Today, majority of us are not aware about scientific reason
behind Navratri fast. Navratri fasting is observed in that time of the year
when there is a change in season. The body also undergoes numerous changes after
the long rainy season. Sudden change in climate causes numerous diseases and
the immunity is comparatively low. It is believed that the Agni in the stomach
(digestion process) is dormant during this time of the year. Therefore
digestion process is slow.
The 9-day Navratri fast helps in removing all kinds of
impurities from the body. It helps in detoxifying. The important organs
involved in digestion and cleansing gets much needed rest.
So simple and easy to digest food is taken during the period. Non-vegetarian food is avoided as it takes long time to digest.
Including seasonal fruits and traditional food items helps
in developing better immunity.
Stop following all kinds of advises given by advertisements,
modern day nutritionists, television channels and newspapers.
Today, what we consume in the name of vrat food is mostly
fried items. It should be completely taken out of Navratri fast menu.
Go back to your elders and older people in your region and
community. Find out from them what they ate during Navratri.
Each region has a particular diet that is suitable for the
region. There is a scientific reason and valid logic in it.
Bring back all the food items that our grandparents and
great grandparents ate during Navratri. Food then was not for profit. It was
purely meant for satisfying hunger. It was meant to help the body function
properly and not to cater just to the taste buds like today.
Make it a mission to find out all the lost navratri food and recipes. Replace all packeted vrat foods with traditional and original navratri food.
For example shakarkandi (or sweet potato) is usually found
during the Navratri period. It contains ample amount of Vitamin C which
improves the immunity. It also contains Vitamin D and iron. It also contains manganese,
which increases the metabolism and balances the blood sugar levels in the body.
It prepares the body to face the upcoming winter season.
It must be noted here that Mother Goddess Durga is also Shakambari Devi (the goddess of vegetation) and Annapurna (who
nourishes all living beings on earth).