When you are evaluating big or small changes to your lifestyle as you pursue wellbeing goals, first impressions can have a monumental impact in shaping your preference. Even the slightest lack of clarity can form less than favorable impressions. And in this age of rampant misinformation, it can become easy to get misguided. Especially if the topic is as diverse as Ayurveda – with numerous branches of principles and practices.
And just like with other traditions from around the world, Ayurveda too is subject to misconceptions, which in turn can develop preconceived notions in the minds of people.
Today, we share 3 of the most common myths associated with Ayurvedic diets and why they are not true.
ALL AYURVEDIC MEALS ARE VEGAN.
When you think of Ayurveda, you might think of clean living. It can then seem difficult to fit any practice that goes beyond the realm of sustainability into such a narrative.
But what people often fail to realize is that Ayurveda is not a rigid dichotomic system. It’s as fluid and changing as our lives.
And so, while a substantial aspect of Ayurvedic diets involves the consumption of organic foods, there’s no hard and fast rule preventing you from consuming dairy products or meat.
The ultimate principle is to be cognizant of your dosha and eat foods that elevate your state of being.
Generally, people who have a dominant vata dosha are likely to be recommended milk, cheese, eggs and yogurt. Whereas those with kapha as a dominant dosha would need to eat seafood, eggs, chicken, etc.
AN AYURVEDIC DIET INCLUDES A LOT OF SPICY FOOD.
It’s common knowledge that Ayurvedic diets are rich in herbs, spices, and other botanical extracts. Therefore, people mistakenly believe that Ayurvedic meals are mostly spicy in nature.
If you have a low spice tolerance, this myth might discourage you from picking up Ayurvedic recipes. But you should know that using spices is not a prerequisite for following an Ayurvedic diet.
Sure, some of the recipes you’ll come across will be full of flavour and have a nuanced effect on your palate. However, in Ayurveda, there’s a lot of room for making practices your own by adopting them as per your needs, tastes, and preferences.
You don’t like the taste of cumin? You don’t have to use it! Do you prefer less flavourful foods? Choose your ingredients accordingly.
The reason why spices play an important role in Ayurveda is that they have healing properties. But that doesn’t mean Ayurvedic meals will leave you gasping for water, trying to soothe your aggravated taste buds.
THERE’S NO SCIENCE BEHIND AN AYURVEDIC DIET.
Ayurveda has a deep-rooted history within the practice of healthcare. It is a system of natural medicine that takes into account your physical as well as psychological conditions.In the face of modern medicine, which is all about statistics and visible symptoms, there can be a bit of skepticism when you consider the science behind Ayurveda. But that’s not because it is vague or built on weak foundations.
A lot of Ayurvedic treatments have been the focus of research, delivering proven outcomes. Similarly, an Ayurvedic diet is powered by evidence-based theories regarding the properties of various foods and the differing effects on our health.
TO SUMMARIZE
Ayurveda is all about balance. Hence, an Ayurvedic diet will only work when you make conscious choices about your health and pick a routine that addresses your dosha.
Too much or too little of any ingredient will topple the efficiency of following an Ayurvedic diet. The best practice would be to consult a certified Ayurvedic coach who would be able to help you form a dietary plan that works in your favour.
These are just 3 of the most common myths related to Ayurvedic diets. There will be a part 2 of this post coming up on our blog.
So, make sure you subscribe to our newsletter to get regular updates delivered to your inbox.
