Benefits of the Ayurveda diet and its downside

Are you aware of the ayurvedic diet?

For those who are unfamiliar, Ayurveda is a 5,000-year-old approach that has been practiced for thousands of years. The Sanskrit words “Ayur,” “Veda,” and “Ayurveda” all allude to life science (Veda). Ayurveda, or “the science of life,” is the most appropriate translation of the term.

Ayurveda is an ancient Hindu system of nutrition and therapy; the benefits of the Ayurvedic diet are enhanced by Yoga. Ayurvedic meals have been practised for over a thousand years. Based on Ayurvedic principles, it seeks to improve your health by balancing your body’s many energy systems.

The Ayurvedic diet, in contrast to many others, gives you tailored advice on what foods to eat and what foods to avoid based on your body type. It’s also much-liked because it is considered as being good for your mind as well as your body.

The overall nature of Ayurveda is embodied by the belief that each individual has a unique blend of mental, emotional, and physical traits that are supposed to exist in balance. The mind, body, and spirit must all work together for the three doshas to work as a whole.

Identifying your dosha is the first step in beginning an Ayurvedic diet that is right for you. A dosha is one of the body’s three basic components and energies. They are referred to as:

Vata, Pitta and Kapha mean air, fire, and water respectively.

How does it work and do we get the benefits of the Ayurveda diet?

An Ayurvedic diet emphasises attentive eating and foods that are appropriate for your dosha, or constitutional type. You can improve your overall health by determining which foods to eat based on your dosha’s energy level.

The benefits of the Ayurvedic diet are determined by when, how, and what to consume based on your dosha, or kind of body.

To help you decide which dosha is ideal for you, here are a few key characteristics:

• Pitta- Using fire and water, Pitta creates a fiery flavour. Dedicated, intelligent, and decisive. In general, this dosha has a medium build, a short temper, and may suffer from illnesses like indigestion or heart disease.

-Pears, in particular, are a great way to swiftly cool down a Pitta. Examples of Pitta-calming included in Ayurvedic food are milk, sweet rice pudding, coconut, and coconut juice, as well as ripe mango and almond or date milkshakes.

• Vata- “Air and space.” Vivacious, energising, and full of life. When out of balance, people with this dosha may experience digestive difficulties, exhaustion, or anxiety.

-The Hot, “soft,” and tender Ayurvedic foods are included in this category (e.g., berries, bananas, peaches, cooked vegetables, oats, brown rice, lean meat, eggs, and dairy)

• Kapha- Earth and water are combined in the Kapha. Loyal, dependable, and centred on one’s values. Kapha dosha people tend to have a sturdier frame and may struggle with weight gain,asthma, depression or diabetes.

-The Ayurvedic food that gives wholeness, spiciness, and acidity (e.g., most fruits and vegetables, whole grains, eggs, low-fat cheese, unprocessed meats, hot spices)

All of these foods in the right amount help to gain adequate Ayurvedic nutrition. Nevertheless, we must ensure that whatever we eat is easily digestible. As a result, the body holds on to everything that it can’t break down.

What is the best ayurvedic protein?

One of the most significant benefits of ayurvedic protein is that it has no side effects because it is created from pure herbs, and including proteins in an ayurvedic diet does not harm your health when consumed. To reap the full benefits of the Ayurvedic diet, individual doshas must be considered when creating an Ayurvedic diet chart (ayurvedic personalities). A high-protein diet is recommended for the Vata dosha (air element) because their digestion is poor, but the correct spices help them process it.

The things you should eat to maintain inner harmony are determined by your dosha, following the ayurvedic diet.  The pitta dosha-like food is refreshing, energising, and free of spices, nuts, and seeds. However, the Vata dosha prefers foods that are warm, moist and grounded, while avoiding dried fruits, bitter herbs and raw vegetables. To sum up, the Kapha dosha restricts heavy meals like nuts and seeds in favour of fruits and vegetables and legumes.

It is very important to learn about your dominant dosha before beginning an Ayurvedic diet.   Foods that help to balance the dosha and make the diet more effective are recommended by an expert.

Although each of us possesses all three doshas, according to Ayurveda, the predominant dosha will dictate what you consume. Ayurvedic eating guidelines for mindful eating, regardless of dosha, include the Consumption of six distinct flavours. It’s important to have a variety of tastes and textures of ayurvedic food in your diet at every meal.

• Start your meal with something sweet-tasting (like fruit).
• Continue your meal with sour and salty items (citrus fruit, for example).
• Finish with foods that are astringent (like green apples or tea), pungent (like onions or peppers), and bitter (celery, kale, or green leafy vegetables).

• Consume your food in a focused and aware manner. To get the most out of your dinner and reap the benefits of the Ayurveda diet, keep conversation and laughter to a minimum.

• Eat gently so that you can fully appreciate the flavours of the food you’re eating.
• Make sure you eat quickly enough to avoid the meal becoming cold.
• Maintain a healthy weight by eating the right amount of food. To avoid overeating, pay attention to your body’s cues of hunger and fullness.
• Consume just after your last meal has been assimilated. While it’s recommended that you don’t eat within three hours of your previous meal or snack, you should also avoid going more than six hours without meals, according to the recommendations.
• Pay attention to what you eat at breakfast and lunch. Many Ayurvedic doctors advise their patients to eat a little breakfast and a larger lunch to maintain a healthy and balanced diet. Whether or not you eat dinner depends on how hungry you are.

Cons of Ayurvedic diet.

Just like every other good thing, the ayurvedic diet also has its downside. Easy lads might struggle to cope with the Ayurvedic diet. Sometimes, it can be confusing, and sometimes it can be challenging. To gain the benefits of the Ayurveda diet, it must be appropriately followed, and Ayurvedic nutrition and Ayurvedic protein must be quantity-specific. And along with this diet comes other life balance-maintaining challenges. Another downside of the Ayurvedic diet is that it has to be dosha-specific, and to gain the benefits of the Ayurvedic diet, one must be aware of the doshas.

Dosha-specific food avoidance guidelines are part of the Ayurvedic approach to health and well-being. However, like with any strict diet, there are both advantages and disadvantages. The pros and drawbacks of the Ayurvedic diet and lifestyle will help you decide if you should give it a try.

Conclusion

The Ayurvedic diet encourages a personalised and balanced approach to eating. It promotes not just physical nourishment but also mental clarity and emotional stability through mindful food selection based on one’s dominant dosha. With an emphasis on whole, seasonal, and easily digestible foods, it supports digestion, improves immunity, and brings harmony between mind and body. However, to maximise the benefits of the Ayurveda diet, understanding your dosha and adhering to its guidelines is crucial. 

Disclaimer: The content shared in this article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult an Ayurvedic practitioner or healthcare provider before making dietary or lifestyle changes. Results from following an Ayurvedic diet may vary depending on individual health conditions.

References 

1. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. (2022). Ayurvedic Medicine: In Depth. https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/ayurvedic-medicine-in-depth
   
2. Tiwari, S., & Rastogi, S. (2017). Role of Ayurvedic Diet in the Management of Lifestyle Disorders. Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine, 8(2), 84–87. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaim.2017.03.002
   
3. Indian Ministry of AYUSH. (2020). Guidelines for Ayurvedic Practice. https://main.ayush.gov.in
   
4. Mishra, L. C., Singh, B. B., & Dagenais, S. (2001). Ayurveda: A Historical Perspective and Principles of the Traditional Healthcare System in India. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 7(4), 403–407. https://doi.org/10.1089/107555301750384718