You may find an answer to just about any health problem in Ayurveda. It stresses the need to tailor one's diet to one's body type and character. Eating grains at every meal is recommended if you're trying to meet your body's energy needs as a vegetarian. Each of the three doshas might be affected differently by the consumption of certain grains. Consequently, select grains that will fuel your body and assist in maintaining a healthy Vata, Pitta, or Kapha balance, depending on your diet type. Although grain consumption is optimal for Vata and Pitta types, Kapha types should limit their intake to prevent weight gain. To find out which grains will work best for you depending on your dosha according to Ayurveda, read on.
A staple in Ayurvedic cooking and many other cuisines, grains are also essential to a healthy, well-rounded diet since they include all the macro and micronutrients and essential minerals and vitamins that the human body needs. Grains are beneficial to vegetarians because, when coupled with lentils, beans, and milk products, they produce complete proteins. All grains, according to Ayurveda, contribute to the development of strong bones and muscles and increase stamina. However, certain grains are better than others at calming the three doshas. Choose the healthiest grains for your culinary needs.
Dosha-specific ayurvedic grains
Vata, Pitta and Kapha - there are three types of doshas, and Ayurveda recommends specific grains for each. Incorporating these grains into one's diet in the proper way can provide health benefits and promote healing.
Vata-friendly grains
The following cereals are excellent for balancing Vata dosha, which causes dryness. They aid in lubrication, provide energy, and increase stamina and strength. Vata-balanced diets frequently include a lot of wheat. Whole grain options include a variety of bread and cereals such as farina, bulgur, couscous, wheat, semolina, and quinoa. Vata can be reduced by adding a little ghee to your meal.
Barley cultivation, Image Source: britannica.com
Pitta-friendly grains
Pitta needs cooling, sweet grains to counteract its strong, fiery properties. If you're looking for grain to help calm your Pitta, try some aromatic Basmati. Because of its cooling and slightly hefty nature, it is not suggested for daily consumption. It's best to have three or four servings a week. Bakery flour produced from basmati rice is a popular alternative. It's also possible to eat amaranth and barley successfully. Due to its warming effects, brown rice should be avoided.
Kapha-friendly grains
Kapha types do well with drier, lighter grains. Cutting back on wheat products is recommended if you suffer from a Kapha imbalance. Overeating wheat might make you gain weight and produce more mucus when you have a cold or allergies. Barley, being easier on the digestive system and causing less mucus production, is the ideal grain for reducing Kapha. Barley may be ground into flour and used in the preparation of baked goods and flatbreads. The kidneys and the rest of the body benefit significantly from drinking barley water. One more recommended grain is buckwheat. Millet, rhye, and corn can also be included.