ACORN

SAVE FOOD

Acorns are high in tannins, a bitter and astringent acid that irritates the digestive tract and causes constipation. However, tannins are water soluble.

ADZUKI BEANS

(5.00 out of 5 stars) 1 rating, 382 likes

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Adzuki beans are known to have originated in China where they are used extensively in traditional medicine. They are a staple in the macrobiotic diet and very popular in Japan, second only to the soybean in terms of consumption and popularity.

ALFALFA SPROUTS

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Promotes strength and solidity. Anabolic, but without creating stagnation. Regulates estrogen (phytoestrogens can increase or decrease estrogen as needed). Liver, Spleen Yin Tonic. Alfalfa is a urinary & GI membrane restorative. (Source: Holmes)

ALOE VERA GEL

(5.00 out of 5 stars) 1 rating, 516 likes

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Aloe includes more than 250 species of flowering succulents and is native to Africa, Madagascar and Jordan. It is closely related to cactus, yucca and onion. For thousands of years and across many cultures, aloe has been used to heal a variety of...

ALOE VERA JUICE

(5.00 out of 5 stars) 1 rating, 351 likes

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Aloe includes more than 250 species of flowering succulents and is native to Africa, Madagascar and Jordan. It is closely related to cactus, yucca and onion. For thousands of years and across many cultures, aloe has been used to heal a variety of...

AMARANTH

(4.00 out of 5 stars) 1 rating, 425 likes

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Amaranth represented up to 80% of the caloric intake of the Aztecs before the Spanish conquest. Amaranth tastes somewhat like corn, but is somewhat less sweet. Others have described the taste as nutty, like bacon or wood, or slightly bitter. It is...

APPLE (RAW)

(3.67 out of 5 stars) 3 ratings, 362 likes

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Apples are crunchy and leave a rough feeling on the roof of the mouth, both signs of astringency. Astringency is drying. Thus raw apples provoke Vata and constipation. Cooked apples and apple sauce are more Vata friendly. They are not astringent....

APRICOT (DRIED)

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See also fresh apricots

ARTICHOKE

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Artichokes are a traditional liver remedy. As a member of the thistle family, they are

ARTICHOKE HEARTS

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See the Ayurvedic Analysis of Artichokes page.

ARTIFICIAL SWEETENERS

(5.00 out of 5 stars) 1 rating, 14 likes

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Studies have shown use of artificial sweeteners has no effect on weight loss, baffling scientists. Perhaps the brain does not like to be deceived, or that use of artificial sweeteners doesn't address the underlying addiction to sugars.

ARUGULA

(4.50 out of 5 stars) 2 ratings, 473 likes

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Its sharp peppery flavor is a sign that arugula is light and easy to digest for those with slow, cold digestion, or to help take a heavy meal and "lighten" it, so your body can assimilate the nutrients of the entire dish.

ASPARAGUS

(5.00 out of 5 stars) 1 rating, 429 likes

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Asparagus has a delicate flavor and texture making it an ideal vegetable for gourmet cuisine!

BARLEY

(5.00 out of 5 stars) 1 rating, 353 likes

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Barley has an ancient history, and was first cultivated in the Near East.

BEET GREENS

(5.00 out of 5 stars) 1 rating, 174 likes

SAVE FOOD

The astringency of the beet can cause a fuzzy feeling on the teeth.

BITTER MELON

(4.00 out of 5 stars) 3 ratings, 182 likes

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The bitterest member of the gourd family, bitter melon is a popular vegetable in south asia from India northward to China.

BLACK BEANS

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Black beans are a rich source of vegetable protein, easing any meat cravings for those seeking satiation. The shiny obsidian quality of the beans are a beautiful addition to any meal, providing an earthy depth and dark contrast. Black beans appear...

BLACK TEA

(5.00 out of 5 stars) 1 rating, 297 likes

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Caffeine shifts awareness from the heart chakra to the third eye. New trades routes brought caffeinated beverages to Europe creating an 'Age of Enlightenment' and ending the middle ages. Ayurveda comes from an older time where the mind was not separate...

