Ayurveda has always focused on the diet and its importance on the overall health of our body, mind & soul. From the perspective of Ayurveda, while we cannot influence the air that we breathe in any way possible, we can certainly take full control of what we are eating throughout the day. It entirely depends on us -- what we are eating, when we are eating, and how much we are eating -- we have all the freedom in that way.
Nevertheless, Ayurveda tells us that it is more important to understand that whatever we are consuming is digested easily. In case a part of the food that we consume is not digested -- it is retained by the body as excess. This excess food is called “Ama”, which is responsible for triggering many diseases. So, the importance of -- the right food, at the right time & in the right quantity is fundamental to a healthy set of body, mind & soul.
The Food that you are consuming, the selection of timing & the state of the mind you are in while consuming the food -- all of this together can increase either amla (toxicity) or Ojas (vitality). There are certain rules of an Ayurvedic diet & Ayurveda encourages adding certain foods to your diet. Let’s discuss everything about the Ayurvedic diet in a little more detail.
What is an Ayurvedic diet?
Ayurveda focuses on creating a balance between your body, mind & soul. Through the discovery of Ayurveda, it has been revealed that everything in the universe has been created from five different elements -- Akash (space), Vayu (air), Prithvi (earth), Jala (water), and Teja (fire). Different combinations of these elements form three distinct doshas -- Pitta, Vata & Kapha. Each of these doshas is responsible for specific functions in the different parts of the body.
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Key Characteristics for each Doshas:
Ayurvedic diet plays an essential role in Ayurvedic healing. In Ayurveda, one has to be very careful about what, when & how to eat -- based on their body types & doshas. We have created this list of key characteristics for all three doshas. This will help you determine, which of these doshas matches your body type.
Vata (air + space)
People with Vata dosha are lively, creative & energetic. They are usually thin & have a light structure.
When out of balance: The Vata dosha people will struggle with anxiety, fatigue & other digestive issues when out of balance.
Kapha (earth + water)
People with Kapha dosha are usually loyal, grounded & calm. They most often have strong frames.
When out of balance: People with Kapha dosha might suffer from diabetes, asthma, depression & weight gain when out of balance.
Pitta (fire + water)
People with Pitta dosha are decisive, hard-working & intelligent. They are usually short-tempered & have a medium physical build.
When out of balance: These people will suffer from high blood pressure, indigestion & other heart diseases.
Foods to eat as per your Dosha:
Depending on which dosha your body type belongs to -- you should eat certain foods & avoid consuming some of them. With this knowledge, you would be able to create a balance between your body, mind & soul.
These foods to consume & avoid based on your doshas are categorized according to the physical qualities of the food. Let’s read through the list of foods you must eat & foods you must avoid based on your doshas.
Food to Eat:
Vata:
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Legumes |
Mung beans, lentils, chickpeas |
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Fruits |
strawberries, bananas, blueberries, grapefruit, and mangoes |
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Protein |
tofu, poultry, seafood |
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Dairy |
ghee, milk, yogurt, cheese, and butter |
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Vegetables |
sweet potatoes, green beans, turnips, carrots, radishes, and onions |
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Nuts and seeds |
chia seeds, sunflower seeds, almonds, pistachios, flax seeds, sunflower seeds, and walnuts |
Pitta
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Legumes |
Black beans, navy beans, chickpeas, and lentils |
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Fruits |
Apples, cherries, blueberries, prunes pears, raisins, figs, and pomegranates |
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Protein |
Egg whites and seafood, |
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Dairy |
soy milk, skim milk, and goat milk, |
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Vegetables |
Okra, asparagus, potatoes, leafy greens, mushrooms, onions, and radishes |
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Nuts and seeds |
flax seeds, pumpkin seeds, and sunflower seeds |
Foods to avoid
We have segregated foods on the basis of doshas that one should avoid consuming.
Pitta
|
Grains |
Rye, millet, brown rice, and corn |
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Fruits |
Sour cherries, papaya, grapefruit, apricots, and grapes |
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Protein |
Egg yolks, red meat, and seafood |
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Dairy |
Buttermilk, sour cream, and cheese |
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Vegetables |
Eggplant, chili peppers, onions, tomatoes, and beets |
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Nuts and seeds |
Sesame seeds, pistachios, cashews, almonds, pine nuts, walnuts, and peanuts. |
Vata
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Grains |
Millet, corn, buckwheat, quinoa, barley, wheat, and rye. |
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Fruits |
Pears, |
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Protein |
Red meat, pomegranates, cranberries, and raisins. |
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Herbs and spices |
coriander seed, parsley, and thyme |
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Vegetables |
Tomatoes, broccoli, cauliflower, potatoes, mushrooms, and cabbage. |
Kapha
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Grains |
Cooked cereal, rice, and wheat |
|
Fruits |
Fresh figs, bananas, mangoes, and coconuts. |
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Protein |
Egg yolks, red meat, and shrimp. |
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Legumes |
Miso, soybeans, and kidney beans. |
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Vegetables |
Cucumbers, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, and zucchini. |
|
Nuts and seeds |
Walnuts, pine nuts, cashews, sesame seeds, pecans, and Brazil nuts |
With this, it is worth mentioning here some of the Ayurveda-inspired foods & drinks -- that help in creating a balance between body, mind & soul.
Water: Water is essential for every body type. It helps in cleaning amla from your body particularly when you are drinking warm water.
Dates and Figs: They are one of the greatest energy sources, and are extremely helpful in building tissues.
Lemons: Lemons are good for your digestive system. They help in flushing out toxins from the body.
Ghee: It promotes longevity. Ghee is also helpful in digestion and in calming your nerves.
Almonds: Almonds are extremely healthy to eat. However, per Ayurveda, their skin is a bit toxic therefore almonds should be eaten only after peeling them off.
Ginger: Ginger is called “the universal medicine”. It not only helps in clearing our body from toxins, they also support the digestive system.
Seasonal Fruits: They are purifying. For maximum nutritious value, these seasonal fruits should always be eaten after they are completely ripened.
Cumin Seeds: Cumin reduces alma from the body and supports our body indigestion.
Green, Leafy vegetable: Nothing is as nutritious as green leafy vegetables. They are good for your skin and help in regulating your blood sugar level.
Cow’s Milk: Ayurveda considers cow’s milk extremely vitalizing. It helps in quick healing of the injury and many more conditions.
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