Nuts
are considered an important part of the vegetarian diet
as they supply fiber, minerals, and vitamins. They contain
beneficial phytochemicals. Some contain many different forms
of plant sterols, which are believed to help moderate blood
cholesterol. Some of the volatile oils in nuts contain antioxidants
that help counter free radical damage. Tree nuts like almonds,
walnuts and pecans contain no cholesterol. Most of the calories
in nuts come from fat, but mainly unsaturated fat, and fat
performs some essential functions in the body.
According
to ayurveda, nuts of all kinds, in moderation, nut milks
and nut butters, and sunflower and pumpkin seeds are excellent
for pacifying Vata. Blanched and peeled almonds in moderation,
and coconuts, are good for Pitta, as are sunflower and pumpkin
seeds. Nuts increase Kapha, but sunflower and pumpkin seeds
in moderation are acceptable in a Kapha diet.
Make
sure the nuts you buy are fresh and in season, because rancid
oils from nuts can actually increase free radicals and are
considered toxic. Nuts can be a little heavy to digest,
so it is important to learn how to prepare them so that
the body can use them effectively. If you are on a light
diet to reduce ama, then it is best to avoid nuts. Eating
a handful of nuts along with some raisins helps to digest
the nuts and is a popular ayurvedic snack-great for children
after school or on a hiking trip or long car ride.
Nuts
have been a food staple for thousands of years in different
parts of the world. Nuts can be ground into flours, nut
milks, nut butters, and pastes such as almond paste or the
popular dessert marzipan. There are a variety of ways to
cook with nuts in main dishes, snacks, or desserts. The
nutritional oils from almond, cashew, and coconut also make
beneficial massage oils, which your skin literally eats.
The personal skin care line from Maharishi Ayurveda includes
products that contain some of these precious oils as ingredients.
Ayurveda
claims that almonds are saatvic nuts that help to produce
ojas, the finest by-product of digestion. Almonds are energizing,
and balancing for the mind. The almond tree belongs to the
same family of plants as the rose, the plum, and the peach.
The ayurvedic way to eat almonds is first to blanch the
shelled nuts and then soak them overnight. Removing the
skins removes any Pitta-aggravating qualities and the soaking
helps to make them lighter and easier to digest. About ten
almonds a day is the general recommendation, but if you
have a Kapha imbalance, then eat about five almonds per
day at the most. If you are trying to lose weight, it is
best to avoid nuts. Almond milk is considered extremely
nourishing.
Cashew
nuts and pistachio nuts are also used in ayurvedic cooking.
They add both delicious taste and needed protein to the
vegetarian diet. Cashew Delight from Maharishi Ayurveda
is a cashew nut butter mixed with herbs and raisins. A teaspoon
or two can be eaten just plain for a snack, or spread onto
light crackers or mixed into hot milk for a morning drink.
Peanuts
are not recommended in ayurveda. Peanuts are not really
nuts; they are legumes. Peanuts are difficult to digest
and can make one feel sluggish and lethargic in body and
mind. Ayurvedically, it is better to use either cashew or
almond butter for sandwiches.
Walnuts
are astringent and are fine for people trying to balance
Kapha to eat in moderation. One walnut a day is good for
growing children as it is considered to have "medhya"
qualities-nourishing for the brain. Walnuts are considered
natural "stress-busters."
Pine
nuts can be combined with fresh basil to make flavorful
pesto sauce. Pesto over pasta can make a hearty delicious
meal.
Other
nuts, including pecans, hazelnuts, brazil nuts, and macadamia
nuts are good for pacifying Vata.
Florentine
Spinach
Lightly
steam spinach. Drain. Mix in spices, flour and crumbled
paneer, half of the walnut mixture and the egg substitute.
Form into balls and roll in flour. Drop into boiling salted
water and cook 3-4 minutes without letting water come to
a boil. Remove with a slotted spoon. Pour melted butter
and powdered walnuts over the spinach balls. Serve over
rice. For more ayurvedic recipes, visit
http://www.mapi.com/en/recipes/index.html.
Nutburgers
- 2
cups cooked brown rice
- 4
cups nuts (cashews and almonds) ground in a blender
- 1
cup paneer
- 1/4
cup fresh yogurt
- Salt
and pepper to taste
- 1/4
tsp hing (asafetida)
- Egg
substitute to replace one egg
- Ghee
for frying
- Wheat
flour for coating
Combine
ingredients and make 6 patties. You may need to add more
yogurt to hold patties together. Coat each with flour, dust
excess off gently. Fry patties in Ghee until brown on both
sides. For more ayurvedic recipes, visit http://www.mapi.com/en/recipes/index.html
