Vata dosha is composed of the air and ether elements, which give it qualities that are
Dry
Light
Rough
Cold
Airy
Expansive
So when Vata is out of balance in the body, it can lead to experiences such as dry or rough skin, cold hands and feet and feeling restless.
Ayurveda suggests therefore eating foods with opposite qualities to restore Balance, such as warm cooked foods, heavy and grounding foods, healthy oils for internal lubrication, and plenty of hydration.
Ayurvedic Diet in PDF: All What You Need to Know
It provides a clear overview of how to align your eating habits with your body’s natural balance, detailing how to nourish yourself according to your dosha, and applying Ayurvedic principles to improve digestion, boost energy, and enhance overall well-being.
Below the food for balancing Vata (Food for Vata) is presented depending on the category:
Fruits Vata
The fruits that balance Vata should be sweet and nourishing. Some raw fruit should be cooked or stewed to digest better and offer additional warmth, moisture, and sweetness.
Vegetables Vata
For grounding and stabilizing Vata, Root vegetables are especially beneficial. In any other case if you consume raw vegetables, a salad, or any of the vata-aggravating vegetables, it is advisable to limit the quantities and consume them during midday, when your digestive strength is at its peak. Make sure they are well-cooked, well-spiced, and well-oiled, to offset the dry, rough qualities of these foods.
Nuts & Seeds
All nuts and most seeds possess a calming effect on vata when consumed in moderation. They are oily, nutritious, and provide a power-packed combination of proteins and fats that is highly beneficial to vata. Nonetheless, it is imperative to consume nuts and seeds in limited quantities to avoid overpowering vata’s fluctuating digestive capacity.
Meat & Eggs
Oils
Due to the tendency for toxins to accumulate in fats, purchasing organic oils may hold greater significance than purchasing organic fruits and vegetables.
Please note the general food combining rules.
Sources:
Balvinder Sidhu: Das Ayurveda Glücksbuch: In 6 Stufen zum Herzensziel
Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Zentrum: Gesund und entspannt mit Ayurveda
NOT VISIBLE
Favor | Avoid |
| Amaranth Durham Flour Oats, Cooked Pancakes Quinoa Rice (all types) Seitan Sprouted Wheat Bread Wheat | Barley Buckwheat Cereals (cold, dry, or puffed) Corn Couscous Crackers Granola Millet Muesli Oat Bran Oats, Dry Pasta, Wheat Rice Cakes Rye Spelt Tapioca Wheat Bran Yeasted Bread |
| Favor | Avoid |
| Almond Oil Avocado Oil Castor Oil Coconut Oil Ghee Mustard Oil Olive Oil Peanut Oil Safflower Oil Sesame Oil Sunflower Oil | Canola Oil Corn Oil Flax Seed Oil Soy Oil |
| Favor | Avoid |
| Butter Buttermilk Cheese Cottage Cheese Cow’s Milk Almond Milk Rice Milk Oat Milk Ghee Goat’s Milk Ice Cream (in moderation) Sour Cream (in moderation) Yogurt (fresh) | Frozen Yogurt Powdered Milk |
| Favor | Avoid |
| Lentils, Red Miso Mung Beans Mung Dal, Split Soy Cheese Soy Milk (served warm) Soy Sauce Soy Meats Tofu (served hot) Toor Dal Urad Dal | Adzuki Beans Black Beans Black-Eyed Peas Garbanzo Beans (Chickpeas) Kidney Beans Lentils, Brown Lima Beans Navy Beans Pinto Beans Soy Beans Soy Flour Soy Powder Split Peas Tempeh White Beans |
| Favor | Reduce or Avoid |
| Asparagus Avocado Beets Carrots, Cooked Chilies (in very small quantities) Cilantro Cucumber Garlic Green Beans Green Chilies Leeks Mustard Greens Okra Olives (black) Onion, Cooked Parsnip Peas,Cooked Pumpkin Rutabega Spinach, Cooked Squash, Summer Squash, Winter Sweet Potatoes Watercress Zucchini | Artichokes Beet Greens Bell Peppers Bitter Melon Broccoli Brussels Sprouts Burdock Root Cabbage Carrots, Raw Cauliflower Celery Chilies (in excess) Corn, Fresh Dandelion Greens Eggplant Jerusalem Artichokes Kale Kohlrabi Lettuce Mushrooms Olives, Green Onion, Raw Peas, Raw Peppers, Hot Potatoes, White Radishes Spinach, Raw Sprouts Tomatoes Turnips |
