Summer is a time for growth. There is intense activity in the body and in our surroundings. It is important to maintain the right balance in the body to accomodate growth and keep the growth in balance.
RuchiCharya is a seasonal system from India which uses the life force of seasonal foods to help to maintain healthy balance during the season. The Indian health system of Ayurveda suggests the following (RuchiCharya) for a Summer Lifestyle:
- Protect ourselves at the height of growth activities
- Digestive system is at its peak and needs cooling down
- Flush out the byproducts left over from all the growth activity
This season is characterized by strong metabolism, good digestion, strong appetite, perspiration, lower tolerance for sunlight, heat or higher level of physical work and sound sleep to accomodate the growth.
Choose vegetables in this season that are grown locally and organically, if at all possible as this will help in the natural defense sytems as we share the same microsystem.
Beverages: Cool to lukewarm drinks according to preference. Favour sweet, bitter, and astringent tastes.
Grains: Wheat, white rice, poha, sooji.
Dals: Mung beans, small kidney beans.
Veggies: yellow squash, zucchini, cucumber, kale, bok choy, winter squashes and all green leafy vegetables (except spinach) are especially great. Asparagus, artichokes, okra, cauliflower, broccoli, cabbage, green beans, potatoes, sweet potatoes, peas, cilantro*, sprouts, lettuce, brussel sprouts, parsley, sweet corn.
Dairy: milk, butter, sweet lassi, cream, paneer.
Sweetners: jaggery, date sugar.
Oils: Ghee is best.
blanched almonds in small amounts.
Spices and Herbs: Coriander, cilantro, fennel, cumin, turmeric, saffron, cardamom, parsley, fresh basil.
Fruits: Melons and mango are best this time of the year. Sweet grapes, avocado, sweet mango, coconut, sweet plums, persimmon, pomegranate, sweet apples, sweet pears, raisins, dates.
© Kavita Mehta
