Learn about what foods support the three ayurveda body types - pitta, vata, and kapha. We cover the characteristics of each body type, as well as information on some of the things that throw those constitutions out of balance.

Ayurveda recommends foods for people according to their primary body type. The reason this is done is because it is believed foods can be both healing, and the source of imbalance and difficulties. By eating foods according to our Ayurvedic body type, the belief is that we will accumulate less Ama, or waste, in the body.

In Ayurveda, people are classified according to three principles, vata, kapha, and pitta. But it%26#8217;s important to understand that although we may be dominant in one principle, we actually have all three present in our body. The others are in a smaller ration. Most people will actually be a combination of two of these principles, with the third only playing a minor role. But because we all contain the three, any of them can get out of balance.

Pitta

Characteristics of Pitta dominant body types

* determination

* strong willed

* good digestion

* initiative

* energy

* passionate about many things

Ayurveda%26#8217;s Pitta constitution is calmed by cooling foods, such as fresh fruit and vegetables. Bitter green vegetables like watercress, parsley, collards and most greens suit pitta. Fruits that suit pitta body types include sweet berries, sweet apples and apricots, coconut, figs, mango, sweet oranges and pineapples, plums, watermelon, pomegranates, and prunes.

Other cooling foods include most dairy products, though sour cream, hard cheeses, and yoghurt don%26#8217;t really suit pitta due to their being too high in fat, salt, or sour. But dairy that suits pitta includes milk, cottage cheese, soft cheeses, and ice cream!

Grains that suit pitta body types include barley, basmati rice, and wheat (unless you are allergic or gluten sensitive).

Pitta body types generally like a lot of protein, and they probably need a little more than the other Ayurvedic body types. Spices that are cooling in nature are also important. These include coriander, cumin, mint, parsley, dill and fennel. Garlic should be avoided though as it is too heating.

In terms of sweets, Pitta body types should use maple syrup, barley malt, brown rice syrup and honey that is 6 months or less old, preferably raw.

Things that can imbalance Pitta body types:

* excess heat, hot climates, and hot times of day

* humidity

* vacations and times when there is increased mobility

* excess oil in the diet

* too many hot foods, including spicy foods. But this can also mean too many cooked meals

* excess caffeine, salt, red meat and alcohol

Vata

Characteristics of people with a dominant Vata body type:

* flexibility

* quick mind

* creative

* always on the go - mentally and physically

Dietary choices that support vata aim at grounding this energy-in-motion. Routine is also very helpful, though not naturally something vata body type people will create! Vata people benefit from meditation, warmth, soothing music, taking breaks, and resting (again, not a natural vata inclination!).

With regards foods, vata body types should include warming spices, including ginger and cloves, anise, cayenne, cinnamon, garlic, horseradish, caraway, mint, mustard seeds, parsley, cooked onion,

paprika, rose water, vanilla, tarragon, thyme and rosemary.

People with the vata body type should minimize raw food, including salad, though salads should not be eliminated completely as they provide valuable nutrients. But vata should ground the salad with a dressing made from oil and vinegar, and be aware of the weather at the time of eating it. Being more sensitive to cold, vata%26#8217;s should have salads on warmer days.

Icy cold drinks are not balancing for vata - in fact quite the opposite. Sugar also throws vata types off balance, though vata are lucky in that they can enjoy other sweets.

Vata generally love fruit, and it suits their ayurvedic constitution. The exceptions are apples, pears, cranberries, watermelon and dried fruit. Vata types should go for sweet and moist fruit, like mangoes, nectarines, bananas, coconut, fresh figs, peaches, and strawberries.

Cooked grains like oatmeal, basmati rice, and brown rice, are very grounding for the vata ayurvedic constitution. Beans (legumes), on the other hand, are not! Beans are cold, dry, and heavy - not the attributes that support vata.

Things that can imbalance vata dominant body types include:

* a lot of travel, especially by plane

* loud noises

* constant stimulation

* drugs, sugar and alcohol

* cold climates (especially extremely cold ones) and cold food

* frozen and dried food

Kapha

Characteristics of people with a kapha dominant body type:

* strength

* stamina

* endurance

* groundedness

* calm

* fluid

Kapha body types are not suited to a high protein diet like the Atkins diet. Not only should they avoid too much fat, but also, excessive heavy protein. The kapha quality is already heavy, and although this doesn%26#8217;t sound great, it is what provides Kapha body types with a wonderful stability and strength.

