Vata is stimulated by pungent, bitter and acid, and weakened by sweet, sour and salty tasting foods. It would be advisable for a Vata person to eat food that is sweet, sour or salty. Vata individuals tend to do things quickly and haphazardly. Therefore, they should take their time. Adhering to a balanced routine on a regular basis will counteract their irregularities. It is important for a Vata type to rest, not to watch too much television, or to rush around doing many things at the same time. These activities stimulate Vata.
General dietary recommendations:
1. Favor foods that are warm, heavy, and oily. Minimize foods that are cold, dry, and light.
2. Favor foods that are sweet, sour, and salty. Minimize foods that are spicy, bitter, and astringent.
3. Eat larger quantities, but not more than you can digest easily.
Dairy All dairy products pacify Vata.
Sweeteners All sweeteners are good (in moderation) for pacifying Vata.
Oils All oils Reduce Vata.
Grains Rice and wheat are very good. Reduce barley, corn, millet, buckwheat, rye, and oats.
Fruits Favor sweet, sour, or heavy fruits, such as oranges, bananas, avocados, grapes, cherries, peaches, melons, berries, plums, pineapples, mangoes, and papayas. Reduce dry or light fruits, such as apples, pears, pomegranates, cranberries, and dried fruits.
Vegetables Beets, cucumbers, carrots, asparagus, and sweet potatoes are good. They should be cooked, not raw. The following vegetables are acceptable in moderate quantities if they’re cooked, especially with ghee or oil and Vata-reducing spices: peas, broccoli, cauliflower, celery, zucchini, and green, leafy vegetables. It’s better to Avoid sprouts and cabbage.
Spices Cardamom, cumin, ginger, cinnamon, salt, cloves, mustard seed, and small quantities of black pepper are good.
Nuts All nuts are good.
Beans Reduce all beans and bean products, except tofu and split mung-bean soup.
Meat and fish (for nonvegetarians) Chicken, turkey, and sea foods are all right; beef should be avoided.
Sometimes it is difficult to assess your own type and discover those remedies best suited for you without professional help.
Vata Balancing can help with the following
Key
| Highly recommended |
Glossary
Astringent
Agent causing contraction, especially after topical application.