There is always a bit of a sceptical opinion when it comes to Ayurveda and vegan nutrition. But there is no point why Ayurveda and veganism shouldn´t be working together.
Ayurvedic nutrition is complex and a health care system. Ayurvedic nutrition is also very individual and holistic. The advice of Ayurvedic nutrition is mostly to skip fish, meat and eggs – because they are heavy to digest anyways. Cheese and sausages are also nothing any Ayurvedic nutrition plan would suggest.
But wait, what´s with all the animal based ingredients in ayurvedic recipes?
But milk, batter, honey and joghurt are part of many recipes and health care tipps. The traditional diet is here more vegetarian, but obvisously not vegan.
The vegan philosophy and ethics are perfectly fitting together with Ayurvedic nutrition. From a spiritual perspective, we have the topic of Ahimsa – which can be translated as a form of non-violence. The old vedic texts are saying that the killing of animals is giving the soul a dark shade and eating meat, fish and eggs is increasing negative emotions, thoughts, lazyness and attachment.
You might know this philosophy from your Yogateacher training or any Yoga book, which talks about the spiritual texts and basic philosophy.
Traditionally, Ayurveda got more a scientific point of view on diet and separates food in 12 different parts – even meat, fish, eggs and milk got kind of medical effects when we use them. But when it comes to illnesses and stress, there is always the suggestion to don´t eat any of those ingredients. Or to be clear – there is – depending on the kind of illness – the decision, if your diet is going to be vegetarian, mixed or vegan to heal. And – what I learned from Ayurveda over the years is for sure – there is no right or wrong, no black and white.
Many vegans are vegan for the animals. Ethical reasons are the main key here.
For vegan nutrition it would be important to eat enough plant-based healthy fats and proteins. Good oils, nuts and seeds, grains and legumes in any form should be on your daily plate. As you might know, Ayurveda uses specific herbs which will help to digest the legumes in an easy way and don´t leave you bloated. Cumin, Asafoetida and Himalayan Salt is a mix that works fine with lentils, beans and soy protein.
Vegan fast food is also just fast food according to Ayurveda. You want to eat fresh, healthy food to keep your spirit up high!
The best way to eat ayurvedic and vegan, is to eat on a regular basis lentil curries, rich soups with peas, fresh veggies and grains and add to your daily nutrition plan seasonal fruits, herbs, seeds and nuts. You should support your Agni, your digestive fire with foods which are easy for your body to assimilate, break down and absorb. That means you also have to look at your specific constitution! 😊
Tips for your Ayurvedic constitution and a vegan diet:
Vata
Vata peeps are often bloated from raw veggies and too many legumes. It will lead you to dry and rough skin, feeling exhausted and being bloated a lot. A good combination of healthy fats can help you to feel balanced – eat many nuts, sesame oil, try my coconut porridge and warming spices like cinnamon, pepper and ginger. Vata Dosha peeps are mostly into a healthy holistic diet anyways, because it speaks to their qualities so much – which are sublte, dry and cold. Eating raw salads, drinking smoothies is increasing our ether energies, so we feel inspired, high vibing and spiritual.
Pitta
Pitta peeps have a grounded metabolism and can eat many grains, legumes and even cold and raw food and digest it well – especially according tot he other Doshas. A vegan diet can be very easy for this dosha when it is mainly based high carb and low fat, without many spicy dishes. Sour, spicy and meat are increasing the acidity of your digestion so much that it leads to irritated skin, infections of the nerves and even heartburn. Coconut can cool you down, also chickpeas, mungbeans and leafy greens will make you feel super balanced.
Kapha
Kapha peeps can also benefit from a vegan diet because they can easily reduce their fat intake. Animal based proteins are also causing the feeling of heavyness and increasing the mucus production – which is not supportive for this Dosha anyways. Veggies, spices and fruits who spice up your life and energy level are perfect! Ginger, pepper and eggplants or pineapples will help you to digest plant based proteins. Spices which are keeping your metabolism going like pepper and ginge rare perfect for you! Kapha Dosha can benefit a lot from a vegan diet, but also should avoid to eat raw foods too much.
As you can see, a vegan and ayurvedic diet are pretty compatible! It is a very young movement and there are many options not available yet but I am sure also ayurvedic-vegan products are increasing in the future. Today I just found one company which seels Chyavanprash vegan and without Ghee, so I decided to work on a nice recipe now for my own (and you for sure!) 😉
To keep it short here for you:
- Ayurveda and veganism got a lot in common, also based on the ancient philosophy about „doing no harm.“
- Ayurveda and veganism can be a huge benefit for some Dosha related characteristics.
- Ayurveda and veganism are working great on your health, when you watch out for a balanced diet with healthy veggies, grains and fruits, also healthy fats.
- Ayurveda and veganism are a younger movement and there is much to explore right now according to recipes and treatments.
I hope you have the best Sunday! Stay compassionate and humble! Namaste!
Krishnaprema
From Ayurveda With Love 
It truly offers such a great, balanced approach to veganism.
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