According to Ayurveda, fruits are super foods. Everyone knows fruits are healthy foods. There are more to it in Ayurveda. Ayurveda describes a set of rules about what to eat, when to eat and how to eat. Accordingly, eating fully ripen and fresh fruits at appropriate season makes it pure nectar.
Fresh and organic produce are listed as foods with life and vitality. Eating ripened fruits instantly convert into a nutritional fluid called Rasa in Ayurveda. This forms the base of the seven body tissues. Fresh fruits don’t undergo a strenuous digestive process. It is fresh, light, and full of energy. It naturally increases the ojas (energy and vitality), boosts immunity, enhances the strength and makes you happy.
Every fruit, which is a natural produce count as an Ayurvedic superfruit, with a few restrictions. Fruits are best eaten separately as a meal or snack, not together with any meal. Always buy organically produced fruits, preferably from farmers, local orchards, and vegetable markets. Avoid buying from the supermarkets as they may contain artificially ripened fruits and may turn toxic.
Let’s take a look at the top 10 Ayurvedic super fruits.
1. Mangoes
Mango is the king of Ayurvedic super fruits. It is one of the three fruits listed as top three energetic foods, where other two fruits are Jackfruit and Bananas. You can find innumerable varieties of mangoes.
Raw or unripe mango increases Vata and Pitta i.e the air and fire element in the body. Fully ripened fruit balances these elements. Ripened mangoes helps to build nutritional fluid in the body. You can eat sweet mango raw or mix with milk.
2. Pomegranate
Pomegranate is one of the super fruits, not just in Ayurvedic perspective. It is packed with all essential nutrients to build a balanced system. It tastes sour and carries astringent properties. It helps balancing the pitta in the body. Pomegranate is a boon for women. It rejuvenates the cells and flushes out toxins. It supports uterus health.
3. Bananas
Banana is a high fibrous fruit. It has numerous varieties. It is sour in taste. Eating a banana gives instant energy, adds to ojas. Banana helps in digestion and eases passing stool. It helps to balance Kapha and reduces water retention. In Ayurvedic point of view, Banana is sour in taste. So, you should not have bananas with milk.
4. Amla (Indian Gooseberry)
Amla aka Indian Gooseberry is nectar. It is full of prana called life. Eating an amla a day keeps you healthy, energetic and youthful. Amla is crowned as Rasayana, a secret of staying youth. Amla balances all three doshas in the body. You can preserve amla in honey, jaggery, sugar or spice and consume daily.
5. Apple
Apple is a super fruit across different cultures. In Ayurveda, apple helps to balance the Kapha dosha. Apples aren’t too sweet. Sour apples lead to vata and pitta imbalance. Always go for sweet apples. Besides, cooked apple creates Ojas.
6. Pears
Pear is not a very popular fruit. Pear helps to balance the hormones and create energy. This super fruit is very light, not too sweet and fully balancing. Fresh, juicy and sweet pear gives a boost to feel good emotions. Pear is a versatile fruit; you can eat in any form. You can eat it fresh, bake it, sauté in ghee or make a stew with spices.
7. Grapes
While grapes are considered sour, Ayurveda highly regards sweet grapes and dry grapes. Ancient texts of Ayurveda crowns grapes as one of the best ayurvedic super fruits. Raisins are good for constipation. Grapes nourish the body and help to balance the system. Sweet raisins make the best add-on to desserts, kheers and puddings.
8. Watermelon
Watermelon is the blissful summer fruit. Ayurveda celebrates watermelon for its ability to balance Pitta. Needless to say, watermelon forms an essential super fruit in daily diet during summer. It easily quenches thirst and prevents dehydration.
9. Papaya
Papaya is very light, but intense and a hot potency super fruit. While it tastes sweet, the aftertaste is bitter. Papaya helps to balance kapha dosha. Papaya eases digestion and creates a equilibrium in the body.
10. Bael
Bael is popularly known as “Bilva” or “Vilvam.” It is more inclined as spiritual fruit, offered for Lord Shiva. Ayurveda crowns Bael as one of the super fruits. Bael has the hot potency and reduces aggravated kapha dosha. It is essentially good for cold, congestion and sinus.
These are the list of Ayurvedic super fruits. Eat these seasonal fruits in appropriate seasons and at right time. Increase your vitality and stay healthy.