In Ayurveda, nuts are categorized as tonics (having positive effects on body, mind, and spirit) and are nutritives that are strengthening and rejuvenating. They help increase fat, marrow, nerve, and reproductive tissue and help build blood and muscles.
They help to increase immunity (ojas) in the body and are considered Sattvic (pure). Tree nuts also contain phytochemicals classifying them as antioxidants, anti-inflammatories, and antivirals. The downside is that nuts are high in calories, heavy, oily, and hard to digest. Therefore, they should only be eaten in moderation, particularly for Pittas and Kapha’s.
Soaking nuts and seeds reduce heat, and phytic acid/tannin, which makes them easier to assimilate and absorb. Also, blanching and peeling nuts remove the outer covering, increasing their digestibility.
Nuts are an excellent source of fiber and are high in vitamin E, B, calcium, selenium, copper, magnesium, riboflavin, iron, potassium, zinc, niacin, thiamine, and folate. They are believed to protect us from chronic diseases like diabetes and heart issues.
In general, nuts have the sweet and astringent tastes, which are best for Vata’s and Pittas, and the Astringent taste is best for Pittas and Kapha’s. Nuts are typically heating in nature, which is best for Vata’s and Kapha’s.
Vata’s benefit the most from nuts due to their high-fat content, Almonds are the best but roasted should be avoided because they are dry, but salted raw is good, and nut butter.
Pittas do best with sunflower seeds, pinenuts, and coconut. Blanched and peeled almonds are good because they are cooling.
Kapha’s should limit nuts because of astringency, heaviness, and increases Ama (toxins). Walnuts are best because of their heating quality, but sunflower and pumpkin seeds are considered tri-doshic.
Nuts and seeds are considered a good weight loss snack because of their high amounts of protein and fiber, which promote a feeling of fullness and easily keep glucose levels balanced.
Avoid nuts if you have poor gut health, digestive issues, bloating, acidity, Gerd, diarrhea, IBS, ulcerative colitis, or nut allergies.
