Since every individual is unique in their own nature, one must pay attention to what foods work and what foods don’t. If one single medication was prescribed for all kinds of disease, the results wouldn’t be satisfactory. Similarly in Ayurveda the diet is based on the Prakriti and Dosha!
Vata
The element Vata for human being triggers all bodily functions & thus is extremely vital for health. An imbalance of this element affects all bodily processes.
Vata people are quick with creative minds & are flexible in nature. However, they are prone to recurrent illnesses.
Recommendations for Vata Constitution are-
-Include warm, moist & well-lubricated food in the diet
-Emphasize on sweet, sour & Salty tastes and regular daily regime
-Avoid extreme cold/ frozen food, cold aerated drinks & preserved products
-Minimize intake of raw food
-Avoid excessive physical exercise, air conditioned environment & late nights.
FRUITS
Include More : Dates, Figs, Grapes, Indian gooseberry, Lemon, Mulberry, Muskmelon, Orange, Papaya, Pineapple, Plum, Pomegranate, Pomelo, Ripe berries, Ripe Mango
VEGETABLES
Include more: Amaranth, Ashgourd, Beetroot, Bottle gourd, Capsicum, Carrot, Colocasia, Red pumpkin , Yam,
Avoid raw and frozen vegetables.
CEREALS, PULSES AND MILLETS
Include more : Basmati rice, Black gram, Brown rice, Green gram, Horse gram, Pearl millet, Wheat
Cooking Medium
More: – Ghee from cow’s milk,
Oils – Almond, Coconut, linseed, mustard, olive, sesame
Pitta
The element Pitta for human being is responsible for digestive processes & heat in the body.
Pitta people are determined with strong will power & have a good digestive fire. However, they are prone lto heat related illnesses.
Recommendations for Pitta Constitution are –
-Keep cool & eat every 4-5 hours
-Include fresh fruits & vegetables, predominantly in the diet
-Emphasize bitter & astringent tastes
-Develop clarity in thought, rather than being too critical
-Avoid pickles, vinegar, chilies, vegetable oil, fermented food, canned, instant, fried food, excessive salt & hot spices
-Avoid excessive heat, steam & humidity
FRUITS
Include More: Apple, Black jamuns, Coconut, Figs, Guava, Pomegranate, Ripe mango, Rose petals, Sweet grapes, Sweet lime, Sweet melon, Sweet pineapple, Water chestnut
VEGETABLES
Include More:- Amaranth leaves, Asparagus, Basil, Bittergourd, Bottlegourd, Broccoli, Brussel sprouts, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Cluster beans, French beans, Green peas, Ivy gourd, Okra [ladies finger], Lettuce, Raw Plaintain, Red pumpkin, Spinach, White pumpkin
CEREALS, PULSES AND MILLETS
Include More: Basmati rice, Beaten rice, Broken wheat, Brown rice, Green gram, Kidney beans, Masoor gram, Pearl millet, Sorghum, Wheat
Cooking medium
More: Ghee from cow’s milk, Coconut oil
Kapha
The element Kapha for human being is the solid part of the body, being responsible for Cohesion. An imbalance of this element affects strength & structure of the body. Kapha people have strength, endurance & stamina. However, they are prone to obesity & lethargy.
Recommendations for Kapha Constitution are-
-Include more of fresh vegetables, herbs & spices
-Emphasize bitter , astringent & pungent tastes
-Plenty of physical activities
-Avoid frozen food, cold aerated drinks , sweet & starchy food, bakery products & all products made of refined flour
-Minimize intake of fatty & fried food
FRUITS
Include More: Custard apple, Indian gooseberry, Jamun, Lemon, Papaya , Pomegranate, Ripe berries
VEGETABLES
More:- Amaranth, Bittergourd, Cabbage, Capsicum, Carrot, Cauliflower, Clusterbeans, French beans, Kohlrabi, Okra, Pointed gourd, Raddish, Ridge gourd, Round gourd, Spinach,Yam
CEREALS, PULSES AND MILLETS
More:- Aduki bean, Barley, Basmati Rice, Bengal gram, Brown rice, Buckwheat, Corn, Cow pea, Finger millet, Green gram, Horse gram, Kidney bean, Pigeon pea, Pinto bean, Red lentil, Sorghum
Cooking Medium
More:- Ghee from cow’s milk, Mustard,Sesame