Western medicine places a strong emphasis on the importance of fresh, whole foods for maintaining health. Fresh ingredients are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that are essential for bodily functions. Nutrients like magnesium, potassium, and vitamins C and E play a key role in supporting immunity, energy levels, and even hormone regulation. Studies show that processed or long-stored foods can lose up to 50% of their nutrients, reducing their ability to nourish the body effectively. For instance, the vitamin C in fresh fruits and vegetables degrades quickly once exposed to air and light, while magnesium in fresh greens is vital for muscle function and stress management.

At Laroot, we take this science seriously. Our meals are made fresh, never frozen, to maximize the retention of these essential nutrients. By delivering freshly prepared meals, we ensure that our customers receive optimal nutrition with every bite, supporting not only immunity but also long-term health. Whether it's a nutrient-packed salad or a hearty grain bowl, you can be confident that our meals retain their full nutritional value—just as nature intended.

TCM VIEWS ON FRESHNESS AND ENERGY

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), food is not just fuel but a form of energy known as qi (chi). TCM teaches that the foods we consume should be rich in vital energy to nourish our bodies and minds. Fresh, seasonal ingredients are considered the best sources of qi, providing the body with the most potent nourishment to enhance digestion, balance the body's systems, and promote vitality. This aligns with the TCM belief that food must be in harmony with the seasons and the body’s internal balance.

Over-processed or stale foods, in contrast, are believed to have a weak or diminished qi, potentially disrupting the body's energy and causing imbalances. These foods can lead to sluggish digestion, stagnant energy, and health issues over time. At Laroot, we respect this understanding by using only fresh, seasonal ingredients that are designed to nourish and support the body's qi. By preparing meals from fresh, high-quality ingredients, we preserve the energy vital for overall well-being, ensuring that each bite helps to sustain your vitality, balance, and harmony.

AYURVEDA’S EMPHASIS ON FRESHLY COOKED MEALS

Ayurveda, an ancient system of healing from India, also emphasizes the importance of freshly cooked meals for maintaining balance and wellness. According to Ayurvedic principles, food is a reflection of the three doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha) that govern the body’s physical and emotional states. To stay balanced, Ayurveda encourages individuals to eat foods that suit their unique constitution, as well as the seasonal changes. Freshly cooked meals, especially those prepared with organic and whole foods, are considered sattvic (life-giving) and are thought to support the digestive fire (agni)—a key factor in proper nutrient absorption and overall vitality.

On the other hand, stale or processed foods are considered tamasic (energy-draining), as they are believed to dull the mind, weaken digestion, and create imbalance in the body. Laroot aligns with Ayurvedic principles by using only organic, gluten-free, and fresh ingredients in our meals. By offering meals that are not only freshly cooked but thoughtfully designed for maximum digestion and nutrient absorption, we support your digestive health and help maintain your body's agni—ensuring that you feel energized, balanced, and nourished.

ORGANIC, GLUTEN-FREE MEALS FOR WHOLE-BODY WELLNESS

The organic and gluten-free principles embraced by Laroot extend across the wisdom of all three systems of health—Western medicine, TCM, and Ayurveda. In Western medicine, studies consistently show that a clean, anti-inflammatory diet—which is rich in organic, whole foods and free of processed grains like wheat—can reduce the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and autoimmune conditions. Organic foods are also free of the pesticides and chemicals often found in conventional agriculture, which can burden the liver and other detoxification organs.

In TCM, avoiding dampness in the body is key to maintaining balance. Gluten, especially when it’s consumed in excess, is thought to contribute to dampness and sluggish digestion, leading to blockages in the flow of qi. Ayurveda similarly emphasizes the importance of foods that are clean, fresh, and sattvic—like organic grains and vegetables—to support vitality, energy, and the body’s ojas (the essence of life force and immunity).

By offering organic, gluten-free meals, Laroot promotes a diet that reduces inflammation, supports healthy digestion, and nourishes the body’s essential systems, ensuring whole-body wellness and vitality.

HORMONAL BALANCE THROUGH FRESH, CLEAN EATING

Hormonal balance is a key aspect of health in all three systems—Western medicine, TCM, and Ayurveda—each of which recognizes the profound connection between diet and endocrine health. In Western medicine, a clean, balanced diet is essential for maintaining healthy hormone levels, and endocrine disruptors such as BPA, phthalates, and other chemicals found in plastics are known to interfere with hormone production and regulation. These chemicals, often found in plastic packaging, can leach into food, affecting hormonal balance and increasing the risk of issues like infertility, thyroid problems, and metabolic dysfunction.

Both TCM and Ayurveda also stress the importance of avoiding toxins in the diet, as they can disturb the body’s natural equilibrium and disrupt the flow of qi (TCM) or create ama (Ayurveda’s term for toxins that clog the system). At Laroot, we eliminate exposure to these harmful chemicals by using glass containers, which are free of BPA and other toxins. This ensures that your meals remain pure and clean, protecting your hormonal health and maintaining balance throughout your body.

FRESHNESS AS THE FOUNDATION OF A HEALTHY LIFE

At Laroot, every meal is carefully designed to integrate the best of ancient wisdom from Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ayurveda, and Western nutrition. We recognize that fresh food is the foundation of health, supporting everything from digestion to immune function and hormonal balance. By preparing our meals fresh daily in our Brooklyn kitchen, we ensure that they retain their nutritional integrity, flavor, and vital energy. Our meals are then delivered in eco-conscious glass containers, preserving both their freshness and your health.

Each dish at Laroot combines the science of modern nutrition with the time-tested practices of TCM and Ayurveda. Whether you’re looking to balance your hormones, boost energy, or support long-term wellness, you can trust that our meals are thoughtfully crafted to nourish both body and mind.

Laroot World: Where health, flavor, and tradition meet. Experience the transformative power of fresh food, crafted with ancient wisdom and modern science.