Ayurveda expert shares tips on nutritious diet

In an effort to lead Filipinos on the path to a sustainable and balanced way of living, the Indian Embassy invited an Ayurvedic therapist to explain the roots of good health during the second session of its four-day “Ayurveda Day” webinar .

The webinar, which runs until today, Nov. 3, is aimed at educating Filipinos on how they could benefit from India's unique pathway to health and wellness.

Ayurveda is one of the world’s oldest holistic systems. It was developed 5,000 years ago in India.

Indian Ayurvedic nutritionist and therapist Niti Sheth discussed the fundamentals of good health, focusing on a balanced diet.

“Ayurveda is not a one-size-fits-all approach. It takes into account the individual, it takes into account all the differences that you may have compared to another person,” Sheth said. “Ayurveda looks into what you’re eating, how you’re eating, why you’re eating, when you’re eating and where you’re eating.” 

Good digestion

For the nutrition expert, digestion is the key. “Nothing in this world is universally good or universally bad. The idea is to not glamorize or demonize food,” Sheth explained. “Moderation is important for optimum health. Learn from the cues your body gives.”

In Ayurvedic nutrition, the six tastes—sweet, bitter, sour, salty, pungent and astringent—should be incorporated in equal proportion every single day for a better nutritional profile.

Sheth also emphasized balance when choosing and preparing food. She explained how dry foods and warmer food would be good for the rainy season. 

“The idea is to counteract that dampness and wetness,” said Sheth. “So, during the wet season, eat warmer and lighter food items.”

Sheth also reminded that good digestion prevents any other illnesses. Regular bowel movements, a proper appetite and a clear mind are signs of a healthy digestion. 

For the practice of Ayurveda, a person is greatly influenced by his/her environment, which is experienced through all the five senses. Practitioners believe that everything we see, hear, taste, smell and touch can alter the state of our health and wellbeing.

In the webinar’s first session on Oct. 31, nutritionist and international yoga and meditation teacher Clara Day Herrera shared how we can incorporate Ayurveda in our daily lives. “Ayurveda highlights the importance of our digestive system,” Herrera explained. “The practice teaches us that the optimum time to eat is based on the energies of our body and the laws of nature.”

The last of the lecture series, which features Ayurveda experts from India and the Philippines, will be held Nov. 3 at 5pm on the Embassy of India’s official Facebook page (India in Philippines) and Youtube page (Indian Embassy, Manila).

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