Toshali Sands

Ancient Diets from Ayurveda

Ahara or Diet is given prime importance in Ayurveda for healthy living. It is stated that, “If one is on a proper diet then there is not need for any medicine, and if one is not on a proper diet, then there is no need for any medicine. “So if the individual is following a proper diet, then he will be free from diseases. In Ayurveda, diet is divided into two types i.e. pathya or Wholesome diet and Apathya or unwholesome diet. It is also to be remembered that, ‘one man’s food is another man’s poison”. So the type of diet which is beneficial for an individual may be harmful for another person. Keeping this in mind, Ayurveda has recommended different dietic regimes for different prakritis (i.e. Vata, Pitta and Kapha). Below are described the dietic regimen for different prakritis.

Diet for Vata Prakariti
Recommended
Foods that are warm, oily, sweet, sour and salty. All types of dairy products are also beneficial. Rice and wheat are very good. Among the fruits, oranges, bananas, grapes, cherries, melons, berries, plums, pineapples, mangoes and papayas are helpful. Among the vegetables beets, cucumbers, carrots and sweet potatoes are very good. The should be taken in cooked form. Among the spices, cardomom, cumin, ginger, cinnamon, salt cloves mustard seeds and black pepper and good. All nuts are good. Chicken, turkey and sea foods may be taken in small quantity. Ginger is also very beneficial to Vata people.

Avoid:
Food that are cold, dry, light, spicy, bitter and astringent, Caffeine and cold drinks should be avoided.

Diet for Pitta Prakariti
Recommended
Foods that are cool, sweet, bitter and liquid in nature, Milk, butter and ghee are also good. Among oils - live, sunflower and coconut oil are helpful. Among the grains - wheat, white rice, barley and oats are very good. Among the fruits - grapes cherries, melons, berries, avocados, coconuts, pomegranates, mangoes, sweet oranges, pineapples and plums are good. Among the vegetables - cucumbers, potatoes, sweet potatores, pumpkins, broccoli, cauliflower, lettuces, beans and green leafy vegetables are very food. Among the spices, cinnamon, coriander, cardamn are god. Among non-veg Foods - chicken and turkey are preferable.

Avoid
Yogurt, Cheese, Chili, peppers and foods that are hot in temperature. Also minimize spicy, salty and sour foods. Among the oils - sesame, almond and corn oil should be avoided. Honey and molasses should be avoided. Also reduce corn, rye, millet and brown rice. Also reduce our fruits such as papayas, olives and sour and unripe oranges, pineapples and plums. Among the vegetables intake of tomatoes, carrots, onions, garlic, radishes and spinach should be reduced. Among non-veg-Food - red meat, sea foods and eggs should be avoided.