The cacao bean is the source of perhaps the most magical and beloved foods on Earth because it is the source of chocolate. Even the cacao tree's official name, Theobroma cacao, recognizes the long-standing love most of us have for the fruit of this tree. Theobroma comes from the Greek language for "food of the gods." And while chocolate is the most popular and favorite of these foods from the cacao bean, an even healthier choice is raw cacao powder. How Is Cacao Powder Made? To produce raw cacao powder, raw cacao beans are simply cold pressed to remove the fat, and the remaining solids are ground into a fine powder. Cacao vs. Cocoa: What's the Difference? Cacao powder contains all the beneficial nutrients and beneficial compounds of the raw cacao bean minus the fat. In contrast, cocoa powder is made from roasted cacao beans. And even if they look alike, the two are different. In making cocoa powder, up to 90% of the nutrients and beneficial compounds in raw c
According to the teachings of Ayurveda, every aspect of our lives contrubutes to our overall health with seasonal changes being of great significance. The summer heat is reflective of the fiery element of pitta giving all the more reason to discover some delectable yummy and cooling dishes to help stay cool this summer.
CUCUMBER RAITA
Often a good meal for lunch on a hot summer day is basmati rice and mung dal kitchari. However, to bring about flavor you may also want to consider cucumber raita to help improve digestion and even help to cool down many spicy dishes.
Ingredients:
· 1 small cucumber skinned and grated
· 1 teaspoon of ground fennel seeds dry roasted
· ½ cup of plain yogurt
· ¼ teaspoon of salt
· ¼ teaspoon of pepper
· 4-5 chopped mint leaves
* Simply mix all together and enjoy!
Want To Stay Cool & Well Hydrated?
It’s also very important to stay well hydrated especially during the hot summer days. Therefore, consider sipping on this drink throughout the day to keep the body hydrated and cool.
· 1 teaspoon of fresh lime juice
· Pinch of salt
· 1 tablespoon of raw sugar
· 2.5 cups of water
* Mix all together and sip away!
How About Cilantro Chutney?
This helps to cool down even the most spiciest of dishes.
· 2 Apples
· 1 cup of fresh cilantro
· ¼ tsp salt
· Juice of 2 lemons
Simply peel and core apples and place in food processor with cilantro. Add lemon and salt according to taste. Can also substitute pears for apples and limes for lemons if desired.
Simple Tips To Stay Cool This Summer:
Lastly, here are a few simple tips in helping reduce the excess heat during this summer:
· Consuming a pitta pacifying diet
· Drinking cooling herbal teas such as mint, cumin coriander and fennel tea
· Cooling drinks and meals such as cucumber raita, lime, cilantro chutneys & aloe vera juice
· Favoring foods with sweet, astringent and bitter tastes
· Using certain essential oils to reduce body heat such as sandalwood, rose and khus
· Applying coconut oil to the soles of the feet and the scalp before bed
· Reducing alcohol in particular whiskey brandy or rum and red wine (pittagenic)
· If there’s susceptibility to skin conditions (rash, hives, urticaria) then reduce time in the sun
· Amalaki is a wonderful pitta pacifying herb that can help to reduce internal heat
There are other simple recommendations to also assist in reducing pitta during summer by wearing hats or sunglasses as well as light cotton clothing. I hope you enjoyed these simple yet essential tips for staying cool during these hot summer days.
References:
1. Yarema, T., & Rhoda, D. (2006). Eat-taste-heal: An Ayurvedic guidebook and cookbook for modern living.
2. Dugliss, P. (2010). Enlightened Nutrition (1st ed., Vol. 1). Santa Barbara, California: MCD century publications, LLc.
3. Lad, U., & Lad, V. (1997). Ayurvedic cooking for self-healing (2nd ed.). Albuquerque, N.M.: Ayurvedic Press.
4. Lad, V. (1998). The complete book of Ayurvedic home remedies. New York: Harmony Books.
5. Hospodar, M. (1999). Heaven’s banquet: Vegetarian cooking for lifelong health the ayurveda way. New York, N.Y., U.S.A.: Dutton.
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