Eggs and Ayurveda, To Eat or Not To Eat? — Purusha Ayurveda (2024)

Health-conscious individuals today are frequently confronted with the decision to include or avoid eggs in their diets. This age-old question becomes even more pertinent when considering an Ayurvedic diet as part of your lifestyle and medicine cabinet choice. Eggs have long been associated with both health benefits, as well as certain drawbacks according to traditional Ayurveda that may influence consumption decisions. In this blog post, we provide insight into this age-old debate by discussing what Ayurveda has to say about egg consumption, its effect on the body's physical and mental wellbeing, nutrition suggestions for furthering your health journey (with or without eggs), and much more! So come join us on a fascinating journey delving deep into all things related to eggs and Ayurveda so you can make informed decisions regarding including them in your nutrition plan - if that is right for you.

Eggs According to your Dosha

Ayurveda takes a highly individualized approach to diet and health. The suitability of eggs in one's diet depends on various factors, including one's dosha, specific health conditions, and personal preferences. In general, here is what Ayurveda says about eating eggs according to your dosha.

  • For people with a Vata constitution, eggs can be a good source of nutrition, as they are grounding and nourishing. They should be eaten in moderation and preferably cooked with warming spices like cumin, ginger, or black pepper to help balance the Vata dosha.

  • Those with a Pitta constitution may need to consume eggs in moderation, as they can be heating and may aggravate the Pitta dosha. It is recommended to cook eggs with cooling spices like coriander, fennel, or mint to help balance the Pitta.

  • For Kapha individuals, eggs may not be the best choice, as they can be heavy and contribute to Kapha imbalances. However, if consumed, they should be eaten in moderation and cooked with spices like black pepper, ginger, or turmeric to help balance Kapha dosha.

Eggs and Spiritual Well-being

Ayurveda is not only a system of medicine but also a way of life that encompasses physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Food is seen as a source of nourishment for the body, mind, and soul, and the type of food consumed can impact one's spiritual growth and energy.

From an Ayurvedic perspective, foods are categorized into three groups known as gunas – sattvic, rajasic, and tamasic. These gunas represent the qualities and effects of food on the body and mind.

  • Sattvic foods are considered to be pure, clean, and nourishing. They promote mental clarity, spiritual growth, and a peaceful state of mind. Examples of sattvic foods include fresh fruits, vegetables, grains, nuts, seeds, and ghee and Ayurvedic buttermilk

  • Rajasic foods are stimulating and can lead to an active, restless mind. They may contribute to aggression, agitation, and increased ego. Examples of rajasic foods include spicy, salty, and sour foods, as well as stimulants like caffeine.

  • Tamasic foods are considered to be heavy, dull, and difficult to digest. They can lead to lethargy, depression, and clouded thinking. Examples of tamasic foods include meat, alcohol, processed and deep-fried foods, and leftovers.

Eggs are generally considered to be rajasic or tamasic, depending on factors such as how they are cooked and consumed. If eggs are fresh, prepared with care, and consumed in moderation, they may be considered rajasic. However, if eggs are overcooked, stale, or consumed in excess, they can take on tamasic qualities.

From a spiritual perspective, eating eggs may have some impact on one's energy and state of mind. Consuming rajasic or tamasic foods can potentially hinder spiritual growth by increasing agitation or clouding the mind. However, it's essential to remember that Ayurveda is a holistic system that considers the individual's unique constitution, lifestyle, and environment. The spiritual ramifications of consuming eggs may vary depending on one's dosha, personal beliefs, and spiritual practices.

In conclusion, from an Ayurvedic perspective, the spiritual impact of eating eggs depends on various factors, including how the eggs are prepared and consumed, one's unique constitution, and individual spiritual beliefs and practices. Consulting with a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner can provide tailored advice on whether eggs are suitable for your unique constitution and health needs.

Disclaimer
The sole purpose of these articles is to provide information about the tradition of Ayurveda. This information is not intended for use in the diagnosis, treatment, cure or prevention of any disease.

Eggs and Ayurveda, To Eat or Not To Eat? — Purusha Ayurveda (2024)

FAQs

Does Ayurveda recommend eating eggs? ›

They should be eaten in moderation and preferably cooked with warming spices like cumin, ginger, or black pepper to help balance the Vata dosha. Those with a Pitta constitution may need to consume eggs in moderation, as they can be heating and may aggravate the Pitta dosha.

