Breakfast to regenerate the nervous system: oatmeal with walnuts.

 

Walnuts are valued in Ayurveda as an energy-boosting, nourishing, and brain-supportive food, particularly beneficial for Vata and, in moderation, Kapha. They should be consumed mindfully by Pitta types due to their warming potency. Soaking and combining with spices can further enhance their benefits and digestibility.

Ginger, cinnamon, cardamom, black pepper, clove, and fennel are all excellent choices to help digest walnuts. Warming spices not only enhance flavor but also support the digestive process, making walnuts lighter and more nourishing according to Ayurvedic principles.

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Ayurvedic Properties of Walnuts:

• Rasa (Taste): Madhura (sweet), Kashaya (astringent), Tikta (slightly bitter)
• Virya (Potency): Ushna (warming)
• Vipaka (Post-digestive effect): Madhura (sweet)
• Guna (Qualities): Guru (heavy), Snigdha (unctuous/oily)

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Benefits and Uses:

1. Nourishing and Rejuvenating:
   Walnuts are considered a rasayana (rejuvenative), supporting tissue building, vitality, and strength.
2. Brain Health:
   Their shape and nutrient profile (rich in omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamin E) are believed to support brain function and memory. Ayurveda often correlates the doctrine of signatures (appearance reflecting use) with walnuts benefiting the mind.
3. Good for Vata and Kapha:
4. • Vata: Walnuts’ oily, heavy, and warming qualities help pacify Vata’s dryness and coldness, making them an excellent choice for Vata types, especially in cooler seasons or when experiencing depletion, dryness, or nervousness.
   • Kapha: In moderation, walnuts can be grounding and nourishing for Kapha, but due to their heaviness and oiliness, they should be eaten in small quantities and ideally with warming spices (like ginger or cinnamon) to prevent sluggishness.
   • Pitta: Walnuts can be heating, so they should be consumed in moderation by Pitta types, especially if there is excess heat or inflammation.
5. Support for Reproductive and Nervous Systems:
   Walnuts help build and nourish the reproductive tissues (Shukra dhatu) and the nervous system, supporting fertility, emotional stability, and overall vitality.
6. Lubricates Tissues and Promotes Regularity:
   Their natural oils help lubricate the body’s channels, supporting joint health and healthy elimination.

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How to Use in Ayurveda:

• Eat a few walnuts soaked overnight (to enhance digestibility) as a snack or add to porridges, chutneys, or desserts.
• Combine with warming spices to balance their heaviness and oiliness, especially for Kapha and Pitta types.

INGREDIENTS
• 1 cup rolled oats- no instant oats.
• 2 cups water
• 1 tsp ghee
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon

• Pinch of nutmeg, cardamom, black pepper, and fresh ginger.
• Handful of chopped walnuts or walnut butter.
• 1 tsp of chia seeds
• 1/2 flax seeds
Honey to top

DIRECTIONS
1. In a pot, mix the oats, seeds, and water.
2. Add the cinnamon and nutmeg. Mix until the oats have thickened.
3. Top with ghee, spices, walnuts, and honey

For Kapha, you can use quinoa instead of oats and add a pinch of ginger.

For Pitta, use maple syrup instead of honey