Are Eggs Healthy According to Ayurveda ?

Eggs are one kind of food that most non-vegetarians love.   Many health experts suggest eating eggs daily as they provide high-quality protein, essential amino acids, and nutrients like B12 and choline, which support muscle growth, repair and overall strength.   But what does Ayurveda say about eggs? Are they really good for everyone?   Let’s find out!     Ayurveda’s take on eggs     One large egg contains about 6 grams of protein and 5 grams of fat, making it a nutrient-dense food. Hence, They are known for their ability to nourish the body.   They are especially beneficial for individuals with Vata imbalances due to their heavy nature. However, they should be consumed cautiously by those with Pitta and Kapha imbalances.   Ayurveda describes eggs as:     सद्यः बालकृणि मधुराण्यभिष्यन्दिनि     This means they provide instant strength and energy, are sweet in taste, increase mucus secretion and cause salivation.   This makes them useful only for some people under certain conditions.     For people recovering from surgery   If someone has undergone surgery or has been very sick, their body needs extra nourishment to regain strength. Ayurveda suggests that eggs, especially when mixed with certain herbal formulations, can help in faster recovery.     For those who are weak or malnourished   If a person is extremely weak, they can provide quick nutrition.     For improving male fertility   Ayurveda recommends them as a medicine to enhance low sperm count. According to Charaka Samhita, eggs fried in ghee work as an aphrodisiac and can help improve sperm count.     Instant energy booster   They are often considered a “quick fix” for energy. When consumed properly, they can provide an immediate boost, especially for people who are in need of quick nourishment. This makes them a suitable choice during physically demanding days.   But, in these cases, eggs are given in raw form, sometimes mixed with other medicines.   These are heavy and nutritious, which is why Ayurveda sees them as a form of medicine rather than for daily consumption.     Should everyone eat eggs ?     The answer is no.   Everyone eats eggs nowadays as they are considered a great source of protein. But they are not suitable for everyone.    According to Ayurvedic principles, they can be a valuable part of your diet, but their suitability depends on your Dosha and current health condition.    Ayurveda teaches us that food should be chosen based on our Dosha dominance (Vata, Pitta, Kapha). They are heavy, oily and heating, which means they don’t suit everyone equally, as they are often difficult to digest.       Best for Vata Dosha   People with a Vata imbalance (dry skin, weak digestion, low energy) can benefit from them in moderate amounts. The heaviness of eggs helps balance the lightness of Vata.     Not ideal for Pitta Dosha   Eggs increase heat in the body. If someone already has a Pitta imbalance (acidity, skin issues, anger, inflammation), eating them may make things worse.     Not suitable for Kapha Dosha   Since eggs are heavy and oily, they can increase Kapha imbalance, leading to weight gain, sluggishness, and mucus buildup, especially in large quantities. People with Kapha-dominant constitutions should avoid them.     Understand Your Dosha    It’s important to recognize your Prakriti (body type) and dominant Doshas. If you are unsure, it’s always a good idea to consult with an Ayurvedic doctor who can assess your specific needs. They can help you determine if it suit your unique body constitution and health goals.     Does Ayurveda recommend eggs ?     As mentioned above, Ayurveda recommends eggs for Vata people especially those who are weak to gain quick strength.    However, Ayurveda considers them as unnatural food. Unlike fruits, grains and vegetables, which grow naturally, they are not considered a natural human food in Ayurveda.   Here’s why:     Disturbs Dosha balance   Instead of bringing harmony to the body, they can create imbalances.      Tamasic Nature    Ayurveda classifies foods based on their effect on the mind. Tamasic foods make the mind dull and heavy. Eggs, being Tamasic, can lead to stress, anger and fierceness.     Bad energy Carrier   According to Ayurvedic beliefs, eggs come from the hind part of the hen, which is considered impure. Consuming eggs may bring negative energy into the body.     They’re a no-no in the Sattvic diet   If you are aiming for a Sattvic (pure and balanced) diet, it’s best to limit eggs. This diet promotes clarity, peace and a positive mindset, and eggs are considered incompatible with such an approach.  This is why Ayurveda generally does not recommend eggs as a regular part of a Sattvic (pure and balanced) diet.     How to eat eggs the Ayurvedic way ?     If you choose to eat eggs, here are some Ayurvedic guidelines to follow:       Choose pastured and organic   Avoid commercially raised eggs as they may contain harmful chemicals and can affect your digestion.     Cook them properly but don’t overcook   Overcooking destroys their nutrients. Soft-boiled or lightly cooked eggs are best.     Pair with ghee   Ayurveda suggests that frying eggs in ghee makes them more digestible and beneficial, especially for fertility.     Listen to your body   If eggs make you feel heavy, sluggish or uncomfortable, it’s best to avoid them.     Balance with herbs   If you’re eating it, consider pairing them with digestive herbs like ginger, turmeric or cumin to help with digestion and absorption.     Moderation is key   Eggs should not be consumed in large quantities, especially in those with weak digestion, especially if you’re not sure how they affect your body. Ayurvedic wisdom advises moderation for everything – even the most beneficial foods.     So, are eggs good or bad ?     Eggs have their benefits,… Continue reading Are Eggs Healthy According to Ayurveda ?

How to Boost Fertility With Ayurveda?

