Ayurveda Initiative For Global Health

Benefits of Carrots  1. Improves vision Western culture’s understanding of carrots being “good for the eyes” is one of the few we got right. Carrots are rich in beta-carotene, which is converted into vitamin A in the liver. Vitamin A is transformed in the retina, to rhodopsin, a purple pigment necessary for night vision. Beta-carotene has also been shown to protect against macular degeneration and senile cataracts. A study found that people who eat the most beta-carotene had 40 percent lower risk of macular degeneration than those who consumed little. 2. Helps prevent cancer Studies have shown carrots reduce the risk of lung cancer, breast cancer and colon cancer. Researchers have just discovered falcarinol and falcarindiol which they feel cause the anticancer properties. Falcarinol is a natural pesticide produced by the carrot that protects its roots from fungal diseases. Carrots are one of the only common sources of this compound. A study showed 1/3 lower cancer r...

Black pepper (scientific name: Piper nigrum) is a hot, pungent spice with a host of health benefits. In fact, it is used extensively in Ayurvedic medicine.  It has an active component called piperine that gives black pepper its characteristic taste. Plus, it contains iron, potassium, calcium, magnesium, manganese, zinc, chromium, vitamins A and C, and other nutrients. Black pepper usually is added to savory dishes when they are done cooking, otherwise its volatile oils tend to evaporate and diminish its flavor. Freshly ground black pepper has the most flavor. Peppercorns work well in soups, stews, marinades, and other sauces that are cooked slowly. Here are the top 10 health benefits of black pepper. 1. Increases Nutrient Absorption The piperine in black pepper enhances the bioavailability of various nutrients such as vitamins A and C, selenium, beta-carotene, and others, thereby improving your overall health. Bioavailability refers to the amount of a nutrient or supple...

Ajwain has been an important part of the Indian kitchens since ages. Moreover, it has been abundantly used for various home remedies.  This aromatic and flavorsome spice also imbibes amazing medicinal properties. This spice has been described in the classical texts for Ayurveda as: * Wonderful digestive * Appetizer * Flatulence reliever * Imparts strength * Ajwain in Combination with Other Herbs This Ayurvedic herb is used for various purposes in combination with other drugs for extra-ordinary results. Here are some of the combinations along with astonishing results. 1. Weight Reduction: Ajwain powder along with danamethi powder, kalijiri powder and alsi powder can be used for weight management. 2. Indigestion and Gas : Ajwain powder along with half the quantity of saindha namak helps in relieving flatulence when consumed with lukewarm water. 3. Post Delivery Nutrition : Traditionally, Ajwain powder is prepared into decoction and is administered to females after the del...

They might be tiny, but cloves are giants when it comes to nutrition and natural health.  I first realized this about 12 years ago when I was simultaneously doing an intestinal cleanse and having a root canal. I noticed that whenever I drank the clove oil for the cleanse, my mouth would also stop smarting.  Used often in Ayurvedic medicine, cloves are anti-fungal, antibacterial, antiseptic and analgesic. They’re packed with antioxidants and are good sources of minerals (especially manganese), omega-3 fatty acids, fiber and vitamins Here are great uses for cloves, culled from an Ayurvedic tradition: 1. Temporarily treat a toothache:  You can temporarily alleviate the pain by dabbing a little clove oil on a cotton ball and placing it on the sore tooth or on your gums. An added benefit is that it will also pull out any infection. 2. Relieve upper respiratory infections: Ayurveda suggests making a tea to lessen, or prevent, colds and flu. It is also used as an ex...

Elaichi or cardamom is one of the most common spices seen in an Indian household. Not only does it add sweet taste and unique flavour to your dishes, it is also widely used as a natural mouth freshener. But the humble green pod has a lot more to offer – health wise. Here are the top eight reasons why elaichi scores high in the list of healthy spices. 1. Improves digestion Ever wonder why elaichi is a staple addition to saunf after meal? Well, that is because elaichi is carminative in nature and helps speed up digestion. It also reduces inflammation of the stomach lining, fights heartburn and nausea. Another added advantage of this spice is that it soothes the mucous membrane, making it function better thereby relieving the symptoms of acidity and an upset stomach. Moreover, according to Ayurvedic texts it also reduces the air content in the stomach, making it more capable of digesting food efficiently. Tip: Take a two to three pods of cardamom, a small piece of ginger, 2- 3...