Kapha should have light and low fat protein. Beans, with the exception of soy and soy products, are great for kapha. Soy milk is preferable to dairy though, for kapha. Beans help move kapha%26#8217;s energy, and digestive system, a bit. Barley is also excellent. In terms of meat, chicken and turkey suit kapha.

Kapha body types should have plenty of vegetables, including bitter vegetables, peppers, broccoli, brussel sprouts, cauliflower, eggplant, lettuce, onions, potatoes, mushrooms, corn cobs, peas, beets, and celery.

Dairy is heavy and cooling, and it does not suit the Kapha ayurvedic body type. Light and crispy food, like corn tortillas and popcorn, suit kapha. Kapha people should make sure they have variety in their diet, as kapha body types have a danger of falling into a rut more than others.

Asian and Latin American style meals are great for kapha. They are spicy and light, free of dairy, and have plenty of vegetables in them.

Things that can imbalance Kapha body types:

* inertia

* too much fat in the diet, including oil we cook with!

* dairy products

* not enough stimulation and challenge

* not enough variety

* not enough exercise

* too much bread, iced foods and drinks, and sweets

References: Amadea Morningstar and Urmila Desai, The Ayurvedic Cookbook

Article Source: http://www.BestToRead.com/

Acne Attacked By Strawberries

Every now and then we get really anxious to do something different to control our acne. We put toothpaste on our zitts, egg whites on our face to serve as a mask. One thing you might not have known about is the dramatic effect of strawberries on your face. As it turns out, not only are strawberries scrumptious, but they are also really good for your acne. Who would have thought
Strawberries are so good for your skin because they serve as a conditioner and toner for your skin. A lot of acne solutions contain salicylic acid and strawberries already have salicylic acid in them. Strawberries will help to smooth out your skin and even lighten any dark patches on your face that you may have.

The best way to use strawberries is with a mask, it is really easy. You need just 1/2 cup of strawberries, fresh not frozen, and a tablespoon of sour cream. Mix them together and apply to your face like a mask. Leave it on for about 20 minutes then rinse off with warm water and pat dry. The strawberry juice will leave your skin feeling tighter and the sour cream with hydrate your skin. You don’t have to use sour cream you can use a strawberry all by itself, just rub the inside juices on your face.

Some more strawberry information for you.

Strawberries are also useful in whitening your teeth and freshening your breath. To whiten your teeth, just rub half a strawberry all over your teeth and leave it on there for a while.

I hope you enjoyed this article on strawberries. Please, try not to think about some of the uses for strawberries when you are using strawberries for anything romantic perfect skin can be obtained in so many different ways and you should strive to find a workable program for you.

Face packs for Dry Skin

Face masks are a great way to re-hydrate and refresh the skin. The skin loses its capacity to retain moisture, as we grow old. The extreme climatic conditions to which we get exposed, as we grow old worsen the condition and skin becomes more dry. Most popularly, lotions and creams are used to soothe the dry skin. Using a mild soap or a cleansing body wash might eliminate the problem temporarily. If you suffer from dry skin that feels stretched and rough through the day, using a facemask specially designed to moisten and rejuvenate it might be just the thing you need. A face pack made of fruits rich in vitamins and water can have a good effect on the dry skin. Some of the fruits that can be used are papaya, peach, and banana. Mashed avocado can also be applied to the skin for a glowing effect. Moisturizing is very important specially in Winters. If our skin is not moisturized well, it becomes dry and flaky resulting in wrinkles. A mild lotion or moisturizer can follow these face packs, to retain the moisture produced by the face pack. Avocado is really good for dry and dehydrated skin. Egg Yolk and Olive Oil are also an excellent moisturizer and honey is a natural cleanser. Fruits that are rich in water and vitamins make for good face packs for those who have dry skin. You can make a paste of papaya or peach and leave it for around 20 minutes and then wash your face. The result would be fresh and youthful skin. Use of face packs varies according to climate, skin type and age also. Face packs may be of different type, for example; face pack made of fruits or sour cream and cream etc. Herbal face packs help smooth the structure of the epidermis. Squeeze half a lemon and mix the juice with one beaten egg white. Apply on your face and leave for overnight. Wash your face with warm water. This face pack is also very effective for Dry skin. Face packs bring necessary microelements on facial skin that help smooth wrinkles and soften skin. Herbal face packs contain herbs that have a disinfecting effect such as chamomile. The usage of herbal face packs is simple. But before you begin, it’s recommended to give your face a steam bath. Use mineral water to freshen your face. Don’t use a washcloth-a rough texture can irritate. Use nondetergent, neutral-pH products to cleanse your skin.Face packs lead to fast and effective removal of dead skin cells, toxins, and slag. Face massage using almond oil makes the skin soft and removes dry skin. Cleanse your face before applying the chosen face mask. Afterwards, rinse with warm water and than apply moisturizer. You can apply face packs on a daily basis and in few weeks you will notice considerable improvement of your skin. It will look younger, the wrinkles will disappear, and the color will get livelier. Scrubs are very good when it is necessary to clean and really get under the skin. Rose water, almond oil, honey, olive oil, and beaten curd can all be used as good face packs. Daily massage or facial sauna with herbal oils and use of mild detergent and fragrance free soap can work wonders on dry skin

