Vata Dosha Food List: What to Eat and What to Avoid

We have already touched the balancing diet for Vata dosha, now let’s see what are the best and the worst foods for Vata.

Preparing meals for Vata becomes much easier when you know the basic principles that operate the dosha. In Ayurvedic terms, Vata has such qualities as space (Akasha in Sanskrit) and air (Vayu). If these qualities or tendencies increase in a person with that dosha being predominant, then we say that Vata has come out of balance.

To remind you the key concepts of Vata diet: the food should be warm, moist and on time. Now let’s look at some specific topics considering Vata dosha meals.

vata dosha food listThe following recommendations for Vata dosha balancing foods are given on the basis of opinions of such Ayurvedic authorities as Deepak Chopra, Robert Svoboda, David Frawley and Vasant Lad (you will see their opinions on particular foods will differ sometimes).

Notes: * consume in moderate amounts, ** consume occasionally.

Vata Dosha Drinks

Vata dosha and juicing are good friends normally, though not all the juices are recommended.

Favor: milk, especially hot milk with spices (actually, all dairy products are good), water (obviously 🙂 ), apricot juice, pineapple juice, orange juice, Miso broth, grape juice, cherry juice, grapefruit juice, chicory, lemon water (water with lemon), almond milk, carrot juice, vegetable broth, peach juice, rice milk, soy milk (hot and with spices)*, aloe juice, mango juice, papaya juice, apple cider, berry juices (except cranberry).

Avoid: carbonated drinks, pomegranate juice, pear juice, cranberry juice, coffee, cold and iced drinks, caffeinated drinks, prune juice**, soy milk (cold), tomato juice**, cold milk drinks, ice tea, black tea, chocolate milk, apple juice; alcohol is better to avoid completely, especially if you practice yoga.

Vata Dosha and Eggs

Should you eat eggs? Well, traditionally Ayurveda is against the consumption of any food of animal origin except dairy products. But if you want to know whether eggs increase Vata or not, the answer is they don’t.

Vata Dosha and Fruits

As a rule, almost all sweet and juicy fruits are fine.

Favor: apricots, avocado, pineapples, oranges, bananas, grapes, cherries, grenades (Frawley), grapefruits, pears (Svoboda, Frawley), melons (in small amounts – Svoboda), strawberry, raisins (soaked), figs (fresh or soaked), kiwi, coconut, lime, lemons, raspberries (Frawley), mango, nectarines (Svoboda), papaya, peaches, rhubarb, plums, tamarind, dates (fresh or soaked), persimmon (Svoboda, Frawley), prunes (soaked), apples (cooked), applesauce, berries.

Avoid: naturally you should avoid almost all dried fruits (probably with some exceptions such as figs and dates), watermelon (that is actually surprising), grenades (Lad), pears (Lad), melons (Frawley), raisins (dried), figs (dried)**, cranberry, dates (dried)**, persimmon (Lad), prunes (dried), apples (raw), all unripe fruit (Svoboda).

According to David Frawley, fruits in general are light, and can contribute to Vata aggravation, therefore he advises people with predominant Vata dosha against following a fruit-only based diet.

Vata Dosha and Garlic

The majority of Ayurvedic authors agree that garlic is fine for Vata. It also helps to control blood pressure. You can use the following recipe: take 1 gm of garlic, make a paste out of it, and add it to a glass of buttermilk. Drink this substance twice a day – it will help you to lower your blood pressure. Other benefits of garlic include the lowering of cholesterol levels and preventing the heart disease.

Another thing to mention is that in terms of Gunas (the qualities of material Nature according to Ayurvedic concepts) garlic is considered to be a tamasic food (a food with a low energetic quality), while it is recommended to consume more sattvic (higher quality in terms of energy level) food, which is naturally healthy and brings peace to mind. The majority of vegetarian foods are considered to be sattvic, some rajasic (of fiery nature).

So, if you have to consume garlic, better have it as a medicine rather than part of your regular meals.

Dairy Foods for Vata

Almost all dairy products are good for Vata.

Favor: ghee, yogurt (diluted and with spices)*, goat cheese, butter, goat milk, cow milk, ice cream* (Lad), low-fat yogurt, sour cream*, cheese (soft), cheese (solid), cottage cheese.

Avoid: yogurt (plain, with fruits or frozen), goat milk (powder), cow milk (powder), ice cream (Frawley).

