucepan boil the milk, water, sugar, cinnamon and cardamom together. Let simmer for 5 minutes.
2. In the meantime, in a separate pan, sauté the flour in the oil until a deep golden color. Keep over medium/low heat.
3. Add the boiled mixture to the sautéed semolina stirring frequently with care as there may be some sizzling and splashing.
4. Add the raisins and the seeds and let cook for a further 5 mins. Spoon into a bowl and enjoy!

Sattva
Sattva [pure] qualities of the mind are expressed mostly as love and compassion, righteousness, and often describes the kind of person who seeks after truth in life. Sattva individuals tend to be well-mannered with an optimistic and postitve attitude. We can think of sattvic energy within the mind as that being of great clarity.

Examples Of Sattvic Fruit:
– mango
– pomegranate
– coconut
– figs
– peaches

Examples Of Sattvic Grains:
– rice
– tapioca
– blue corn

Examples Of Sattvic Vegetables:
– sweet potato
– lettuce
– parsley
– sprouts
– yellow squash

Examples Of Sattvic Beans:
– mung beans
– yellow lentils
– kidney beans
– lima beans

Examples Of Sattvic Dairy:
– milk
– fresh homemade yogurt or cheese

Photo Credit: GuideDoc
50 Best Superfoods of 2015