Page 10 - Masala Lite Issue 163 July 2024

10 TRENDING NOW

ARE YOU

VEDIC?

Healthmaxx your diet with

these Ayurvedic superfoods.

BY GRACE CLARKE AND AYUSH MADAN

n the ever-evolving wellness landscape, much has changed. Ramping up during the dieting fads of the early ‘90s
and 2000s, today’s supplement market has soared to an unprecedented USD 177.5 billion, reflecting a booming
industry deeply influenced by Western wellness trends propagated through social media, influencers, and
celebrities. Exercise and diet remain at the forefront of this movement, with a significant nod to the rising popularity
of aesthetics such as the ‘pink pilates princess’, ‘balletcore’, and ‘that-girl’. Such aesthetics reflect the modern wellness
lifestyle, rooted in holistic health, and propelled by a sense of visual appeal, social media influence, and romanticisation.
However, this raises the question of whether these wellness ‘lifestyles’ are genuinely sustainable and if they truly
address the essence of wellness: health.

As the pursuit of health and vitality continues, we have observed that one trend enduring through the ebb and flow
of wellness fads is the consistent popularity of superfoods. Superfoods are nutrient powerhouses, chock-full of
vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants crucial to your health. They have become staples in modern diets, celebrated
for their benefits. Yet, amidst this wave of contemporary wellness practices lies a deep-seated connection to ancient
traditions. Modern holistic wellness stems from roots in Ayurvedic practices that date back over 5,000 years. Despite
the interruption during the British Raj, when Ayurveda was outlawed and schools were shut down, there has been a
resurgence in returning to these foundational principles.

With its holistic approach to health, Ayurveda has long revered certain foods for their healing and nourishing properties,
transcending time as integral components of contemporary wellness. These superfoods have been staples in Ayurvedic
medicine for centuries, offering benefits that modern science and wellness trends are only beginning to validate. By TULSI (HOLY BASIL)
understanding the rich heritage of Ayurvedic superfoods, we can appreciate the deep-rooted wisdom that continues Scientific Name: Ocimum sanctum
to influence modern approaches to health.

Did you know your favourite street-side comfort food
has a litany of healing properties? Tulsi or Kraphao is
an herb that strengthens your immune system and can
AMALAKI treat respiratory conditions like allergies, asthma, and
Scientific Name: Phyllanthus emblica
bronchitis. Furthermore, tulsi has purifying qualities
which can clear up acne and skin blemishes. Lastly, holy
This peridot green gooseberry, colloquially called amla, basil is also shown to help detoxify your liver - no wonder
has gained widespread adoration for its benefits as we crave kraphao gai after a night out. If fresh tulsi
a ‘superfruit’. This nutrient-dense berry contains high doesn’t suit your fancy, it can also be brewed into tea,
levels of vitamin C, perfect for boosting immune systems, ground into powder, or distilled into an essential oil.
rejuvenating the skin, and promoting bone as well as

joint health. Taking just 100 grams of amla provides 300
We had the opportunity
mg of vitamin C, equivalent to the amount of vitamin
to interview community
received from 20 oranges. Found in most desi homes,
member Shre Sharma
add this superfruit to your daily juices, chutneys, or
from Neeta’s Herbal, an
salads for that extra dose of rejuvenation.
Ayurvedic wellness brand
focused on hair health and
ASHWAGANDHA scalp care. A passionate
Scientific Name: Withania somnifera advocate for Ayurvedic
superfoods, Shre shared
his thoughts on today’s
As a powerful adaptogen (substances are used in herbal
medicine to stabilise physiological processes), Ashwagandha wellness industry and
helps the body naturally maintain homeostasis. Its why natural ingredients
properties allow it to lower cortisol levels – reducing stress will always reign superior
and anxiety – and improve memory and cognitive ability. to chemical solutions:

ashwagandha also boosts your energy and stamina, making “As a holistic wellness brand,
it a fitting choice for athletes. Recent studies have shown we believe hair care is about
that the plant can increase libido and improve sexual health getting back to your roots.
in both men and women. In men, specifically, ashwagandha Ayurveda, which uses
tablets are shown to boost testosterone and improve sperm ancient herbs to treat hair
quality, count, and motility. loss and other hair disorders,
offers the most effective
treatment for a healthy scalp and hair. The efficacy
MORINGA of these herbs and plants has been confirmed by
Scientific Name: Moringa oleifera medical science in recent years, but our civilisation
has known their benefits for the last 5,000 years.
Chemicals like minoxidil might help you regain your
Enriched with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant
hair temporarily, but what happens when you stop?
properties, this leaf hails from an evergreen plant, often
The hair loss often resumes even more rapidly, not
dubbed the ‘miracle tree’ for good reason. Renowned for
to mention the side effects. In contrast, Ayurvedic
its capacity to enhance gut health, combat foodborne
herbs like amla holistically nurture your hair follicles,
bacterial infections, and reduce cholesterol levels,
leading to progressive and sustainable growth. To
this superfood is valued in Ayurvedic medicine for its
further fortify your hair health, eat whole foods rich in
therapeutic benefits. Often taken in capsule form as a
magnesium and biotin. Regarding supplements, I would
daily supplement or traditionally brewed as an herbal
take ashwagandha for its DHT blocking and antioxidant
tea and syrup, Moringa is the perfect health companion
properties - reducing hair thinning and balding.”
to add to your daily diet, especially during flu season.