If you follow Ayurveda, you are likely told that smoothies have some downfalls. Smoothies and blended protein drinks combine foods and ingredients that are incompatible with proper digestion, absorption, and elimination, resulting in indigestion, gas, bloating, and constipation.
In our fast-paced world, smoothies are a go-to because they are easy to make, yummy, satisfying, nourishing, and convenient to take along with you. Luckily, there are 'smoothie replacements' that do not offend Ayurveda's rules and will supply you with the benefits and convenience that smoothies bring.
Ayurvedic Reasons to AVOID Smoothies
Smoothies are cold; cold foods are indigestible and dampen the digestive fire.
Frozen fruit lacks Prana (life force), which diminishes the metabolic fire quality (agni).
Smoothies are often made with raw products, which are also difficult to digest and can create yeasts, bacteria, and possibly even parasites that can flourish in your gut.
Smoothies often contain poor food combinations, creating improper digestion, absorption, and elimination. For instance, mixing fruit with dairy products or mixing fruit with vegetables contributes to fatigue, lethargy, sensitivity to cold and skin, and connective tissue problems.
Smoothies often contain clogging agents like powders and superfoods and cause poor absorption.
How Do You Make A Smoothie Ayurvedic?
Choose spices and herbs that ignite digestion: turmeric, ginger, lime, cardamom, fennel, cinnamon, or even small amounts of pepper.
Avoid ice, frozen fruits, and desserts.
Avoid cow, sheep, or goat dairy products with fruits; these are best digested separately.
Support immunity and Ojas with dates, almond milk, and ghee.
Improve overall health with adaptogenic herbs like ashwagandha, shatavari, amalaki, and maca.
Calm the nervous system and thicken it with cooked pumpkin, yam, or avocado.
Build electrolytes with the addition of coconut water or add an anti-inflammatory Aloe Vera.
Improve elimination with the addition of chai, flax, or hemp seeds.
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