Published By: Devyani

Ayurveda Aaj - Elevate Your Diet: Top Ayurvedic Superfoods You Need to Know

Ayurvedic superfoods not only add flavor to your favorite dish, they also confer a wide range of exceptional health benefits.

Superfoods are nutrient dense treasures that not only provide nourishment to your body, but also boosts your mind and spirit. Ayurvedic superfoods have been valued for centuries for its healing, rejuvenating, and life sustaining properties. These superfoods are not only excellent sources of Vitamins and minerals, but they are also nature's way of balancing your three doshas (Vatta, Pitta, and Kapha), and fueling your digestive fire (Agni).

In this article, we will take a look at some of the most commonly found and widely consumed Ayurvedic Superfoods, learn their benefits and ways in which they can be incorporated in our diets.

Best Ayurvedic Superfoods

Amla (Indian Gooseberry)

Amla is rich in Vitamin C and antioxidants. A Rasayana bolsters all the three doshas in the literature of Ayurveda, improves digestion, immunity and skin health. If you eat amla regularly, you will notice a change in your energy levels, as you will find yourself more energetic and active throughout the day. Besides, it's high Vitamin C and antioxidant properties will keep you healthy by promoting the detoxification process.

Turmeric

Popularly known as the “golden spice” in Indian households, turmeric contains antioxidants in abundance and harbors anti-inflammatory properties. It helps balance the two doshas- Pitta and Kapha. Turmeric has shown proven benefits in supporting joint health, strengthening the immune system, and ameliorating the skin complexion. It also helps in purification of the blood and digestion.

Ashwagandha

Also known as ‘Indian ginseng’, Ashwagandha is a robust adaptogen which safeguards our bodies from anxiety l, stress, and fatigue. It is mainly known to be beneficial for balancing the Vata dosha. Ashwagandha boosts the immune system, supports mental wellness and clarity, and enhances vitality.

Ghee

The very beloved ‘desi ghee’ found in every Indian kitchen not only adds an excellent flavor and aroma to your food, but its ability to nourish the body and mind is equally commendable. It balances the Vata and Pitta doshas. It is known to promote healthy digestion, improve memory, and aid in achieving a glowing skin.

Did you know, ghee is used in Ayurvedic detoxification therapies like Panchakarma- thanks to its ability to carry medicinal properties deep within the tissues.

Moringa (Drumstick Tree)

Often known as the ‘miracle tree’, Moringa is celebrated for its exceptionally high nutrient content, which include essential Vitamins, minerals, proteins and antioxidants. This superfood balances the Vata and Kapha doshas. Its primary uses include: supporting healthy digestion, boosting immunity, regulating blood sugar levels, and enhancing your body's natural detoxification processes.

Ginger

Ginger adds warmth to your meals, and hence is highly valued in Ayurveda for stimulating Agni, the digestive fire. It also helps balance the Vata and Kapha doshas. The various benefits of Ginger include alleviating nausea, reducing inflammation, boosting the immune system, improving blood circulation, supporting healthy digestion, and managing cold and respiratory issues.

Triphala

Triphala is the combination of three fruits namely amla, haritaki and bibhitaki. Ayurveda strongly recommends this superfood for its powerful detoxifying and rejuvenating properties. Triphala is known to balance all the three doshas- Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. Its numerous health benefits include: maintenance of the gut health, weight management, elimination of toxins, healthy digestion, improved eye health and boosted immunity.

Ways to Incorporate Ayurvedic Superfoods in Your Daily Routine

Follow these methods to integrate Ayurvedic Superfoods in your daily Lifestyle to avail their maximum benefits:

  • Prepare your meals with turmeric and ginger. This will not only make your meal super-delicious, but will also support digestion and immunity.
  • Use ghee as cooking fat/oil, or drizzle it on top of cooked meals to benefit both your mind and body.
  • Alleviate stress and improve vitality by mixing a few pinches of Ashwagandha powder to your smoothies, soups, or teas.
  • Consume dry and fresh amla daily and sprinkle Moringa powder over your salads and soups to avail the maximum benefits of its antioxidant properties and essential nutrients.
  • Triphala can be included in your evening routine by consuming it as a nightly tonic. It will help support digestion and detoxification.

By incorporating these Ayurveda Superfoods into your regular Lifestyle, you will witness a positive change in both your mental and physical health and wellbeing.