Turmeric has a heating action on the body but it also cleans the blood and stimulates the formation of new blood tissue. It is good for hyperacidity and helps heal stomach ulcers.

This root spice probably came from Indonesia and Malaysia where it has been consumed for thousands of years. Arab traders then brought it to Europe.

It is sold in powder form after being cooked and dryed. With the balancing effect it has on all, turmeric enhances digestion, especially of proteins, and increases the metabolism. Black pepper improves turmeric’s action to help it pass through the intestinal wall and thus be much easier to assimilate into the body.

Advice in Ayurveda

In Ayurveda, it has long been know that turmeric has many healing properties which include antiseptic, antibiotic and anti-inflammatory especially for arthritis and skin disorders. It is pungent and bitter in taste and can ease liver and stomach complaints and improve intestinal flora. A pinch of turmeric is also said to make it easier to digest milk.

Tip: Once you have bought turmeric it’s best to store it in the dark.

Recipe Time!

- Simple kitcharee (or rice & lentils)

(adapted from my book “Plans for dinner?”)

Serves 4 (as side dish)

100 grams basmati rice
100 grams red lentils
pinch salt
water (2x the amount of rice and lentils)
1/4 teaspoon turmeric

1. Wash the rice and the lentils until the water is clear (at least 4 times).
2. Put the rice, lentils, salt, turmeric and water into a pot and stir well.
3. Bring everything to the boil and keep boiling for 5 minutes.
4. Lower the heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
5. Cover, turn off the heat and leave to rest.
6. Serve with sautéed vegetables or salad for a simple meal.

What next?
1. Enjoy this dish and share your experiences with us below.

According to the World Health Organization we need a maximum of 10-15% protein in our daily diet. (This is, for example, the equivalent of 27 – 45 grams for a woman weighing 60 kg). This is not a large amount and most of us in the West easily take in more on a daily basis. 

And since we are able to store protein, as long as we are eating a varied whole-food diet every day, we’ll be getting enough protein, even if we decide to take it in plant form. 

In Ayurveda we are not told that we have to be vegetarian. What is important is to be conscious about what we are eating in relation to our activity or intended activity. Meat is intrinsically heavy and requires a lot of energy to digest. It is a very concentrated source of energy at all levels.

Traditional nutritional systems, like the Chinese and Ayurveda, sometimes suggest small amounts of meat as a quick way to build strength in tissues. However, questions are often raised nowadays about the quality of the meat because of how animals are kept and meat processed.

Simply put I have always found it much easier to get hold of quality plant-based protein sources. As a lacto-vegetarian, I eat dairy products occasionally but no red meat, fowl, fish or eggs. My diet consists mainly of whole-foods including nuts, seeds, pulses, grains, vegetables and fruits, all of which contain enough protein for me to cover my protein needs very well and consciously.

Moreover, a plant-based diet offers a lighter alternative to one that is meat-based. It can support those recovering from illness because less energy is used for digestion and more is left for the body to use in healing processes.

(c) 2009 Janet Gomez

About the author:  Janet Gomez, nutritional consultant, produces the “Nutri-Jyoti News”, a free bi-monthly e-newsletter for busy professionals. Feel ready to learn how to use nutritional strategies to manage your energy levels? Then sign up for her FREE e-course “5 Nutritional Keys to Vitality in your Life” at http://www.nutrijyoti.com

Traditionally Ayurveda is associated with India because of how long it has been used in this region but if you look at traditional cultural knowledge you will also see evidence of the information Ayurveda provides.

We have all heard the saying “You are what you eat”. In Ayurveda there is a saying

“without proper diet, medicine is of no use. And with proper diet, medicine is of no need”.

Diet is the basis of Ayurveda because our bodies are the result of what we eat or rather of what we digest. What’s more, it’s a practical and easy way to maintain good health to prevent illness – a main goal of Ayurveda. But the choices we have choices also mean we have responsibility.

