Just as a strong and beautiful relationship grows out of compatibility between individuals, so is good health gained when we eat foods that are compatible with our system. According to Ayurveda, ayu or life is an orchestra of body, senses, mind and soul; balance, moderation and compatibility are the conductors of this heavenly orchestra that steer life away from sickness and suffering, thus leading to an existence full of happiness and contentment.

Sukham Ayu, researched at KARE, is a collection of recipes that brings Ayurvedic insights into the underlying relationship between humans and the food they consume. It consists of daily, simple, vegetarian dishes that all Indian homes are familiar with. “Most of the recipes are for daily cooking; home-style recipes are the first step towards bringing Ayurveda and healthy, flavoursome cooking into one’s home,” says Pratibha Jain, who has co-authored the book, along with Jigyasa Giri.

Beginning with a platter of sweet recipes, the book explores the importance of nature insynchronising our lives, doshas, elements, seasons, planetary influences and substances into harmonious co-existence. “The highlight of the book is its simplicity and systematic interpretation of the great tenets of Ayurveda in a way that facilitates easy understanding. The book also acts as a cooking guide, with a detailed description of ingredients and their significance, thus bringing the ancient knowledge into our kitchens,” says Jigyasa Giri.

“The Vedic seers developed a remarkable system of healing based on the five basic elements of the universe -- earth, water, fire, air and ether and their combinations -- Vata, Pitta and Kapha, known as doshas. Your dosha is your constitutional type. Based on the permutations and combinations of the three doshas, there can be seven types of prakriti or constitution,” informs Dr Prakash Kalmadi, medical director, KARE. “By knowing your type, you have access to useful information on what to eat, how to exercise, how to cleanse and purify your body and how to prevent diseases,“ he adds.

“Vatas must find time for tranquility, consume warm and unctuous foods tempered with spices. Pittas must de-stress, retreat to cooler climes and have foods that are not too spicy and Kaphas must indulge in plenty of physical activity; consuming hot and dry foods like millet, chillies and fenugreek will energise them and keep them balanced,” he adds.