Ayurvda Detox- Part 3 (Grains)

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Grains: Rice, Wheat, Corn etc.

Grains are mentioned as an absolute must to build up strength and energy. In fact most of us, till at least a generation ago were happily digesting complex grains/ wheat. But modern farming methods have left us with varieties of wheat that have too much gluten and so we see gluten allergies.

Rice (specially Basmati Rice, probably as it was the native variety) has been given a prominent position in Ayurveda. It is considered easy to digest by all constitution types, and mixed with various other food types/ herbs has important curing properties.

Corn is not native to India and lately there is some evidence, via old temple sculptures and texts that maize (and other South American food types) probably arrived in India in pre-Columbus times.

I would imagine that the new foodtypes were classified as per the ancient principles. Modern Vaidyas recommend quinoa, corn, brown rice, cous-cous, bulgur wheat and many other grain varieties based on your particular body constitution (using the Ayurveda test for Vata-Pitta-Kapha).

What everyone agrees on is this: White bread is doing nothing for us! Well its giving us some carbs for sure but that is about it. Raw white bread is hard to digest and is mucous-producing. If unavoidable, it should be toasted.

Essentially wholegrain is the way to go. Its guaranteed to keep the tummy happy if not the taste buds. Sometimes even the taste-buds can be given some joy- the typical North Indian Sunday brunch consisting of  yummy aloo-parathas with natural yogurt and mango pickle will leave even the most anti-wholegrain person longing for more!

So after this marathon of Ayurveda- posting my chocoholic, french-fries-loving side is sobbing silently in the corner. To distract myself I'm going to take a short break from being a food-prude and move to...hmm.....maybe celebrity gossip (Did you know that Jenifer Aniston and Courtney Cox were buying a summer holiday home together for a friends-type girlie weekend??? Who would have guessed.)

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