Most dairy products are beneficial for people with Vata constitution. It’s better to consume them warm and with spices. Milk will be digested easier when boiled, but drink it separately from other meals, because otherwise it may cause the worsening of your digestion and bloating.

Fermented dairy products are better for Vata than plain milk, because they digest easier and give Vata dosha more nourishment.

Ghee for Vata Dosha

Cow ghee is praised in Ayurvedic texts as a substance that can grant health and longevity. The main qualities of ghee are: oily, heavy, slow, soft, liquid and dense. It also has sweet taste. You have probably figured out by now that ghee is very beneficial for Vata dosha (as well as for Pitta). It helps with the elimination of wastes, and directs Vata downwards, ‘grounding’ it.

Ghee lubricates our digestive tract, reduces flatulence and alleviates hardness in bowels. All these are sure-fire signs of imbalanced Vata, and ghee deals with all of them. Due of its laxative qualities it treats and prevents constipation, which is quite useful for Vatas, and is very helpful during pregnancy.

Ghee can balance your doshas, but keep in mind that it increases Kapha in the body, so if you advise it to your friend who has Kapha as the predominant dosha, tell them not to take too much of ghee.

Best Grains for Vata Dosha

Favor: amaranth*, pancakes, muffins, quinoa, oats (cooked), wheat, durum wheat flour, rice (all types), seitan (“wheat meat”), bread made from sprouted wheat (bread of the Essenes).

Avoid: granola, buckwheat, crackers, corn, couscous, pasta**, muesli, oats (dry), oat bran, spelled, polenta (maize porridge)**, millet, wheat bran, rice cakes**, rye, sago, tapioca, dry bread or cereals for breakfast (cold, dry, flaked), yeast bread, barley, chips (Frawley).

Experts are quite unanimous when it comes to grains for Vata. And they say that this dosha can actually consume all grains and cereals, even those that are not really beneficial for it (the latter should be consumed less frequently though).

David Frawley says that during some Vata imbalances, related to Ama (toxins) accumulation, some grains that should be avoided, can actually be beneficial, for example, barley can be helpful for arthritis.

Rice is usually taken as a ‘food for rescue’, which Vatas can take even when no other food can be digested. But yeast bread and dry breakfasts of various kinds are not recommended.

Is Green Tea Good For Vata Dosha?

Actually, it is not. Like black tea, green tea can aggravate Vata. As an alternative, you can choose a herbal tea.

Herbal teas for Vata

There are many herbs you can use to prepare a tea. Here is the list of herbs and plants to favor and to avoid.

Favor: Ajwain (ajowan, or carom), marshmallow, orange peel, hawthorn, wintergreen, clove, strawberries*, ginger (fresh), catnip*, lavender, lemon grass, raspberry*, pennyroyal, spearmint, peppermint, oat straw, comfrey, fenugreek, chamomile, smilax, sassafras, licorice, fennel, chrysanthemum*, elderberry flowers, chicory*, sage, saffron, briar, eucalyptus, juniper berries.

Avoid: basil**, hibiscus, blackberries, jasmine**, ginseng, Yerba mate (Paraguayan tea)**, feather grass, cinnamon**, nettle**, red clover**, corn silk, burdock, Lucerne**, Melissa**, Mormon tea (Ephedra), borage, dandelion, passionflower**, milfoil, violet**, hops**, barley**.

Vata Dosha and Vegetables

As a general rule, all vegetables should be cooked (though having a raw salad occasionally is acceptable).

Favor: artichokes (Frawley), okra (Svoboda, Frawley), yam, eggplant (Frawley), rutabaga, seaweeds (Frawley), peas cooked, raw peas (Frawley), daikon*, green beans, green chili, mustard greens*, turnip greens*, zucchini, cabbage (cooked)*, potatoes (Frawley), cilantro, taro root, watercress, corn crude (Frawley), lettuce* (Lad), leafy greens*, onions cooked* (Lad), boiled or fried onions (the best way to reduce Vata according to Frawley), leek, carrot, cucumbers, black olives, sweet pepper (Frawley), chili (Frawley), parsnip, parsley*, radishes (cooked)*, turnip (Svoboda, Frawley), beet, asparagus (Lad, Svoboda), celery (Svoboda), Jerusalem artichoke*, pumpkin, fennel (anise), cauliflower*, garlic, spinach (raw and cooked)*.

