Maharishi Ayurveda
Grains and Oils

a) Grains are the nutritional foundation of diet being rich in heavier nutritional factors like carbohydrate and protein. Grains are the staff of life.

b) Eat a variety of grains for fullest nutrition. Use amaranth, quinoa, bulgar wheat, millet, barley and cous cous in addition to wheat & rice.

c) Grains need to be mixed with some oils or they can be too drying.

d) Avoid leavened breads that are in risen loafs as they are clogging to the physiology.

e) Rice is light (good for summer) and wheat is heavier (good for winter).

* Have both rice and wheat chapatis at lunch for most nourishment.

* Use white basmati rice.

* Brown rice is avoided as it is hard to digest.

f) Two basic types of grain preparation

* Grain Preparation Type 1:

Boiled in water, very easy to digest.

Add spices, vegetables, herbs, dried fruits according to season.

* Grain Preparation Type 2:

Chapatis and flat breads. Use fresh dough and do not refrigerate. Raise, puff up, chapatis over flame or burners after cooking by holding over heat with a tong. You can add spices, minced herbs and vegetables to the dough to improve digestion, taste and appearance.

g) Grain flour can be mixed with legume flours (chick pea etc.) for most nourishment.

h) Barley is the best grain to use for weight loss and excess Kapha.

Oils

General

a) Because many pesticides are oil soluble it is important to use organic, oils are to avoid toxin concentration. Cook slowly on low heat.

b) Don't take to high heat as this changes the chemistry of the oil to be more clogging in the body.

c) Oils are used to sauté spices and increase effectiveness of spices.

d) Ayur-Veda recommends unctuous foods. Good oils, properly prepared balance Vata and nurture brain and nervous system tissue.

Ghee

Can make yourself or buy.

Good for nerves and brain.

Doesn't need to be refrigerated.

Doesn't burn as quickly as butter.

Olive oil

Good when cardiovascular health is a concern.

Use extra virgin (first press and cold press).

Sesame oil

In evening for Vata pacification