The Ayurveda Wisdom of Balancing Heating and Cooling Food

It could be the secret to a healthier body, mind, and soul.

Ayurveda is a holistic practice that dates back more than 5000 years. In India, it translates to “knowledge of life”. And according to its ancient wisdom, all life forms, including humans, are interwoven with nature and are governed by the same principles. So, its practices center on creating harmony and balance, both within you and with your surroundings.

Food is an important element in maintaining this delicate balance in the mind, body, and spirit. In Ayurveda, each food is classified into one of two categories—heating and cooling. Instead of the food’s temperature, this classification relies on its internal qualities and effects on the body. And an imbalance in these properties could lead to long-lasting complications.

Why do you need a balanced diet with heating and cooling food?

Practitioners of Ayurveda believe that both heating and cooling food are essential to the body. But excessive consumption of one type or even a lack of it could tip the body’s natural harmony. This can lead to physical ailments as the body attempts to regain balance.

For example, according to Ayurveda, food with heating effects helps digestion and circulation and could provide a lighter feeling. But when consumed in excess, it can lead to inflammation, gastritis, rashes, and emotions like irritability.

Cooling foods could have a similar effect. They are essential for nourishment and strength and could help rid toxins. But too much of them could weaken the immune system or lead to emotions like fear, says Ayurveda wisdom.

But, how the body responds to different heating and cooling food types varies among individuals. It could depend on their unique constitution, known as “dosha”. Your environment could also have a say in this. It’s why Ayurveda practitioners recommend cooling food like watermelons, strawberries, and asparagus during the summer months.

Understanding hot and cold food in Ayurveda

Now, identifying heating and cooling food might not always be easy. For instance, according to Ayurveda, ice cream has heating effects while a cup of green tea has cooling properties. Of course, all these could be confusing to anyone new to this ancient wisdom. So, here are the typical foods that come under the two categories.

Hot or “ushna” food

Pepper, ginger, onion, garlic, mustard, and basil, all have heating properties. Broccoli, spinach, and root vegetables like potatoes, turnips, and carrots come under this category, too. There is also a range of “hot” fruits, including mangoes and oranges.

Cold or “shita” food

Asparagus, lettuce, pumpkin, cauliflower, cucumber, as well as fruits like watermelon, are considered cooling food in Ayurveda. Green tea and dairy products such as milk, yogurt, and cheese are also believed to have cooling effects.

In Western cultures, assessing diets primarily centers on calories and nutrition. But the Ayurvedic wisdom of balancing heating and cooling properties certainly provides an interesting take on what we consume. After all, harmony and balance are so central to this ancient practice. So, the next time you feel a little out of balance, see whether your heating and cooling diet has anything to do with it.