BLACK-EYED PEAS

SAVE FOOD

Popular in southern soul food. Apparently, eating black eyed peas on New Years Day brings prosperity.

BRAZIL NUT

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Brazil nuts have received recent popularity for their ability to stimulate the thyroid. This warm, rich nut won't fail to please you either. It's buttery, oily tastes is universally appreciated.

BROCCOLI

(4.00 out of 5 stars) 1 rating, 442 likes

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Broccoli is packed with nutrients, high in fiber, and keeps the stomach satisfied for a long time. An entire bag of broccoli has about 100 calories, or the equivalent of two french fries at a fast food restaurant. Raw brassicas contain chemicals...

BROWN LENTIL

SAVE FOOD

Beans are the 'musical fruit' because they contain saponins to protect themselves against insects. Saponins form the sudsy foam on the surface of a cooking pot of beans. They prevent protein digestion resulting in stagnation and gas of the bowels.

BUCKWHEAT

(5.00 out of 5 stars) 1 rating, 180 likes

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Buckwheat's hearty warmth hits the spot on any damp cloudy day in November. Enjoy as you snuggle up with your loved ones, or while listening to crackling logs in a wood burning stove. Smoky, nutty and earthy, buckwheat is slightly demulcent like...

BURDOCK ROOT (GOBO)

(5.00 out of 5 stars) 1 rating, 138 likes

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Bitter detoxicant, Cold vasodilator, depurative, alterative, astringent diuretic. Stimulates kidneys to eliminate uric acid. like dandelion rt but not a potassium diuretic

BUTTER BEAN

SAVE FOOD

Beans are the 'musical fruit' because they contain saponins to protect themselves against insects. Saponins form the sudsy foam on the surface of a cooking pot of beans. They prevent protein digestion resulting in stagnation and gas of the bowels.

CABBAGE (COOKED)

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Cabbage juice is an anti-inflammatory. It was used by the Greeks and Romans to relieve eye inflammation. Fresh cabbage juice promotes rapid healing of ulcers. Raw cabbage is very difficult to digest and strongly provokes Vata. Cooked cabbage is...

CABBAGE (RAW)

SAVE FOOD

Raw brassicas contain chemicals that can block thyroid function called goitrogens. These chemicals are easily inactivated by steaming or cooking.

CANNELINI

SAVE FOOD

Cannelini beans are italian.

CAROB

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Carob is a hardy tree resistant to harsh climate and drought. It was used to feed swine and donkeys during famine. In the talmud and bible, numerous rabbis, the prodigal son, and St. John the Baptist reportedly lived on carob in the wilderness, earning...

CAULIFLOWER

(5.00 out of 5 stars) 2 ratings, 360 likes

SAVE FOOD

Cauliflower causes gas in Vata types.

CELERY ROOT

(5.00 out of 5 stars) 1 rating, 92 likes

SAVE FOOD

This bright food is one of the lightest of root vegetables. It's the only root vegetable with as much flavor and freshness as leafy greens - something you can't get from a turnip or carrot. Imagine a root vegetable that's perfect for spring, and that...

CELERY SEED

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Celery seeds are actually a very small fruit, these "seeds" yield a valuable volatile oil.

CELERY STALK

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The word for celery comes from the Greek word selinon which translates to 'parsley,' a close relative of celery. Celery's powers have been known since antiquity. Leaves of it were found in the garlands surrounding King Tut's tomb, and Homer makes...

CHAMOMILE

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Chamomile infuses your tea with a delicious floral aroma that is warm, light & airy. Its smell is reminiscent of apples, first noted by the Greeks, who named it 'ground-apple' (kamai=ground & melon=apple). Improve Sluggish...

CHICK PEA (GARBANZO)

(5.00 out of 5 stars) 1 rating, 318 likes

SAVE FOOD

The fiber in chickpeas is nearly 75% insoluble which remains undigested as it reaches the colon. This significantly bulks up stools for a satisfying morning elimination. As with many high fiber foods, beans have been shown to reduce cholesterol,...

CHICKWEED

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Cooling, lymphatic decongestant, alterative, anti-inflammatory diuretic, astringent, bitter. Mild demulcent. like Cleavers but stronger decongestant.