• In :
• Food

Naini Setalvad explains the Kapha Dosha type according to ayurveda and recommends appropriate foods for this type of person

In the pursuit of understanding what is meant by a good healthy life, I came across the three doshas or the three body types according to ayurveda: Vata Dosha, Pitta Dosha and Kapha Dosha. It is very important to know what dosha type you are classified into as it will help you understand and discover what you can do to help your body regain its natural state of balance.

Ayurveda recognises that every person is made of a unique psycho-physiological body type or dosha, and these body types react differently to various external dynamics like food, climate, stress, colours, etc. Thus, no two people can be the exact same as the doshas vary in each person to certain degrees. 

These doshas are controlled by the five major elements, namely, earth, water, fire, air, and space. These elements are found in each body in differing amounts; thus, the extent of their interaction with each other is represented by the three doshas. These are forces of nature inside the body, constantly working with the forces of nature outside our body. The more we harmonise the two, the better our health will be.

What is Kapha Dosha?

In the previous two articles relating to the different kinds of doshas, i.e., Vata and Pitta Dosha, we have understood that the Vata Dosha relates to the air and space elements and the Pitta Dosha, to the fire element. Kapha Dosha, on the other hand, is controlled by the elements of earth and water, thus making it the most unchanging among all the three doshas. 

The main characteristic of Kapha Dosha is being in sync with the pace of earthly survival. A Kapha type person seems to have all the nurturing qualities that are generally associated with Mother Earth, such as affection, sensuality, calmness, and forgiveness. Food tends to be their weak point as they are ruled by the sense of smell and taste. Thus, they tend to be inherently good cooks. Physically, they have a lot of strength and stamina. Hence, they enjoy doing labour-intensive work such as lifting heavy objects, as these tiring physical activities make them feel lively. On the other hand, a sedentary lifestyle inclines them to pile on the pounds, as food is the answer to most of their problems. Any emotional imbalance is solved through eating, as food gratifies them the most. It is easy to identify if Kapha is unbalanced in them as they tend to have excessive weight. 

Personality

Kapha Dosha types tend to have big eyes with dark or blue irises. A typical Kapha trait is their smooth, soft, cool skin which is devoid of any freckles or moles. Since it is naturally oily, it tends to give a shiny glow. The most relaxed of the three dosha types, they are the most romantic. They also find contentment in caring for a family. 

When a Kapha type is facing any internal disagreements, they tend to keep it bottled up within them. This unrest, when stored for too long, can cause obstruction and stagnation in the form of depression which converts their assets into liabilities. This can even lead to the formation of cancers. You can identify a Kapha type if you see them constantly complaining about chest colds, coughs, asthma, sinus congestion, and allergies. 

Kapha type people should pursue excitement in their lives as it will benefit them. So, if you identify as a Kapha type, engage in activities such as exercising, travelling, singing, dancing, and other things that will make you feel alive. Thus, the crucial element to keep a Kapha type balanced is ‘stimulation.’ So, let’s look at foods that are beneficial to Kapha Dosha types.

Vegetables: Bell peppers, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, eggplant, bitter gourd, lettuce, okra, onion, spinach, and turnips.

Fruits: Apples, apricots, berries, cherries, dried figs, peaches, pears, and pomegranate.

Grains: Corn, barley, rye, and millet

Proteins: Peas, black beans, chickpeas, and red lentils.

Dairy products: Cow’s ghee, goats milk and cheese, yoghurt.

Fats: Mustard, sunflower, corn, and safflower oils. 

Nuts: Coconut; roasted pumpkin, sunflower, and sesame seeds. 

Spices: Ajwain, asafoetida, basil, cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, coriander, cumin, curry leaves, dried ginger, garam masala, mustard seeds, neem leaves, saffron, sage, and turmeric. Natural salts are beneficial over commercial salts.  

Sweeteners: Raw honey.

Avoid red meats and its products. White sugar is very difficult for this type to digest and should be eliminated. Out go alcohol, aerated drinks, and energy drinks too. 

Kapha Dosha types tend to normally have an average sleep of eight to twelve hours a day. They like to dress in colourful and flowing clothes. Jewellery and accessories are also kept to a bare minimum and nothing too over the top.

Recipes for the Kapha Dosha types:
CUCUMBER AND DILL SALAD

Ingredients

1 cucumber

2 tsp finely chopped dill

2 tbs freshly squeezed lemon juice

1 tsp sea salt

2 tsp roasted sesame seeds

Method

• Peel and thinly slice cucumber.

• Mix with dill, lemon juice, and sea salt.

• Garnish with roasted sesame seeds.

• Serve as a condiment.

BARLEY AND MOONG KHICHDI

Ingredients

1 cup barley dalia

½ cup whole moong dal

1 cup finely chopped carrots and French beans 

2 tsp ghee

1/8 tsp turmeric

4 fresh curry leaves

½ tsp black cardamom

1/4 tsp coarse black pepper

½ tsp coriander powder

1/4 tsp sea salt

3 cups boiling water

Method

• Wash barley and moong dal.

• Soak moong in two cups of cold water for two hours and drain.

• In a large pot, heat ghee and sauté the spices and salt over low heat for two minutes.

• Add finely chopped carrots and French beans and sauté for five minutes.

• Add the barley dalia and moong, and sauté for four minutes.

• Add boiling water, stir, and cover.

• Cook over medium-low heat for one and a half hours, stirring occasionally. Serve warm.