Why should we eat well in winter? An Ayurvedic point of view...
Winter is the period when the digestive Agni (fire) is extremely active, and it may be the best period to nourish & prepare the body for the seasons that follow. Eating healthy and high energy foods is recommended during this period in order to calm the digestive fire and address the body's demand for delicious, nutritious foods. Winter is also a period of relative dryness, as the moisture in the air reduces with low temperatures. This is the reason why Pran Vayu comes under stress, and the body experiences increased respiratory allergies & infections and dryness in the skin. In order to counter the increase in Vayu (air) and Avkash (space) elements in the body that results from higher seasonal dryness, it is advisable to consume unctuous (oily) foods in order the increase the Jal (water) and Prithvi (earth) elements in the body.
Our ancient forefathers in Bharat understood these principles. Hence, winter has traditionally been a period when calorie rich nutrient dense foods have been preferred since centuries. Foods containing ghee, sesame oil, spices such as fenugreek, coconut, resins and dry fruits have been popular during this period.
Honey, nuts & raisins preparations from SOSE - delicious & healthful...
At SOSE, we aim to bring simple Ayurvedic wisdom back into people's lives, and into our customer's homes. It is our mission to change the way people think about food, healthcare and lifestyle. With this in mind, we introduce to you a range of Honey, Nuts & Raisins preparations which can boost your health, energy and immunity in all seasons, particularly during winters. This is available in three delicious variations - Honey-Almond-Cashew-Raisin, Honey-Almond-Raisin and Honey-Cashew-Raisin. Let us examine each of the ingredients used in these honey preparations in some more detail in order to understand their benefits -
1. Honey - an all-purpose medicine, reduces kapha, improves digestion & sleep...
a) Ayurveda regards honey as an all-purpose medicine. All bodily functions benefit when honey is consumed.
b) Honey helps to balance vata and kapha dosha's (cough, cold and chronic respiratory diseases).
c) Honey also improves apetite and digestive fire. Honey is good for the heart, lungs and for the treatment of anemia.
d) Honey improves sleep, is good for the eyes as well as dental health.
e) Modern research proves that honey has natural anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties.
2. Raisins - great winter food & popular Ayurvedic medicinal ingredient...
a) According to Vagbhata, a disciple of Maharshi Charaka and the author of 'Ashtanga Hridayam' (an authoritative Ayurvedic treatise), grapes can be considered to be the best among fruits. Raisins are nothing but dried grapes, and are regarded very favourably in Ayurved. Various Ayurvedic medicines are made with raisins as ingredients.
b) Raisins are naturally cooling, help to balance vata & pitta dosha's and to offset some of the heating effects of nuts contained in our Honey, Nuts & Raisins preparations.
c) Raisins are great during winter, as they ease bowel movements and help with liver disorders, respiratory problems, gout and dryness. They calm the mind and nurture the brain.
3. Almonds - sattvic food to improve strength, memory and vigor...
a) Almonds is among the best foods in Ayurveda to calm the vata dosha (air and space elements). It is heating in nature, increases strength, memory and vigor.
b) Almonds are also known to be 'sattvik' in nature, produce 'ojas' (essential energy produced by digestion) in the body and help to calm the mind.
c) Almonds are also rich in anti-oxidants which possess anti-carcinogenic (cancer avoiding), cholesterol lowering and hepatoprotective (protecting the liver) properties.
d) Almonds contain over 20% proteins, 50% beneficial fats, Vitamin E (37% RDI), Manganese (32% RDI), Magnesium (20% RDI), copper, B vitamins and phosphorous.
4. Cashews - high energy food that is also good for the heart..
a) Cashews are heating in nature and help to calm vata dosha.
b) A 100 gm serving of cashew provides 44g fats, 30g carbohydrates, 18g proteins, Magnesium (73% RDI), Iron (37% RDI), Vitamin B6 (20% RDI) and Potassium (18% RDI).
c) Vitamins and minerals in cashews help to fight heart disease and reduce blood pressure and cholesterol.
How to use - Adults can take 1-2 tablespoons with milk or water, kids can take 1-2 teaspoons, preferably early in the morning and evening on empty stomach. This can also be enjoyed as a delicious snack or a dessert.
Precautions - 1) Do not heat or mix with hot beverages. According to Ayurved honey should not be heated. 2) Consume in moderation to avoid indigestion and bloating.
Please feel free to share your experience or feedback with us after using our products at [email protected]com or with the Gaushala at [email protected]
