People are becoming more and more aware of fitness and yet, our lifestyle is such that it actually takes us away from good health. We spend much more time than we ever did, just sitting in front of a computer or television. Even children spend more time on video games than on playing outdoors. Recent research has shown that children who spend more time sitting at the computer, television or smart pad become more predisposed to high blood pressure and other related ailments. On the other hand, studies also show that staying active with regular exercise and a healthy diet actually contributes to good health and improves resistance to disease.

Ayurvedic principles of healing

As far as restoring good health is concerned, Ayurveda believes in the body’s inherent capacity to heal itself. The way of life it advocates is aimed at raising the level of fitness and good health, which itself would strengthen the immune system and keep diseases at bay. The influence of the mind on the body is upheld by Ayurvedic principles. Therefore, good mental health and freedom from mental stress is necessary for total well-being. This is the reason why yoga and meditation were prescribed, to bring about harmony between mind and body.

Diet  

There is enough evidence that natural foods improve the external appearance. A diet that is high in fresh fruits and vegetables, unprocessed cereals, sprouted grains, nuts, seeds, yogurt, can make you look and feel much better. The vitamins, minerals and trace elements found in natural foods are extremely essential to the immune system too, protecting the body from disease, degeneration and premature aging. 

The role of vitamins in beauty and health

As far as the external appearance is concerned, the old adage “Internal health for external beauty” holds true, more so today, when scientific research has upheld the empirical knowledge of Ayurveda. The vitamins play an important role in maintaining healthy skin and hair. Vitamin C, for instance, keeps collagen healthy and thus keeps the skin firm and resilient and controls hair loss. Vitamin A is also important for maintaining the youth of the skin and hair in the process of cell-renewal. It keeps the skin, soft and smooth and the hair lustrous. The B Complex Vitamins promote and protect the good health of both skin and hair, along with minerals like iron, iodine and copper. In fact, adequate quantities of the essential vitamins and minerals keep age-related changes at bay.