Avoid: frozen, raw or dried vegetables, artichokes (Lad), eggplant (Svoboda, Lad), broccoli, Brussels sprouts, raw peas (Lad), mushrooms, dandelion greens, prickly pear cactus (fruit and leaves), cabbage (raw), potatoes (Svoboda, Lad), kohlrabi, burdock root, corn crud** (Lad), lettuce (Frawley), onions (raw), green olives, sweet and hot pepper (Lad), sweet pepper Svoboda), wheatgrass shoots, tomatoes (cooked)**, tomatoes (raw), radish (raw), turnip (Lad), beet greens**, celery, asparagus (Frawley), alfalfa and sunflower sprouts (Frawley), horseradish**, cauliflower (raw), spinach (Svoboda, Frawley).

Although the experts may differ in opinions on what veggies are acceptable and what are not, the general idea is that vegetables are not the best food for people with Vata dosha due to their dryness and lightness. Hence the need to cook them before eating with the solid amount of oil and spices. If you want to consume raw veggies, it’s better to make a juice out of them. Be careful with vegetables if your joints or muscles are stiff and painful, since it may be the sign of the significant amounts of toxins accumulated in them.

Beans and Lentils for Vata Dosha

All experts agree that the beans are not the best food for Vata and are suitable for occasional consumption only. Mung Dahl is an exception, since it is easy to digest, and is known to balance all doshas if cooked properly.

In Vatas’ case, all the legumes should be cooked with lots of spices, especially turmeric. Before cooking, legumes should be soaked in water for several hours. Robert Svoboda suggests boiling the soaked beans for 5-10 minutes, then drain water, and only after that use them for cooking.

Favor: whole Mung beans, Mung dal (peeled Mung beans), soy milk*, soy sausages*, soy sauce*, soy cheese*, tofu*, tur dal, urad dal, lentils (red)*.

Avoid: peanuts (Frawley), white beans, adzuki beans, pinto beans, shelling peas, peas (dried), lima beans, Miso**, chick-pea, pinto (Frawley), soy flour, soybeans, soybean powder, tempeh, kidney bean, black beans, brown lentils.

My notes: I used to eat both lentils (red and brown) quite often, and I must say that they can be fine for Vata; you only need to add enough oil or butter (or ghee) to them (I add oil to a ready dish), and cook them well, of course – this way lentils will not substantially increase your Vata. I like them for breakfast because lentils are very nourishing and rather easy to digest. And I do it them once I have a chance to.

Best Condiments and Spices for Vata Dosha

All authors are unanimous in the opinion that all the spices are favorable for Vata. The only thing to consider is the large amount of pungent spices – they can sear Vata, thus exacerbating it.

The best spices are asafoetida, ginger and garlic, but do not use them too much. You can use a cool fennel or sandalwood tea to reduce the dying effect of asafoetida.


Favor: ajwain, anise, orange peel, asafoetida, star anise, basil, vanilla, wintergreen, clove, mustard seed, ginger, cardamom, coriander (cilantro), cinnamon, red pepper*, turmeric, bay leaves, marjoram (origanum), poppy seed, nutmeg, mint, spearmint, peppermint, oregano, fenugreek, paprika, pimento, parsley, pippali, rosemary, salt, thyme, cumin, dill, fennel, savory, black pepper, garlic, saffron, estragon (tarragon).

Avoid: nothing!


Favor: gomashio, mustard, ketchup, cilantro*, red algae, lime, lemon, shallot, mayonnaise, mango pickles, algae, pickle, lime pickles, soy sauce, salt, sprouts*, tamari, vinegar, bladder, mango chutney (sweet and spicy), black pepper*, chili*.

Avoid: horseradish, chocolate.

Vata Dosha and Nuts

Nuts in general are considered to be good for Vata due to their grounding, nourishing and heavy nature. But you should eat them moderately to avoid overexerting your digestion.

Favor: peanuts, Brazil nuts, walnuts, pine nuts, cashew, coconuts, macadamia nuts, almonds, pecans, pistachios, hazelnut, charoul.

Avoid: according to Vasant Lad, there are no ‘bad’ nuts for Vata, while David Frawley considers roasted peanuts to be unfavorable.