Menu for low fat diet

It is very easy to follow diet menu without difficult recipes.Using menu for low fat diet you will be able to loss about 5 kg per week.Menu for low fat diet is balanced and provide the body with the necessary nutrients and vitamins; it is recommended not to change it if you want to archive good results.MondayBreakfast:oatmeal with pumpkin, tea.Dinner:salad of fresh cabbage and carrots.vegetable soup.Snack:mushrooms with potatoes.apples and plums.Dinner:stewed turnips with carrots and onions.cranberry with sugar, candied peel.TuesdayBreakfastpotato pancakes with tomato sauce and mushrooms.vegetable salad with onions.coffee or tea.Dinnersalad of fresh apples, celery and onions.mushroom soup.Snack:vegetable soupapplesDinner:stuffed with rice and mushrooms.tea with plum jam, candied peel.WednesdayBreakfast:salad of boiled vegetables.coffee or tea.Dinner:fresh beet salad with apples.vegetable soup.Snack:boiled potatoes with tomato sauce, salted of cucumbersteaDinner:boiled pumpkinapples and candied peel.tea.ThursdayBreakfast:boiled mushrooms.oatmealDinner:salad of fresh turnips and carrots with cranberriesvegetable soup with onions and carrotsSnack:pumpkin salad with apples, honey and nuts.Dinner:fresh beet salad with apples.vegetable soup.tea.FridayDuring the day, only water and tea.Dinner - potatoes and green salad with sour cream. Sandwich with cheese, teaSaturdayBreakfast:oatmeal on the watercoffee or teaDinner:salad of fresh carrots with nuts and herbsradish with onion and sunflower oilvegetable soupSnack:stewed vegetables and salted black mushroomsbaked apples, lightly sprinkled with sugarDinner:boiled potatoes and salad of onions, carrots.tea and candied peelSundayBreakfast:oatmeal with sugarpancakes with onion-garlic sauce or jam of black currantsDinner:beet salad with carrot, garlic and parsleyvegetable soup and toastSnack:stewed vegetables and salted black mushroomsbaked apples, lightly sprinkled with sugarDinner:salad of fresh cabbage and carrots.vegetable soup.It is recommended to consult your doctor before applying any of these diets.Wish you success