Why do yogis not eat eggs? ›

Tama means inertia, instinct, and ignorance. Tamasic foods include meat, eggs, tobacco, garlic, onion, and fermented foods, all of which are also avoided by yogis as they tend to be heavy and distracting for the mind.

Is eating eggs bad karma? ›

From a religious standpoint, Hindu priest and government advisor Rami Sivan said that Hinduism doesn't explicitly condemn eating eggs. “Eating eggs which have been so abandoned does not constitute any bad karma because nothing has been harmed,” he said.

What food should be avoided in Ayurveda? ›

Food types to avoid:
  • Sweet and sour fruits like avocados, melons, papaya, dates, and figs.
  • Sweet vegetables like cucumbers, squash, sweet potato, raw tomatoes, and pumpkin.
  • Grains like oats, rice, wheat, pasta, and bread.
  • Most beans, peas, and lentils.
  • Dairy products like butter, ice cream, yogurt, butter, and sour cream.

Why you shouldn't eat eggs everyday? ›

About 60% of the calories in eggs are from fat—much of which is saturated fat. Eggs are also loaded with cholesterol—about 200 milligrams for an average-sized egg. That's more than double the amount in a Big Mac. Fat and cholesterol contribute to heart disease.

Why are there no eggs in Ayurveda? ›

Eggs are tamasic

So egg whites are balancing for all doshas, but it is not all good news… Animal products in yoga and ayurveda are considered tamasic. This means they cause inertia in the body and mind (tamasic foods basically turn you into a couch potato). Too many tamasic foods dull the mind and body.

What does Hinduism say about eating eggs? ›

However, a lot of Hindus believe that eggs are a form of meat and therefore eschew them. They are called “pure” vegetarians because of the fact that along with not eating meat they also do not eat eggs.

Does Buddha eat eggs? ›

With regard to eggs, they are in the fleshy smell category because they can become chicks, and they also contain animal scent. Therefore, one who has taken a strict vegetarian vow should not consume eggs. Although mass-produced eggs are now sterilized and do not contain life, they are obviously not of plant origin.

Can Brahmins eat eggs? ›

Many Brahmans refuse meat but do not hesitate to eat an omelette or another dish containing eggs.

Can Shiva devotees eat eggs? ›

Egg comes under their list of Tamsic foods along with meat. The other foods that are avoided are Onions Garlic and Mushrooms(Rajasic ) .

What religions do not eat eggs? ›

Jains abstain from eating eggs. Many Hindu and Orthodox Sikh vegetarians also refrain from eating eggs. An egg that naturally contains a spot of blood may not be eaten under Jewish and Islamic tradition, but eggs without any blood are commonly consumed (and are not considered to be meat, so may be eaten with dairy).

What does Ayurveda say about eggs? ›

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.

What is the staple food of Ayurveda? ›

Split Yellow Mung Dal: Sweet, cooling, and easily digestible, split yellow mung dal is a staple in a balanced Ayurvedic diet. Long Grain White Rice: Light and easy to digest, long-grain white rice helps to balance all three doshas. Basmati is preferred as it is the lightest.

What should we not eat at night in Ayurveda? ›

Eating the right food at the right time is crucial for your body to function properly and to stay healthy and fit. There are certain foods that are better to be avoided at night. For example, Ayurveda doesn't recommend eating curd, rice and non-vegetarian food during dinner time.

Why are eggs not satvic? ›

Satvic Diet: Some Hindu traditions emphasize a “satvic” diet, which prioritizes pure and purifying foods. Eggs might be considered rajasic (overly stimulating) or tamasic (impure) in this context.

What is the best breakfast food for Ayurveda? ›

Other suggestions for breakfast include dried figs and raisins, soaked the night before or simmered with a little water for 30 minutes. Or try one of the following healthy combinations: dates with a small dab of ghee replacing the pit; chapati flat bread with raw honey and warm milk; or oatmeal with raisins.

How healthy are eggs in India? ›

It is proven beyond doubt that eggs are a nutritious food that can provide several health benefits. They are a good source of high-quality protein, vitamins, and minerals such as vitamin D, vitamin B12, and selenium. Additionally, eggs contain healthy fats and antioxidants that support brain health and eye health.

On which day we should not eat eggs? ›

You can eat egg daily means any day any month at any cast of time it is good time or bad time not related Indian Calendar ..

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