As per Ayurveda and Vedic science, each day of the week is related to a planet and holds a cosmic significance. Tuesday, also known as Mangalvar, is linked with Mars, aka Mangal Grah. Apart from the planetary relation, the Hindu communities dedicate Tuesdays to Lord Hanuman. From fasting, worshipping Lord Hanuman, to eating red and orange-coloured foods, Mangalvar is one of the most important days of the week as it carries the energy of Mars.
From an Ayurvedic perspective, Mars is associated with Pitta Dosha, which governs metabolism, digestion, and healthy body transformation. To dive deeper into what some of the most auspicious foods are to consume on Tuesday and what to avoid, Slurrp interviewed Dr Partap Chauhan, Ayurvedacharya and the founder of Jiva Ayurveda. Read on to know the best options to eat on Mangalvar to maintain inner balance.
Foods Considered Auspicious On Tuesdays
To calm the fiery nature of the planet Mars, as per Ayurveda, you should lean towards cooling foods. Not only will they calm down the Pitta, but they will also help you keep energised throughout the day.
Red Coloured Fruits
The red colour symbolises Mars, and fruits help the body maintain its cool. Some of the best options, as per Dr Pratap, include pomegranate, watermelon, strawberries, apples, red grapes, cherries, etc. With their natural sweetness, water-rich content, and fibrous texture, these fruits help boost metabolism, aid digestion, and maintain a lower body temperature.
Gud
Gud, or jaggery, is the one food option that’s synonymous with Mangalvar. Many devotees across the country offer gud chane as prasad to Lord Hanuman. Elaborating on the Ayurvedic reasoning, Dr Chauhan says, “Jaggery improves Agni, meaning the digestive fire, without having to include refined sugar in your diet.” Also, being rich in iron, gud helps to keep your body energised.
Whole Wheat
Whole wheat is a staple in the Indian diet. From rotis to parathas to atte ka halwa, at least one of the traditional meals of the day comprises whole wheat. Since the grains provide sustained energy, they make it the perfect pick for a day ruled by Mangal Grah. So, on Tuesdays, you can make pude made with gud and atta, whole wheat rotis, dalita, lapsi, and so on.
Ghee
Ghee, also known as clarified butter, has a cooling effect on the body. Ayurveda suggests that ghee boosts metabolism by balancing the digestive fire and reducing the risk of acidity. Also, ghee lubricates the organs naturally, thus carrying the nutrients from food to the different tissues of the body.
Masoor Dal
Masoor dal, a red lentil, is linked to the colour of Mars. Dr Chauhan suggests, “Masoor dal is easier to digest than other lentils. Being an impeccable source of iron and protein, a simple bowl of dal or masoor dal ki khichdi can help nourish the blood tissues that are governed by Mars.”
Foods To Avoid On Tuesdays
You might think that knowing what to eat would do the job. However, knowing the foods that can disrupt the cosmic energies is equally important. Here are some foods that you should avoid eating on Tuesdays.
- Salt and spices: Many devotees who fast on Tuesdays avoid eating salt all day. Since namak and spices like red chillies, black pepper, and garlic can aggravate Pitta, it’s best to abstain from them. Instead, you can include cooling ingredients in your diet like saunf, dhania, elaichi, etc.
- Tamasic foods: Foods like onion, garlic, non-vegetarian options, and alcohol are believed to make you lethargic and even aggravated. To maintain inner peace and calm, Dr Chauhan advises avoiding the consumption of tamasic foods.
- Urad dal: Being a black lentil, urad dal is associated with Shani Grah (Saturn). Since the energies of planets Mars and Saturn are contrary to each other, avoid adding urad dal to your Tuesday diet.
- Fried food: Since oily or fried food can also cause indigestion in the body and aggravate Pitta, Dr Pratap advises staying clear of those on Mangalvar.