Robert Svoboda believes that almonds are the best nuts for Vatas. But you should avoid eating it along with the husk, and you should not scald it to remove the shell. The best way is to soak almonds in water overnight, and remove the husk in the morning. If you eat 10 almonds in the morning, you will get the nutrients for the whole day.

Seeds for Vata

Favor: sesame seed, linseed, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, halwa.

Robert Svoboda says pumpkin seeds are a good brain tonic.

Avoid: popcorn, Persicaria maculosa**.

Oils for Vata Dosha

Favor: sesame, ghee, olive oil, and the majority of other plant oils (coconut and avocado are better used externally).

Avoid: linseed, safflower (Frawley), corn (Frawley), soybean (Frawley), margarine (Frawley).

Robert Svoboda writes that almond oil is good for the brain; coconut and sesame oil are great for hair, and mustard oil can be used on the skin.

Sweets for Vata Dosha

Although the sweet taste is beneficial for the dosha, you should not abuse it – consume sweet food in moderate amounts, preferring natural sweets. And you should avoid refined sugar as much as possible – it does no good for your dosha.

Favor: fruit juice concentrates, honey, molasses, jaggery (gur), rice syrup, sucanat, turbinado, fructose, barley malt.

Avoid: white refined sugar, maple syrup**.

Nutritional Supplements for Vata Dosha

Favor: amino acids, vitamins A, B-complex, B12, C, D, E, royal jelly, minerals: calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, zinc; aloe*, spirulina and blue-green algae, pollen.

Avoid: green barley, barm.

Vata Dosha and Fasting

This should probably be a standalone post, but we can briefly mention that fasting in general is not great for Vata people, because Vata gets imbalanced rather quickly on empty stomach. If you need to have a kind of fast or need some internal cleansing, better follow a mono-diet on that day, or eat fruits. Anyways, once there will be an opportunity, we may cover this topic in another article.

Vata Dosha and Protein

Another topic for a separate post; in essence, since we are talking about a vegetarian diet, the major sources of protein are legumes, grains, dairy products and some vegetables.

Vata Dosha and a Raw Food

Raw food is not ideal; it is usually quite light, and may aggravate the dosha if eaten too often or in large quantities. You can have a fresh salad once in a while, but for regular meals prefer cooked food (but don’t indulge in fried food too much either).

23 thoughts on “Vata Dosha Food List: What to Eat and What to Avoid

    1. Hi there:
      * consume in moderate amounts
      ** consume occasionally

      There is a description up above, close to the Vata DoshaDrinks

      Take good care

  1. Hello, I am suffering from gastritis…. i drink pomegranate juice 2 time a day is it safe ? Does Pomegranate juice increase gas or bloating ?

    1. Hello, Ritesh!
      Although pomegranate juice has anti-inflammatory properties, which is good for the gastrointestinal tract, it is also considered to be very acidic. So, If you really love to drink it, try dilluting it with water.

      As for the bloating, if you have the increased Vata dosha, then yes, it may cause gas and bloating, because bloating itself is a symptom of Vata dosha imbalance, and pomegranate juice is known to increase Vata as well.

  2. Hello,
    I am grateful for this information. What is one to do for a “vata pushing kapha” problem? Thank you!

  3. Hi! I’m vata dosha and my ayurvedic doctor told me to avoid yogurt and cheese because the ferment in them causes lightness in the body just like the yeast in the bread. But your article favors dairy, so now i’m confused… any tips? Thanks!

    1. Hello, Patricia,
      Sorry for such a late reply!

      Well, your doctor could tell you this because of your specific dosha imbalance I’m unaware of. The general rule is that dairy fermentation is OK for Vata. But yeast in the bread is better avoided.

      Dairy foods are good for Vata because they are heavy and nourishing in nature and have a sweet taste (mainly) – the combination, which pacifies Vata dosha. But there can be exceptions. As for the cheese (not paneer) – it is usually hard and dry, so, although it is dairy also, it may indeed aggravate your Vata.

      But as I said before, you may have some specific dosha combination, for which regular cheese is not the best option.

      As for the yogurt – normally it is fine for Vata, but don’t consume it in the evening, and after the meals. Your doctor might not recommend it because of your particular nature.

      And here is a small tip for you: when you don’t know whether a particular food is good for your dosha or not, simply try eating it for two weeks. If you see some discomfort or disruption in your digestion, bloating, gases, constipation, etc., then drop this food.

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