Every year, I have a lot of patients who approach me seeking treatment for infertility. For most of them, Ayurveda is the last option after having tried every other treatment and not finding a result. Many are often surprised that there are no invasive procedures and yet Ayurveda can help them find their way to boost fertility.   About 1 in 6 people around the world experience infertility. Some of the main reasons include stress, poor diet, sedentary lifestyle, etc. Ayurvedic conception treatment includes correcting all these factors to boost fertility and to prepare the body for conception.    In this blog, let us delve deeper into how Ayurveda helps boost fertility.   Understanding Fertility in Ayurveda   In Ayurveda, fertility is considered to be the obvious result of a harmonic body and mind. It is integral to our physical, mental and emotional state. According to the ancient scriptures, the body’s Doshas, Agni and Dhatus, when in harmony,  become the reason for improved reproductivity.   Fertility Determiners in Ayurveda   The concepts of Ojas, Shukra Dhatu, and Prakriti are connected with reproductive health. Ojas represents the essence of vitality and immunity within an individual. Shukra Dhatu is the reproductive tissue that is responsible for the formation of sperm in men and ovum in women. Prakriti is the unique body of each person and determines the requirements for reproductive health.    Factors Affecting Fertility   Several factors could affect fertility, such as: Eating habits: Poor nutritional intake, processed food, spicy and junk foods could affect reproductive health too.   Lifestyle and stress: With today’s hectic schedules, higher stress and unhealthy lifestyle adversely affect fertility levels.   Other health conditions: Conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, and low sperm count could affect the fertility levels.   Ayurvedic Approach to Enhancing Fertility   Ayurveda offers a holistic approach to enhancing fertility, focusing on balancing the Doshas, strengthening Agni and nourishing the Dhatus. Here are some key Ayurvedic practices to boost fertility.   Dietary Recommendations   To enhance fertility, one should surely manage their diet. Below, you will find lists of foods that one should either include or exclude from their diet: Eat Sattvic food: Fresh, organic and easily digested products help to balance the Doshas and enhance Agni. This group includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds and dairy products.   Avoid Ama-producing food: One should avoid processed products, too much sugar, caffeine and alcohol as they take time to digest. Undigested food, consequently, turns into Ama (toxins). As a result, the accumulation of Ama weakens the Agni and, in turn, causes diseases.   Avoid excessive salty and spicy foods: Such foods can aggravate your Pitta Dosha, causing Dosha imbalance that in turn affects your fertility.   Foods to enhance fertility: You can have almonds, walnuts, ghee, milk, sesame seeds, and dates, but in moderation.   Kapha and Pitta: Encourage the use of light food in Kapha-type patients and refreshing tastes for Pitta.   Vata: Avoid raw, dried food. Use good fats, like ghee.   These are some general suggestions.    Ayurveda does not follow a one size fits all approach. Every person is unique. So the diet for each person differs, primarily based on their Prakriti, Dosha imbalances, health conditions and more. You can consult an Ayurvedic doctor to determine your Prakriti and Dosha imbalances and to help you plan a diet that aligns with your preferences.        Herbal Medicines for Fertility   In my conception treatment, herbal medicines are given to the couple to treat any underlying health conditions, improve their strength and immunity and also to enhance their reproductive health.  The medicines are prescribed based on the couple’s Prakriti, Dosha imbalancers and health conditions. I do not prescribe any medicines that have strong herbs like Shatavari, Ashwagandha, or Shilajit; moreover, I also avoid those with heavy metals as ingredients. Their continuous usage can have side effects.    Panchakarma therapy   This detoxification therapy rejuvenates the body by flushing out toxins and besides balancing the Doshas. It helps heal from any underlying health conditions and furthermore resets the body and mind, making it capable for conception.     Panchakarma has 5 cleansing procedures – Vamana, Virechana,Nasya, Kashaya Vasti and Sneha Vasti.  These therapies cleanse the body, improve digestion and also, promote health and longevity.   Lifestyle Modifications   Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is equally important to enhance your fertility.   Manage stress: Practices like yoga, meditation, and pranayama (breathing exercises) can help reduce stress and improve mental clarity, which are crucial for fertility.   Regular exercise: Engage in regular physical activity; consequently, this helps to maintain a healthy weight and improve circulation, which, in turn, supports reproductive health.   Sleep quality: Ensure you get adequate, restful sleep to support overall well-being and hormonal balance.   Avoid bad habits: Smoking and consuming alcohol can have an adverse effect on your fertility. So, it’s better to quit. Ayurveda says that having a healthy mind is really important for being able to reproduce whether it’s male or female. Doing things like being mindful, writing in a journal, and spending time outside in nature can make your mind feel calm and less stressed.  These activities increase mental strength and hence reproductivity.  Following a daily routine or Dinacharya will also bring discipline and consistency in your life.    Importance of Balanced Doshas   Balanced Doshas are crucial for reproductive health. Each individual has a unique Prakriti, which is their natural constitution of the three Doshas: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. Imbalances in these Doshas can affect fertility.    Vata imbalance: Can lead to irregular menstrual cycles and anxiety, affecting conception.   Pitta imbalance: Can cause inflammation and hormonal imbalances, impacting fertility.   Kapha imbalance: Can result in weight gain and sluggish metabolism, hindering reproductive health.   By identifying and correcting Dosha imbalances through diet, lifestyle changes, and Ayurvedic treatments, you can, therefore, enhance fertility and, consequently, increase the chances of conception.   Practical Tips for Enhancing Fertility   Here are some practical tips that… Continue reading How to Boost Fertility With Ayurveda?