Figs & Pomegranates as Superfoods

Superfoods are nutritional gems the supermarkets have all clocked on. But have you ever heard of figs and pomegranates as superfoods? You’re about to. According to Ayurveda both are tridoshic meaning that they are nourishing and supportive of all 3 doshas, the 3 basic humours (see here for a reminder). Their composition makes them highly antioxidant and rejuvenating. Zoom in below:

FIGS

Figs are an excellent tonic for energy and vitality. In Ayurveda they qualify as rich in ojas, the essential energetic sap and immunity. Due to their nutrients and high fiber they are a good detoxifier, diuretic and emollient. Figs are considered a blood purifier and activate blood circulation. They are full of vitamins B which are excellent for protection of the micro- blood vessels. Again figs are nourishing, antioxidant and rejuvenating. They’re rich in minerals which restore the metabolism and repair the internal equilibrium of the gut.

In Ayurvedic terms figs calm excess Vata and soothe excess Pitta. They help balance the air and fire elements within the body and mind, generally helping to ground. Ayurveda maintains that natural foods have an inner intelligence which goes far beyond the breakdown of the nutritional elements – an intelligence carried through Rasa (the taste of foods) which communicates with the natural intelligence of our body and mind to properly feed and heal our organism. With this in mind figs are known in Ayurveda to be neuro-sedative, they are helpful in long-time grief and sadness, feelings of solitude or isolation, helping with emotional pain. They are comforting and bring fresh energy that can alleviate sadness and enhance confidence, ease and a sense of wellbeing.

They’re also a laxative, helping elimination. Figs disperse excess heat and harmonise the body’s temperature in Pitta types, soothing inflammatory conditions including those affecting mucous in the body and irritation of the lungs. They even appear to cool overly fiery temperaments.

And here I have the most beautiful illustration, all credits to Kimberly Espinel at The Little Plantation. I have been following Kimberly’s blog for almost as long as it’s been spreading its wings and with the same glee every time I open a new post. Kimberly is exquisitely talented in presenting through her work a passion for “vegetarian, vegan and raw vegan food for the whole family”. Not only is she a genius at designing inspired healthy recipes but she has a delightful eye for beauty that beams through her photography. I am deeply grateful that she has offered me a couple of her beautiful pictures to ornate my website. Thank you! And please go over to check her Vegan Fig And Kale Pesto Pizza.

POMEGRANATES

Pomegranates are one of the most nutrient dense potent health food you could find and though we in the west are more used to eating the seeds or drinking the juice, all parts of the flower, leaves, bark and peel are known to be used with powerful benefits. Pomegranates are also tridoshic, they are high in vitamin C, potassium and fibre. They are sweet in taste which in Ayurveda makes them cooling, soothing, astringent and mild. The first obvious benefit it derives quenching thirst and hydrating the body. These qualities also reduce fire in the system, and pomegranates are excellent for aggravated Pit ta digestion – the first consequence of which would be loose bowels, diarrhoea and related IBS symptoms such as stomach acidity and low metabolism due to low digestive enzymes.

Their antibacterial qualities makes them a good food to take when fighting parasites and viral infections or simply to boost the immune system. Pomegranates are overall very healing and balancing. They are cooling and pacifying for aggravated Pitta heat in the stomach and also the blood, skin, eyesight and even emotions. Use of pomegranates for cooling a fever is possible.

They are very effective in preventing ama (Sanskrit word for toxins) in the lymphatic system and plasma which in turn enhances the health of the blood, blood pressure and circulation. They are said to lower cholesterol.

Pomegranates are strengthening all around including being considered a tonic for the heart and benefiting blood vessels. Without going too much into the how’s and why’s which I haven’t for lack of space (check out Ayurvedic sources if you’re interested) pomegranates enhance oxygenation to the brain and body as well as circulation of nutrients and energy.

Scientific research shows that they also protect against osteoarthritis.

On a mental level they may help focus and clarity.

Quite the list, isn’t it?

Time to give another credit to photographer Cheryl Juetten who provided the striking picture above which will also start appearing in the banner on the website.

And what better time for me to pick up my copy of Sue Monk Kidd’s Travelling With Pomegranates, a mother and daughter journey I aspire to take one day.

Need some cooking ideas? I take you back to Kimberly with this Roasted Red Kuri Squash With Sumac, Pomegranates And Greens.

As you may have noted though, I am a little late with the season this year in terms of “harvest” time so of course my advice is eat seasonally if you can.

Wishing you all health & happiness this Yule!