Ayurvedic nutrition

Dear audience,

being back to Sri Lanka and to one of the best-known Ayurveda hotels on this island also brings me back to get involved with Ayurvedic nutrition once again. The concept has interested me since many years, it is very natural as it divides people into 3 constitutions (Vata, Pita, Kapha) and thus also our food, so you basically eat what balances your natural body type, that is the one you were born with. During our lives this body type (so called Dosha) often gets imbalanced; this mainly also by not eating the right food.

Ayurveda is a 5000 year old sience that has its origins in India and states that food is the main reason for illnesses - if you eat the wrong food - and that the right food can heal your body.
Each person's metabolism works in a different way, that is why there can be no generalization (like "chicken is good for everyone").

Ayurveda still has the largest compilation of medical literature in the world. I personally favour a combination of this ancient wisdom based on endless years of studying and modern clinical observations.

What is a fact is that if you listen to your body and only eat food that you feel does your body well, you will be much more energetic and healthy, less prone to illnesses, food allergies, infections, viruses and more balanced and powerful in your daily life. Ayurveda also promises a long life; it is not magic, but the basic science of taking responsibility and empower yourself definitely works.

There is a lot more to Ayurveda, this was just a mini introduction to answer the basic question I am being asked continously "What is this Ayurveda all about?".

Furthermore, Ayurvedic dishes are very tasty as they combine a lot of herbs and spices, whereas each of them has a benefit itself, and this cuisine for sure only uses natural ingredients.
So, whether you are in favour of the Ayurvedic concept or not, you will surely like the easy to prepare recipes I will present you with!

Today I would like to start with a very simple, but delicious

Potato Leek Soup with Fennel Seeds & Red Pepper Flakes

For the Ayurveda interested: this is a Tridoshic meal, so it is good for Vata, Pita and Kapha.

You need:

4 potatoes
1 tbsp Fennel seeds
 
6 c Water 

1/2 tsp Mineral Salt
1 tsp Black Pepper
2 tbsp Sunflower or other high quality vegetable oil
1 cup leeks
1/8 tsp red pepper flakes (Chili)

Preparation

Heat 4 cups water. I added some organic vegetable stock for taste. Meanwhile, skin the potato and chop. Add to the water and bring to a boil. Meanwhile, slice the leeks. Strain the potatoes after boiling for ten minutes, saving the water. Add 2c cool water to the potatoes (to cool them for the blender) and blend. Pour back into the hot liquid and return to a boil. Add the remaining ingredients and simmer on low heat for twenty minute.

Enjoy!