Are you getting into Ayurveda and don’t know if eggs are good or bad for you?
Let’s find out.
People often ask me: Are you vegan?
My response is basically this one: I eat for the body I love. I eat to feel nourished, light, and balanced. That is, I eat mostly (95% of the time) vegetables, cereals, legumes, nuts, seeds, healthy oils, and fruits. But I also include sometimes an egg -or two-in my weekly menu.
For many years, I followed a strict vegan diet applied with Ayurvedic principles.
However, I discovered gaps in my nutrition and characteristics of my aggravated dosha that needed to be addressed.
I now pay careful attention to my digestion, elimination, skin, and mood before I start incorporating a food in my diet.
And that is what I did with eggs. I stopped and listened to my body. And started eating them again.
AYURVEDIC ANALYSIS
The taste (Rasa) of eggs is sweet.
Their energy (Virya) is heating.
Their post-digestive effect (Vipaka) is sweet.
Eggs are unctuous, oily and heavy. Therefore, they are pacifying for VATA but, aggravating for PITTA and KAPHA.
The elements that compose eggs are Earth and Fire.
They nourish fat, marrow, and muscle.
They are acidifying and rajasic (produce an agitated state of mind). But, can increase ojas or the essential energy of the immune system.
What does all the above mean?
That eating eggs can be good or bad depending on your current situation. I am adding them occasionally to my diet just because, with the years, I have noticed how my Vata has become my dominant dosha. Dry skin and hair, and indecisiveness have made an appearance. Also, my reaction to stressful situations tends to be more on the anxiety/nervous/worry side.
So, based on my symptoms, I added them to my grocery list again. And I am glad I did.
Eggs are a nutrient-dense source of antioxidants, omega 3 fatty acids, Vitamins (A,D, B2, B6, B12, folate), and minerals (calcium, potassium, iron, phosphorus, and zinc). They support hair and nail growth, build stamina, increase meal satisfaction, build reproductive serums, and are delicious.
I also eat eggs because they are nutritive and a great tonic for my increasingly aggravated Vata skin.
KEEP IN MIND:
In order to make the most out of my eggs, I keep in mind a few norms so they are as nourishing and medicinal as possible:
- I only buy eggs that are pastured from an organically raised chicken.
- I eat the white and the yolk together. When the white is eaten alone, it blocks the absorption of certain nutrients like biotin (hair health) that is one of the reasons I eat them in the first place.
- I don’t overcook them. My favorite way of preparing them is by soft boiling them so I can taste and enjoy all the yellow yumminess.
- I add spices like black pepper, red pepper, paprika, and himalayan salt so I facilitate their digestion.
- I NEVER combine them with beans, fruit, lemon, or melons.
- I decrease the amount of carbs and other fats I would generally eat as to not aggravate my Kapha dosha.
- I have them with a warm green tea to keep my Pitta in check.
- I only eat one egg per week.
- If I am feeling Pitta (inflammation / bad temper) or Kapha (heavy / lethargic) I stay away from eggs.
Eggs are a wonderful addition to your diet if you follow the above principles and you feel Vata issues. Plus, they are a fantastic alternative when you are trying to reduce your consumption of meat gradually.
In need of an Ayurvedic Meal Plan for your Dosha? Find it here.
Happy Healing!
Monica Gisella xx