Have Your Own Daily Diet Plans With A Food Of Your Choice

Using these daily diet plans you will be able to lose about 3-4 kg per week.You can use this daily diet plan to create a lot of different variations of your own daily diet plans of your choice. It is very easy: you just need to choose one of 5 meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner.This list gives you a chance to create your own daily diet plans and eat products which you like. Do not forget to choose only one of the five meals.BREAKFAST DIET PLANS1 cup of oatmeal cooked with 0.1% milk1 / 2 cup fresh orange juice————–1 cup of corn flakes without sugaradd: 1 3 cup of frozen raspberries1 teaspoon of raisins1 kiwieat with fat free milk or yogurt————–2 toasts with skimmed cottage cheese, sprinkled with cinnamonSalad of fresh vegetables, mixed with cottage cheese (fat free)1 / 2 cup of fresh orange juice————–1 cup of cooked oatmeal + 1 glass of skimmed milk1 apple————–Salad of fresh vegetables with skimmed yogurt1 / 2 grapefruit1 bread toastLUNCH DIET PLANS200 grams of boiled cod2 medium-size potatoesSalad leaves, mixed with 1 tbsp olive oil and lemon juice1 apple————–200 g of chicken breast without skin - bake on a grill1 cup of cooked brown riceTomato salad + 2 teaspoons of olive oil1 / 2 grapefruit————–250 g of turkey fillet with out the skin - bake in the oven without oil1 glass of noodles (200 mg)Cucumber salad + 2 tea spoons of olive oil1 banana————–400 g of boiled shrimps and add one boiled egg + 1 tsp of light mayonnaise1 cup of cooked brown rice1 apple————–100 g of fried salmon with 1 teaspoon of olive oil2 baked potatoesCucumber salad without oil1 pearDINNER DIET PLANSA small dish of vegetarian soup (instead of sour cream add a natural 0% fat yogurt or cottage cheese 0% fat)1 cup of boiled broccoli100 g of fat free cheese1 / 2 grapefruit————–2 medium-sized potatoes baked in the ovenSalad of cucumbers and tomatoes with fat free yogurt1 2 piece of black bread1 circle pineapple————–1 cup of cooked brown rice1 cup of fresh frozen corn – boil without oil1 tomato1 2 piece of black bread1 / 2 cup frozen strawberries————–1 cup of cooked oatmeal + 1 glass of fat free milk1 cup fat free milk1 tablespoon of raisins————–1 cup of noodles, boiled without oil1 teaspoon ofketchupCucumber salad with fat free yogurt1 / 2 grapefruitSo, using this information you can create as many daily diet plans as you want for your taste and change theme all the time.Don’t forget to consult your doctor before applying any of these daily diet plans.Wish you success

Face Scrubs - Dry Skin Face Packs

In order to get the maximum benefits from face packs, you need to know how to apply them correctly! Face packs are one of the best treatments for men and women who suffer from acnes and pimples. Such remedies as natural scrubs and herbal face packs easy and inexpensive methods of keeping your face clean and freshUsing a mild soap or a cleansing body wash might eliminate the problem temporarily. If you suffer from dry skin that feels stretched and rough through the day, using a facemask specially designed to moisten and rejuvenate it might be just the thing you need. A face pack made of fruits rich in vitamins and water can have a good effect on the dry skin. Some of the fruits that can be used are papaya, peach, and banana. Mashed avocado can also be applied to the skin for a glowing effect.They have no side effects and saves lots of your money, as most of the ingredients are easily present in the kitchen. So they are cost effective, time consuming and can do wonders to one’s skin.Moisturizing is very important specially in Winters. If our skin is not moisturized well, it becomes dry and flaky resulting in wrinkles. A mild lotion or moisturizer can follow these face packs, to retain the moisture produced by the face pack. Avocado is really good for dry and dehydrated skin. Egg Yolk and Olive Oil are also an excellent moisturizer and honey is a natural cleanser. Fruits that are rich in water and vitamins make for good face packs for those who have dry skin. You can make a paste of papaya or peach and leave it for around 20 minutes and then wash your face. The result would be fresh and youthful skin. Use of face packs varies according to climate, skin type and age also. Face packs may be of different type, for example; face pack made of fruits or sour cream and cream etc.Herbal face packs help smooth the structure of the epidermis. Squeeze half a lemon and mix the juice with one beaten egg white. Apply on your face and leave for overnight. Wash your face with warm water. This face pack is also very effective for Dry skin. Face packs bring necessary microelements on facial skin that help smooth wrinkles and soften skin. Herbal face packs contain herbs that have a disinfecting effect such as chamomile. The usage of herbal face packs is simple. But before you begin, it’s recommended to give your face a steam bath. Use mineral water to freshen your face. Don’t use a washcloth-a rough texture can irritate. Use nondetergent, neutral-pH products to cleanse your skin.Face packs lead to fast and effective removal of dead skin cells, toxins, and slag. Face massage using almond oil makes the skin soft and removes dry skin. Cleanse your face before applying the chosen face mask. Afterwards, rinse with warm water and than apply moisturizer. You can apply face packs on a daily basis and in few weeks you will notice considerable improvement of your skin. It will look younger, the wrinkles will disappear, and the color will get livelier. Scrubs are very good when it is necessary to clean and really get under the skin. SandalwoodSandalwood and the essential oil have been used in Ayurveda from many centuries. Oil is a stimulant and an antiseptic. It has a soothing effect on the skin.Other than face packs, facial, herbs and essential oil, diet also plays an important role in dealing with dry skin. A person should include all the four basic food groups i.e. fruits and vegetables, grains, seeds and nuts. Emphasis should be on raw foods, fresh fruit juices and the food products rich in sulphur like garlic, onion and eggs. Fried foods, alcohol, smoking, caffeine, soft drinks should be avoided as they dehydrate the skin. Other than diet regular exercise is the best way to provide a healthy and natural glow to the skin.

