urad dal is heat or cold for body - #37263
I am always confused about the effects of different foods on my body, and urad dal comes up a lot in my conversations with friends who are into healthy eating. Last week, I tried making this new recipe with urad dal for the first time. It was delicious, but after eating, I felt this strange warmth in my body. Not like the cozy warmth, more like a, I dunno, almost too hot feeling? A bit sweaty, if I’m being honest. My mom used to say that urad dal is heat or cold for body depending on how you prepare it, but she never really explained what that meant. I did some reading online, and now I’m even more confused! Some sources say urad dal is heat for body and can aggravate pitta dosha, while other say it could be cooling if balanced with right ingredients. What do you think? Can urad dal make you feel hot? Should I avoid it in the summer or could I balance it out with something like coconut or coriander? Honestly, I’m worried about all this talk of heat and cold foods messing with my digestion. I’ve had some issues there lately, and I’m not sure if it’s connected to what I eat. Just trying to figure out if I should keep eating urad dal or take a break from it, you know?
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Doctors’ responses
Urad dal indeed has warming properties according to Ayurveda. It’s understood to be more ushna or heating in nature, potentially increasing Pitta and Kapha doshas. Consuming it might cause that warm sensation you described. This isn’t inherently bad, but it depends on your individual constitution or prakriti, and current state of your vikriti, which is any dosha imbalances present.
If you have a dominant Pitta constitution or if you’re experiencing Pitta imbalance—symptoms like excessive heat, irritation, or inflammation—you might want to moderate your urad dal intake. It’s important to note that urad dal is also quite nourishing and heavy, which can make it difficult to digest, particularly if your digestive fire, or agni, is weak.
However, there are ways to balance its effects. Complementing urad dal with cooling spices can help neutralize its heat. Ingredients such as coriander, fennel, or cilantro, which have cooling and soothing properties, can be helpful. Coconut, either milk or grated, and ghee can also aid in balancing the warming effects of urad dal. These combinations can mitigate excessive heat and support digestion without overly intensifying Pitta.
In summer or if you’re experiencing digestive concerns, you might consider limiting uruad dal intake or consuming it in moderation with balancing ingredients mentioned. It’s essential to listen to your body’s signals and adjust consumption accordingly. Aim for lighter, easily digestible foods if you feel your digestion is sluggish at the moment.
Being mindful of your body’s response to different foods helps in maintaining balance. It may also be beneficial to incorporate regular practices that support digestion—such as herbal teas, gentle exercises, or including more sattvic (pure and balanced) foods in your diet. If digestion concerns persist, consulting a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner could provide personalized guidance. This won’t replace necessary medical interventions if the situation requires immediate attention—ensuring a holistic approach to your dietary habits while considering both Ayurvedic principles and practical life applications.

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