Ayurvedic diet for summer should include lots of cool beverages as it is extremely hot during this point of the year. The summer season or the "greeshma" ritu is the peak of the pitta aggravation therefore a shift from the regular diet is desirable.
Food of Ayurvedic Diet
Cold and oily food should be consumed like milk, ghee prepared from cow`s milk, as these food items are all good for the pitta. Cool beverage should be consumed in excess like buttermilk, which will help to keep the body cool. Mango rose, rose petal jams are also ideal drinks for the season. Black tulsi seeds, if added to any cool drink will be delicious as well as refreshing. Fruits like mangoes and pomegranates should also be consumed. Fish from ponds, which is oily and sweet, can be consumed. Flesh of animals from "jangal desh" like chicken can also be consumed. Sweet foodstuffs can also be taken during this season but it should be in accordance with the agni which is digestive fire according to Ayurveda. Some of the fruits and vegetables of summer Ayurvedic diet with their benefits are as follows:
Mango: Mango is the richest sources of vitamin A and vitamin C and minerals namely potassium, calcium and phosphorus. It prevents cancer, lowers cholesterol, clears the skin, and alkalizes the whole body.
Cherry: This nutritious fruit is enriched with good source of potassium which helps to lower blood pressure by getting rid of the excess sodium in the body. It also fights cancer and helps to get good sleep.
Lemon: The vitamin C enriched lemon also contains other vitamins in high amounts such as Riboflavin, Vitamin B, Calcium, Magnesium, Phosphorous and many proteins and carbohydrates. Lemon treats asthma, reduces pimples, clears dandruff and removes blackheads. Drinking lemon juice during summer can be of great relief.
Watermelon: Watermelon is a great source of water and electrolytes to beat the tropical summer temperatures.
Food to Avoid During Summer
Ayurveda recommends avoiding alcohol and flesh of lamb, beef and pork during the summer season. Spicy, dry, hot and fermented food should also not be taken. Spices like ginger, black pepper and foods, which are salty, sour and pungent, should also be kept off. These foods are mainly avoided to pacify the pitta. Exercising during the daytime is also perfect for the summers.