These Are Some Of The Helpful Bacteria Found In The Environment Around Us

People often get “sick” when they hear the word bacteria. But that is not so. All bacteria are not harmful; there are also some bacteria that are helpful to the people. In fact, you will be surprised to know that the life of the human beings would have been more difficult without the existence of such helpful bacteria.Bacteria are used for the production of food, fuel and medicines. They are also involved in the environmental cleaning and recycling process. Methane gas is a production of bacteria that is found in oxygen-free environment such as the bottom of the lakes or swamps. About 20% of the natural gas deposit of the Earth is comprised of Methane. Cheese, yogurt-Ah! These delicious products, you are able to eat them only because of the action of the bacteria. Bacteria growing in the milk help to produce these products such as sour cream, cheese and yogurt. Some bacteria also act as decomposers. They feed on that decayed matter and bring about its breakdown. If these helpful bacteria would not exist as decomposers, then the world would have been full with the environmental wastes of dead animals and plants. Some bacteria have the capacity of eating harmful substances such as oil. Such helpful bacteria are used in the cleaning of the gasoline leakages or oil spills. In short, we can say that the human body is full of these helpful bacteria’s. If these helpful bacteria would not have been present in your body, you would have become ill and suffer a lot. The digestive track of the human beings contains these helpful bacteria. The helpful bacteria basically have two aims in your body:One is to help the individual in the digestion of their food and secondly prevention of the other harmful bacteria growing there. Significance of the Helpful Bacteria:* The helpful bacteria invade the other viruses, bacteria and yeasts to cease their growth. * It helps in the synthesis of vitamin K that is required for the clotting of the blood and also to keep the bones strong. * The helpful bacteria assist in the absorption of magnesium that is needed for a number of functions all over in your body. * It helps in manufacturing the enzyme lactase (milk digesting enzyme) that is required for the digestion of most of the dairy products.* Helpful bacteria manufacture different B vitamins that are needed for your body for performing a number of functions. * They help in the prevention of toxicity from the nitrites. Some of the helpful bacteria’s are as follows:1. E. coli- it is a rod shaped bacteria residing in the stomach of the animals that helps in the process of digestion. 2. Rhizobium- it is species that is greatly devoted to the fixation of the atmospheric nitrogen. 3. Streptomyces- it is a bacterium found in the soil that resides in branching colonies and is frequently used for the manufacture of the commercial antibiotics.

WAYS TO GET LEANER WITHOUT SACRIFICING THE FOOD YOU EAT

Five food substitutions for a healthier you. * Turkey instead of beef: With have a the fat and calories. Ground turkey is a much leaner option than ground beef. Swap out your ground chuck for healthier chili, tacos and pasta. Savings: 127 Calories per 4 oz. Serving * Fat-Free Yogurt instead of Whipped Cream: Whenever you would use sour cream or whipped cream (such as on Mexican food, in dips, or on berries or baked potatos). Substitute fat-free yogurt instead. With fewer calories and three times the amount of calcium, it’s sure to help you uncover your six pack. Savings: 18 Calories per Tablespoon * Apple Sauce instead of Canola Oil: When baking bread, cake or muffins. Substitute vegetable or canola oil with an equal amount of applesauce, plus a teaspoon of oil. (You need some oil for the texture to be fluffy. If you don’t mind your baked goods dense, ditch the oil altogether.) Savings: 872 Calories per 1/2 cup * Egg Whites instead of Yolds: Yolks are tasty, but loaded with caloroes. When you’re trying to lose weight, toss them and stick to just the whites. (if a recipe calls for eggs, swap one whole egg with two egg whites.) Savings: 40 Calories (For two egg whites instead of one whole egg) * Olive Oil instead of Butter: A dollop of butter in your skillet adds flavor, but is damn fattening. Use olive oil instead, it’s lower in calories and an excellent source of heart-healthy monounsaturated fats. Savings: 63 Calories per Pat/DashThese are just a few examples of nutritional ideas where you can subsitute while eating your favorite foods. Also, you can cut your calory in take, plus lower your cholesteral.