The concept of “digestive fire” or agni is key to maintaining health and building immunity in Ayurveda. Depending on your body type at any given time, the season, your environmental stresses, the particular food you choose to eat etc., you can influence your digestive capacity or fire.

When I was at school we would go camping at weekends. We’d have to get a fire going to cook our food. If the fire was low, the food would take ages to cook. If the fire was too strong, the outside of the food would cook more quickly than the inside – often the food would be burnt! It was important to find a happy balance to satify our rumbling tums.

Our digestive fire is just like the camp fire. If our agni is too low then the food we ingest won’t be cooked/digested properly, leaving it to move undigested into the rest of the digestive system. Our cells can’t benefit from the nutrients in the food and waste matter clogs up the system and prevents the available nutrients from getting through. Not the more efficient way to get our energy.

If the digestive fire is too high then the food will “burn” i.e. move through the system too quickly, not giving our bodies the chance to extract the nutrients required. Not the best situation either to get the nutrients our intrinsic healing system needs to build our immunity and keep fit and healthy. So, how do we find the “happy balance” of nicely cooked food?

Here are three of my top tips on how to achieve the “happy balance” to be able to use food for greater energy and fuller health:

1.  Eat food that’s right for your particular digestive fire.

2.  Eat food when you’re hungry – when the “fire” is stoked up – so it digests properly.

3.  Don’t throw (too much) water on the fire!

These simple tips are a way of taking charge of your health. You have tools to:

1.  Save money on medical bills;

2.  Save time going to the doctor; and

3.  Most importantly start the New Year with plenty of energy to do all those things you’ve planned to do and enjoy them as well!

So what are you waiting for? Start looking after your digestive fire with a taste for Ayurveda!

(c) 2009 Janet Gomez

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About the author:  Janet Gomez, nutritional consultant, produces the “Nutri-Jyoti News”, a free bi-monthly e-newsletter for busy professionals. Feel ready to learn how to use nutritional strategies to manage your energy levels? Then sign up for her FREE e-course “5 Nutritional Keys to Vitality in your Life” at http://www.nutrijyoti.com

Mistake 1 – Eating only salad to lose weight
After the holiday period when we’ve indulged (and enjoyed) various culinary delights our thoughts often turn to shedding a few pounds. Eating salad is often considered a quick and easy approach. But in the winter it’s really not the best food for our digestive systems.

Solution

Go for moderation or small amounts depending on your digestive capacity. Understanding what your body type is and what your particular needs are  will help you make choices for successful weight management. 

Mistake 2 – Snacking on the run
When you lead a busy life, you tend to grab the first snack you see, which may not be the best solution for your body and mind.

Solution

Plan ahead and stock up on snack choices like unsalted nuts and seeds, fresh fruit, carrot sticks etc. Make sure they are easy to find and ready to eat so they are waiting when you need them.

Mistake 3 – Going vegetarian and only eating dairy and soya for protein
Now you know that I’m a vegetarian so I’m all in favour of supporting those who wish to take this path. However, dairy or soya products are both  tough on the digestive system and will make you feel heavy and tired if you only eat them for protein.

Solution

Variety is the most important concept when choosing to go veggie. Find out which foods support your particular body type. Nuts, seeds, pulses,  and vegetables are all sources of protein that are lighter on the digestive system, especially if they suit your body type. Put a spring in your step with vegetarian variety!  

Moderation, planning and variety are important for good nutrition as well as understanding your personal needs and catering for them. Did you know you find all of these practical principles and more in Ayurvedic Nutrition?

And so, to get you on track for 2009, I’m hosting a very special, one-time only call to share with you how to use the principles of Ayurvedic Nutrition for greater energy and fuller health for you and your family.

This class by phone will be one of most important decisions you make for your health and wellbeing this year. So save Wednesday 28th January in your diary and sign up for keystovitality.nutrijyoti.com to get more detailed info directly in your inbox very soon.