Ayurveda on your pan

With the idea behind the book to present Ayurveda in a simplified, contemporary and relatable manner to ensure that the reader can incorporate Ayurvedic principles in their daily cooking and food habits to achieve optimum health, authors Dr. Asghar and Sonal Chowdhary say that this system considers food as the first medicine, and in these times of the Pandemic, it has become even more important to stay healthy.

The duo, whose book 'The Ayurvedic Kitchen' (Westland Publishers) recently hit the stands stresses that recent times have proven that the best defence against the virus is immunity.

"There is a lot of buzz, curiosity and a variety of readily available information on the internet regarding the same. People try different ways to boost their immunity but unfortunately, the information available on the web gives a blanket approach for everyone. With this book, we want the reader to have an individualised approach as per their own constitution and genotype (which they can know using the Dosha Quiz in the book ) and help them understand ways to include immunity-enhancing foods in their diet," Dr. Asghar says.

They say the book is for anyone who is looking to reset their food habits which are in sync with their own body, mind and health.

"It will be useful to ayurvedic consultants, nutritionists, dieticians, therapists, as they can guide their patients towards a healthier food approach as the recipes and food items scientifically connotes calories, effects on doshas, seasons and also their nutritional benefits," says Chowdhary.

Both believe that contrary to popular perception, the young are getting more inclined towards natural ways of healing.

"Millennials are increasingly getting aware that natural forms of healing are better as they have minimal or no side effects. They are happiest when diseases are cured with fewer medicines or by practising proper diets or regimens," asserts Chowdhary.

Dr Asghar adds that when one looks at the pathology of diseases, many of them occur owing to incorrect diets and skewed daily regimes something which Ayurveda sheds much light on.

"Well, the result of wrong eating habits are quite visible to everyone. Lifestyle disorders are on a rise and they are directly linked to incorrect eating habits. The result of these habits have started to build fear in most people and they have started taking more interest towards natural ways to combat the present condition."

Chowdhary adds that fitness is becoming important for this experimental generation who are keen to try alternative natural ways and work more towards prevention than looking for cures.

The authors also say that in this time and age, it is paramount to think about the integration of different medical systems that can instrumental in making people healthier.

"This will definitely overcome the lacuna or limitations of all systems," Dr Asghar concludes.