Kerala celebrates Vishu in April, which marks the New year day of astronomical calendar. Every New year is a great time to start something that can benefit you in the long term. Ayurveda and its practices are an excellent example of holistic therapies. They help to inculcate a sense of discipline and also achieve general wellbeing of individuals. Ayurveda first diagnoses the optimization of the three Doshas — Vata, Pitta, Kapha. Then it uses effective remedies to ensure that the organs and the entire system is in working order. Ayurveda works on the foundation that we can manage all ailments and deficiencies using natural techniques. One such technique that you can start from this Vishu is the use of Navadhaanya in your diet.
Concept of Navadhanya:
The basis of Navadhanya is from the ancient scripture — the Vedas. As per Ayurveda, the configuration of the nine planets or nava grahas in our solar system have an effect on the world and every individual. The nine pulses used in the Navadhanya diet have varied health benefits and can be used to bring balance to the Doshas.
As per scriptures, the list of Navadhanya and their cosmic influences are as below:
- Wheat: Offered to Sun
- Rice: Offered to Moon
- Toor dal: Offered to Mars
- Chickpeas: Offered to Jupiter
- Moong beans: Offered to Mercury
- White beans: Offered to Venus
- Black sesame: Offered to Saturn
- Indian black lentil: Offered to Rahu
- Horse gram: Offered to Kethu
Ayurvedic importance and properties of Navadhanya:
Navadhanya has plenty of effective and proven health benefits. It has a healthy mix of cereals, lentils, oilseeds that are all rich in vitamins. Apart from vitamins, Navadhanya is also a good source of minerals, protein, fats, and carbohydrates. All these enhance the digestion process. As per Ayurveda, a good digestive system is the prime factor to achieve good health and improved immunity.
The below are the benefits of each component of Navadhanya.
Wheat: Wheat alleviates vitiated Vata dosha, is sweet, cold in potency and invigorating. It also bestows strength and stability and acts as a laxative. Apart from these, it is good for bone health as well. Whole wheat grain has complex carbohydrates that keep one full longer and thus aids in weight loss. Rich in magnesium and insoluble fiber it improves metabolism, helps in reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes and gallstones.
Rice: Ayurveda considers Rice as sweet with an astringent after taste, nourishing, light, gluten free and diuretic. It is a good source of Vitamin B, fiber and iron. Rice also has antioxidant properties and aids in controlling blood pressure as it is low in sodium.
Toor dal: Pigeon pea or Toor dal is dry, light to digest, improves complexion and increases Vata dosha. It is also an excellent source of protein and fiber. It is low in calories, hence aids weight loss. Hence, regular intake of it reduces the risk of developing type2 diabetes also.
Chickpeas: Chickpeas are light, sweet with astringent after taste and cold in potency. They are also low in fat and a good source of antioxidants and proteins.
Moong beans: Moong bean is light, cold in potency and alleviator of Kapha and Pitta dosha. It bestows a clear vision and provides nourishment to tissues. Moong bean is one of the best sources of plant-based proteins and essential amino acids. It is also high in fiber content and low in glycemic index. The carbohydrates present in moong beans digest fast, which causes less flatulence as compared to other legumes.
White beans: White beans increase Vata dosha, help improve lactation in lactating mothers and act as a good laxative. Besides, they are also rich in folates, iron, magnesium, potassium and vitamin B.
Black sesame: Black sesame, commonly known as Til is hot, good for skin, is a hair tonic, and promotes overall strength. It improves memory retention, digestive power, along with Kapha and Pitta dosha. Black sesame is also a good source of energy and healthy polyunsaturated fatty acids. It is also rich in fiber, iron, calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus.
Indian black lentil: Black lentil is an aphrodisiac, alleviates vitiated Vata dosha and is hot in potency. It is also sweet, heavy and promotes strength. It is a store house of protein, fat, Potassium and Vitamin B. Due to the high fiber content, it aids in digestion. Great for the skin and blood circulation too.
Horse gram: Horse gram is hot in potency, astringent in taste, and alleviates vitiated Kapha and Vata dosha. Beneficial in cough, hiccup, piles, calculi and rhinitis. It is a known diuretic and antioxidant-rich legume, which is also rich in proteins and Vitamins. It is also low in calories, high in fiber and thus aids in weight loss and better digestion.
Itoozhi Ayurveda is one of the leading traditional Ayurvedic Hospitals in Kerala, with branches in Kannur, other parts of kerala and Bengaluru. Known for Lifestyle disorders and Eye treatments, Itoozhi Ayurveda employs traditional Ayurvedic therapies for holistic treatment. Our Bengaluru and Kannur centers are fully equipped to handle any type of inhouse holistic Ayurvedic healing program. We are also equipped with premium accommodation in these centers.
