Why Ayurvedic nutrition doesn’t have to be Indian

Anyone who has ever come across something about Ayurveda in a wellness magazine or during a yoga vacation these days may quickly get the idea that Ayurvedic nutrition consists of an Indian meal. But, is it?

Because Ayurveda has its origins in India, people sometimes conclude that all of India eats, lives and poops Ayurvedically. And that if you want to benefit from Ayurveda that you should say goodbye to Dutch stamppot, Mexican specialties or Italian delicacies. The good news: Ayurvedic nutrition does not have to have anything to do with Indian food.

Ayurveda is a comprehensive health system and medicine* for physical and mental well-being. Ayurveda ties in with current medical developments and offers not only solutions but also many tools and inspiration for a meaningful and enjoyable life.

Ayurveda pays much attention to nutrition and lifestyle. Attention to what one can do oneself in order to reduce the chance of illness and to enable people to live a long, healthy and happy life.

However, if someone becomes ill, Ayurveda has a range of treatments and protocols for treatment or support.

Ayurvedic medicine looks beyond averages: very specifically at the individual. Health, well-being and the choice of treatment are approached from the individual’s personal constitution, in order to deploy a method appropriate for that person.

So that personalized approach also applies to your nutrition. A recurring question is: can you digest it? And how can you optimize your digestion? How can a meal actually be nourishing for you?

Among other things, Ayurveda distinguishes 6 tastes, which are important for a fulfilling and nourishing meal that digests well. It also looks at the qualities and effects of foods. Does something cool down your system, or does it heat up just a little too much? Do you live in a hot and dry climate, or just a cold and wet climate? These are all factors in choosing the right foods for you: for your balance at that moment.

So what about Indian cuisine? It may or may not be Ayurvedic like any other culinary movement. It just depends on how a meal is composed. However, by learning about Ayurveda, you can increasingly look through Ayurvedic glasses and make balanced choices that are right for your body and life.

And can make every meal a party. Both during the meal, and after.

* Ayurveda was officially recognized as a medicine by the WHO (World Health Organization) in 1977, noting that it often provides solutions where Western medicine stops.

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