by Setareh Kiumarsi
When you hear the word Ayurveda or yoga, doesn’t the word vegetarianism immediately come to mind? So what does Ayurveda (the ancient system of traditional Indian medicine) actually say about consuming animal protein? Is Ayurveda opposed to animal-based foods?
Interestingly, in the classical Ayurvedic texts—some of which date back more than 4,000 years—there are numerous discussions about the properties and benefits of different types of animal protein, including red meat, poultry, reptiles, and seafood. In fact, many Ayurvedic medicinal recipes incorporate animal products.
Why is that? Because Ayurveda teaches that consuming a specific part of an animal can help strengthen the corresponding organ or tissue in the human body. For instance, someone experiencing muscle atrophy might be advised to consume a soup made with goat meat to help rebuild muscular density. Or someone with kidney issues might be prescribed animal kidneys.
But here’s the key point: because animal protein is more difficult to digest, overconsumption or improper preparation and food combining, can seriously damage the digestive system, and therefore impact both physical and mental well-being.
That’s why it’s absolutely critical to pay attention to how animal protein is cooked, how much is eaten, and what it’s paired with.
(You can find more about this in related posts: Combining Animal Protein with Other Foods in Ayurveda and Proper Consumption of Animal Protein from an Ayurvedic Perspective.)
The Role of Compassion in Ayurveda
Since Ayurveda is a spiritual science, it places a strong emphasis on compassion toward animals. In today’s world, industrial animal farming often involves deeply inhumane practices. Animals experience intense fear, sadness, and suffering throughout their short lives and especially during slaughter.
Ayurveda recognizes the principle that energy and matter are interchangeable, and that our cells are intelligent. Therefore, when we eat meat from animals raised in fear and trauma, those emotional imprints can be transferred into our own cellular system.
Moreover, excessive consumption of animal-based foods is believed to increase aggression, ego, inertia, and tamas (a dull, heavy quality of consciousness) in one’s mental and emotional state. That’s why those who follow a yogic or spiritual path are generally advised to avoid or greatly reduce animal protein in their diets.
Considering that industrial animal agriculture is one of the biggest contributors to environmental pollution and climate change, wouldn’t it be wise, even if we’re not motivated by personal health, to reduce our intake of animal products for the sake of this beautiful planet?
That said, if you are already vegetarian or planning to become one, it’s crucial to learn how to practice vegetarianism properly. Improper or unbalanced plant-based eating can seriously disrupt your bodily systems and lead to long-term imbalance.
So, what are the principles of healthy vegetarianism from an Ayurvedic perspective?
We’ll explore this in detail in upcoming posts. Stay tuned.
If you share this article—written with love and in the hope of supporting health for all—please credit the author, Setareh Kiumarsi.
