12 Nutritional Antiinflammtory Foods

Antiinflammatory foods are becoming recognized by the Western dietary community and is a first step in seeing foods as medicines  

This list is not complete by any means but gives you an idea how the kitchen becomes your health laboratory and when you  begin to become consciously aware of the foods you are choosing to consume

We’ve chosen ten ingredients we like that cool the Pitta energy pattern.

1. Coconut

There are so many ways to use coconut and so many coconut products to enjoy – coconut water, coconut non-dairy milk and the traditional coconut flakes. Be aware that the oil, while it is certainly cooling, is not recommended for Vata and Kapha.

2. Cilantro

Use as a garnish, stir chopped cilantro into a soup or toss with your salad greens.

3. Mint

Mint makes an amazing tea, loved by many. Toss fresh mint into your salad, on fruit or dessert.

4. Fennel

Fennel is wonderfully aromatic with its anise or licorice scent. Saute the seeds in oil to add to your favorite soups or stews. Add the powder to your chai or favorite hot beverage, or sprinkle onto your salad or dinner entree.

5. Rose Water

Add a dash to smoothies, rice puddings or a bowl of fruit. Substitute rose water for vanilla extract in recipes.

6. Pomegranate Molasses

The sugar that condenses when pomegranate juice is cooked forms pomegranate molasses and is quite heavenly. Add to salad dressings, dips and spreads, and use in marinades.

7. Sunflower Oil

This oil is traditionally used externally in Ayurveda as a cooling oil for Pitta. Enjoy sunflower oil as a substitute for vegetable oil. It is mild and light.

8. Maple Syrup

Use this cooling sweetener as you would any sugar. Would also be delicious in salad dressings and marinades.

9. Ghee

Ghee is oily essence of milk. It is beneficial for all three energy patterns (Kaphas should use in moderation). It is delicious and easy to make. Use as you would butter or oil.

10. Turmeric

Turmeric has certainly seen a lot of press the past few years for it’s amazing health benefits. And fortunately it’s not difficult to add to your diet. Rice dishes, or potato or egg salads all taste delicious with some added turmeric. And of course there is curry!

11. Cumin

Commonly used in Spanish and Mexican cuisines this spice is an excellent routine spice to use in all your cooking simply because as ginger and turmeric above it medicates the food

12.  Coriander

Cilantro gives us in seed form coriander  Used along with cumin and fennel these seeds together pack a 1-2-3 antiinflammatory punch! 

Until next week                           To Health as a Skill   Love DB

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