Ayurveda and the Raw Food Die

By: Lara Greene
Ayurveda and the Raw Food Diet A rough English translation of the Sanskrit word ‘Ayurveda’ means ‘the knowledge of life’. Ayurveda is the pursuit of the harmony of mind, body and spirit. Once these three are in equilibrium, man is at peace with his external and internal universe. For this, one has to have a link between the spirit and the body.The principle of the Raw Food Diet is that the pure and natural food will render your body cleansed, alkalized and normalized. This will enable you to establish the link between your body and spirit.There is an inherent link between Ayurveda and the Raw Food Diet that you need to understand in order to help your body and spirit unite.There are three ‘doshas’ according to the Ayurveda. These doshas determine the kind of diet you will indulge in. they are called vita, pitta and kapha.Vata: This is under the elements air and ether. The people governed by this dosha are generally thin and prone to sickness. They cannot take much strain and need to take a lot of rest.Pitta: this is under the elements fire and water. The ones governed by this dosha are generally intelligent and sharp on the uptake. They are healthy and are of medium dimensions. Kapha: This being the dosha under earth and water, makes the people under it tend to the heavier side. Such people are also quite optimistic.The ancient Ayurveda claims that every human being is under a particular dosha and should try to eat according to that. Given below are the Raw Food Diets for the three doshas:For balancing Vata: Sweet fruits, cucumber, apricots, grapes, berries, melons, asparagus, beets, garlic, avocado, bananas radishes, and zucchini.For aggravating Vata: Dried fruits, apples, cauliflower, cranberries, broccoli, cabbage, pears, watermelons and raw onions. For balancing Pitta: Sweet fruits, cucumber, okra avocado, figs, mango, coconut prunes, sweet and bitter vegetables, cabbage, potatoes.For aggravating Pitta: Sour fruits, berries, plums, oranges bananas, lemon, pungent vegetables, garlic, onions. For balancing Kapha: Apples, broccoli apricots, berries, peaches cherries, cranberries, mangos, pungent and bitter vegetables, celery, garlic, onion.For aggravating Kapha: Sweet and sour fruits, melons, papaya, sweet and juicy vegetables, potatoes, tomatoes, bananas and coconut Apart from these, there are many Ayurvedic directives on diet. These are in accordance with the Raw Food Diet, for example:• Consumption of fruits, vegetables, nuts and grains during their respective seasons.• Fasting at least once a week.• Having a diet according to one’s dosha.• Do not consume carbonated, alcoholic beverages. Stick to herbal beverages like tea, juices etc.