Acne Attacked By Strawberries

Every now and then we get really anxious to do something different to control our acne. We put toothpaste on our zitts, egg whites on our face to serve as a mask. One thing you might not have known about is the dramatic effect of strawberries on your face. As it turns out, not only are strawberries scrumptious, but they are also really good for your acne. Who would have thought
Strawberries are so good for your skin because they serve as a conditioner and toner for your skin. A lot of acne solutions contain salicylic acid and strawberries already have salicylic acid in them. Strawberries will help to smooth out your skin and even lighten any dark patches on your face that you may have.

The best way to use strawberries is with a mask, it is really easy. You need just 1/2 cup of strawberries, fresh not frozen, and a tablespoon of sour cream. Mix them together and apply to your face like a mask. Leave it on for about 20 minutes then rinse off with warm water and pat dry. The strawberry juice will leave your skin feeling tighter and the sour cream with hydrate your skin. You don’t have to use sour cream you can use a strawberry all by itself, just rub the inside juices on your face.

Some more strawberry information for you.

Strawberries are also useful in whitening your teeth and freshening your breath. To whiten your teeth, just rub half a strawberry all over your teeth and leave it on there for a while.

I hope you enjoyed this article on strawberries. Please, try not to think about some of the uses for strawberries when you are using strawberries for anything romantic perfect skin can be obtained in so many different ways and you should strive to find a workable program for you.

Eating Healthy While Eating Outside

If you go out to a restaurant to eat, you probably watch your calories very closely. To assist you with your calorie watching when dining out, these tips will help you make the most of it. - Always order salad dressings or sauces on the side, as this way you have control over how much you add to your meal. - When you order grilled fish or vegetables, you should ask that the food be grilled without butter or oil, or prepared with very little or either or. - Anytime you order pasta dishes, be on the lookout for tomato based sauces instead of the cream based sauces. Tomato based sauces are much lower in fat and calories, and tomato sauce can even be counted as a vegetable! - You should always try to drink water, diet soda, or tea instead of soda or beverages that contain alcohol. - If you order dessert, share with a friend. Half of the dessert will equal half of the calories. - When you choose a soup, remember that cream based soups are higher in fat and calories than other soups. A soup can be a great appetizer, as most are low in calories and you fill you up pretty fast. - When ordering a baked potato, ask for salsa instead of sour cream, butter, cheese, or even bacon. Salsa is very low in calories and provides a healthy alternative with plenty of flavor and spice. - When you are full, stop eating. Listen to your body and what it tells you. - If you get full, take half of your meal home. The second portion of your meal can serve as a second meal later. This way, you get two meals for the price of one. - If you’re looking to eat less, order two appetizers or an appetizer and a salad as your meal. - If you get a choice of side dishes, get a baked potato or steamed vegetables instead of french fries. - Always look for food on the menu that’s baked, grilled, broiled, poached, or steamed. These types of cooking use less fat in the cooking process and are usually much lower in calories. - Plain bread or rolls are low in both fat and calories. When you add the butter and oil, you increase the fat and calorie intake. - As key ingredients to your meal, choose dishes with fruits and vegetables. Both fruits and vegetables are great sources of dietary fiber as well as many vitamins and minerals. - Choose foods made with whole grains, such as whole wheat bread and dishes made with brown rice. - If you crave dessert, look for something with low fat, such as berries or fruit. - Always remember not to deprive yourself of the foods you truly love. All types of foods can fit into a well balanced diet.