Portions: 2
Preparation time: 5 min.
Style: Western
Preparation: raw, cocktail, puree
Time of year: summer
Occasion: detoxification
Ingredients:
1 tbsp finely chopped basil leaves (Vata soothing, Pitta soothing, Kapha soothing)
2 glasses of watermelon pulp (Vata aggravates, Pitta soothes, Kapha soothes)
PREPARATION OF THIS HEALTHY RECIPE:
Mash the basil and watermelon with a blender and serve chilled. Use whole seeds if your grinder is powerful enough to grind them (watermelon seeds are edible). Alternatively, you can mash the seeds after blending.
How does this Ayurvedic recipe improve well-being?
Ayurvedic Overview
Watermelon invites children and adults alike to take a break from the heat on a summer's day and enjoy a refreshing treat. Full of delicious juice, watermelon cools the body and restores balance to overheated blood.
Late June and early July is the perfect time to enjoy watermelons. Its sweetness reverses heat-induced fatigue. Its coldness and beta-carotene soothe the liver and reduce frustration. In summer, the heart beats faster to regulate body temperature, an effect known in Chinese medicine as heart fever. Watermelon's calming effect on the spirit reduces restlessness and impulsiveness caused by excessive heart heat.
The bitterness of basil paradoxically brings out the sweetness of watermelon. The earthy aroma of the basil enhances the delicate flavour of the watermelon, which is nevertheless a pumpkin. The spiciness of the basil adds piquancy and an exciting flavour.
Reduces water weight, skin puffiness and swelling
Hot and humid days can make you feel bloated and swollen, especially if your lymphatic system is congested. Even your ankles swell from the heat. Those who suffer from swelling and water retention will be happy to know that the diuretic properties of watermelon dry the blood (due to potassium) and reduce summer swelling. By removing extra fluid from the body, watermelon gives a feeling of lightness and freshness.
The dryness and low calorie content of this festive fruit is ideal for those who want to lose weight. Watermelon also has a surprising ability to reduce insulin resistance.
Remark: summer swelling is known in Chinese medicine as damp heat. In Ayurveda, moist heat is described as hot, sour, spreading and liquid Pitta.
Clean the urinary tract
The more you sweat, the less you urinate. Summer heat increases the risk of urinary tract infections and bladder stones. When you sweat more, your urine becomes thicker and darker yellow. Urine that stays in the bladder too long becomes cloudy. Urine that is dirty and often smells sour irritates the bladder and urinary tract. Thickened urine also makes it easier to form stones.
Watermelon washes and cleanses the urinary tract because it is diuretic. Its cooling properties reduce inflammation. Pay attention to the colour and quantity of urine. If you notice that it has returned to a pale yellow colour and is more abundant, you will know that you have reduced your risk of urinary tract infection this summer.
Make sure you drink plenty of water when cleaning your urinary tract with watermelon. Although a piece of watermelon can be a tempting way to reduce dehydration, the diuretic effect of watermelon's juiciness only temporarily quenches thirst. Dry Vata-type people should consume watermelon with caution and be careful to restore electrolyte losses.
* WHY FOLLOW AN AYURVEDIC DIET?
Eating an Ayurvedic diet will leave you feeling full and energetic. The Ayurvedic diet is tailored to your individual body type and the specific imbalances you are facing at any given time. Ayurveda shows you what your specific body type needs and what should be prioritised in your Ayurvedic diet. Watch how you eat less but feel fuller, because what you are eating is really nourishing you. Since Ayurveda believes that all diseases start in the digestive tract, food is your first medicine. By eating healthy food that is ideal for your body, you will maintain your body's optimal health.
* The claims made in this recipe have not been officially endorsed by the competent authorities. The information and products on this website are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
