Ayurvedic raitas are made of yogurt and help in digesting the meal. Ayurveda never suggests eating a lot of raita and therefore it should be taken in small quantities. Yogurt is sour in taste and difficult to digest but the spices and the other ingredients make it easy to digest. It is usually eaten as a side dish.
The Ayurvedic raitas can be of varied types depending on the vegetable used as the main ingredient. Some of the common Ayurvedic raitas are beet raita, carrot raita, cucumber raita, tomato raita, and spinach raita to name a few.
Beet Raita: Beet raita is good for blood purification and also works as a tonic. The pungent taste of beet may aggravate Pitta and Kapha prakriti person can use it occasionally. The spices and the other ingredients used in beet raita help yogurt to make it more easily digestible.
Carrot Raita: Ayurvedic carrot raita is very healthy and nutritious as carrot is rich source of fibre, sugar and Vitamin A. The raita purifies blood, helps in digestion, keeps the body cool and helps in maintaining a healthy skin. It is also helpful for the people who are trying to reduce weight. But pregnant woman should not take it.
Cucumber Raita: Cucumber raita is nutritious and is easily digestible. It works as an appetizer. It is good for people who are suffering from excessive sweating and diabetes patients who complain of dryness of mouth. But cucumber raita can provoke Kapha and hence Kapha prakriti people should eat it carefully and can also put some extra hing and mustard seeds.
Spinach Raita: Spinach is known as `Palankya` in Ayurveda. Spinach is heavy, sweet, dry, producer of Vata on digestion, cold in potency, purgative and diuretic. The raita prepared using this nutritious vegetable ensures various benefits. It is a great way to get greens vitamins. It helps in strengthening eyesight like most green vegetables. Spinach raita is to be taken occasionally for Vata and Pitta dosha and when needed for medicinal use.
Tomato Raita: Tomato raita helps in digestion and also adds taste to the food. It helps in eliminating toxins and keeps the stomach cool during summer. The tomato raita is also a delight for the health conscious people as it is low on calorie.
