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College of Ayurvedic Diet & Digestion


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Tempeh Benefits (According to Ayurveda)
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Table of Contents

Recipes with Tempeh: Tempeh, Bean Sprouts & Cucumber with Mint Coconut Sauce
Recipes with Tempeh: Tempeh, Bean Sprouts & Cucumber with Mint Coconut Sauce

About Tempeh

Tempeh is fermented soybeans.

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Is Tempeh Good for My Ayurvedic Diet?

Find out by taking this free, easy quiz. You'll learn your body type, and whether 'Tempeh' is a good fit. Complete the basic quiz in 1 minute, or go deeper with additional quizzes at your own leisure to learn more about your body.

Take the Quiz

AYURVEDA'S GUIDE TO VITALITY & WHOLESOME NOURISHMENT

Your Ayurvedic diet is tailored to your individual body and your specific imbalances. With an Ayurvedic diet you feel joy and satisfaction because what you are eating truly nourishes and balances you. Disease results from diets and lifestyles that are incompatible with your nature. By eating a personalized diet matched to your body, you experience optimal health. See How it Works.

Metabolic Nature of Tempeh

See a complete list of all biocharacteristics.

METABOLIC NATURE

Metabolic Nature

Ayurveda assesses metabolic imbalances through 20 main biocharacteristics (gunas). Aggravating them weakens your body and causes imbalance. By knowing which biocharacteristics are habitually imbalanced in your body, you will be able to identify and correct metabolic imbalances before you get sick. Every biocharacteristic has an opposite which balances it (i.e. hot balances cold). You restore balance by favoring diet and lifestyle choices that increase the opposite biocharacteristic.

Find Out More

DRY

ABOUT DRY BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Dry is identified by lack of moisture, lack of fat, or anything that causes diuresis.

LEARN MORE ABOUT DRY

HEAVY

ABOUT HEAVY BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Heavy is identified by sedation, sluggishness, or increased weight.

LEARN MORE ABOUT HEAVY

TASTES

The 6 Tastes

Taste is used to sense the most basic properties and effects of food. Each taste has a specific medicinal effect on your body. Cravings for food with certain tastes indicate your body is craving specific medicinal results from food. Taste is experienced on the tongue and represents your body's reaction to foods. Sweet taste causes physical satisfaction and attraction whereas bitter taste causes discomfort and aversion. Kapha should use less sweet taste while Vata and Pitta would benefit from using more sweet taste. One of the first signs of illness is that your taste and appetite for food changes. The six tastes are sweet, sour, salty, pungent, bitter, and astringent. Do you crave foods with any of the tastes below?

Find Out More

ASTRINGENT

ABOUT ASTRINGENT BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Astringency is characterized by constriction, drawing together, or drying.

LEARN MORE ABOUT ASTRINGENT

DOSHAS

The Three Doshas / Body Types

Ayurveda is a metabolic theory of medicine that explains individual health, tendencies, and disease patterns through the concept of doshas, which can be understood as your metabolic patterns and tendencies.

Each dosha reflects a distinct metabolic nature and describes strengths & weaknesses in bodily function, and how these affect energy levels, digestion, susceptibility to disease, and many other tendencies.

Your metabolic nature not only affects your physical characteristics, but also influences your mental thought patterns, confidence, and enthusiasm.

Ayurveda balances these metabolic strengths & weaknesses to support your body's vitality and prevent recurrent disease cycles. This support is a critical aid, especially in chronic or incurable disease conditions.

The 3 metabolic body types (doshas), are Catabolic (Vata), Metabolic (Pitta), and Anabolic (Kapha).

Through dosha, Ayurveda empowers people to identify metabolic imbalances early, break repetitive patterns of disease, and cultivate habits that support long-term vitality and well-being.

Ultimately, these metabolic patterns also provide a framework for understanding yourself, including body, mind, and spiritual tendencies.

Find Out More

PACIFIES
Pitta pacifying Vata pacifying
AGGRAVATES
Kapha aggravating

GREEK MEDICINE / TEMPERAMENTS

The Four Temperaments / Humors

Ayurveda & Greek Medicine were the dominant form of medicine along the Silk Road from England to China and South Asia. They work by assessing your metabolic type, patterns, and nature. Greek medicine recognizes 4 metabolic temperaments, Melancholic, Choleric, Sanguine, and Phlegmatic.

Find Out More

PACIFIES
CHOLERIC

ABOUT CHOLERIC BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Has a hot and dry metabolic nature. Enthusiastic, vibrant and bright. In excess burns up fluids and ojas, irritable. Corresponds to high bilirubin in the blood that irritates and heats up the body and liver.

LEARN MORE ABOUT CHOLERIC

MELANCHOLIC

ABOUT MELANCHOLIC BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Cold and dry metabolic nature. Colicky, tense. Withdrawn, pensive, anxious, and hesitant.

LEARN MORE ABOUT MELANCHOLIC

SANGUINE

ABOUT SANGUINE BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Hot & moist. Full-blooded, vigorous. Vivacious, social, and epicurean. Bullish.

LEARN MORE ABOUT SANGUINE

AGGRAVATES
PHLEGMATIC

ABOUT PHLEGMATIC BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Wet & cold. When out of balance becomes congested, stagnant, and overweight. Loving, trusting, and patient.

LEARN MORE ABOUT PHLEGMATIC

Other

Family:
Fabaceae

Medicinal Benefits, Uses & Herbal Actions of Tempeh
Experiences are Personal
Experiences vary according to the person and constitution. Individual results may vary. The list of herbal-actions below has not be approved by the FDA and should not be used to treat a medical condition.

(see all)
Mind, Stress & Sleep:
Nerve Relaxant Grounding

NERVE-RELAXANT-GROUNDING

Encourages feelings of stability and heaviness. Makes you feel settled, mentally relaxed. Mildly sedates the nervous system to ease stress. Can bring a spacey or anxious person back to earth. Reduces agitation, irritation, stress and racing thoughts.

SEE ALL 'NERVE-RELAXANT-GROUNDING' FOODS / HERBS

Energy Vitality:
Satisfies Stomach

SATISFIES-STOMACH

Provides a sense of gratification and fullness in the stomach.

SEE ALL 'SATISFIES-STOMACH' FOODS / HERBS

,
Nutritive

NUTRITIVE

An herb that is strengthening and nourishing.

SEE ALL 'NUTRITIVE' FOODS / HERBS

,
Tonic

TONIC

A tonic herb restores function through strengthening tissue. This can happen through a combination of nourishing the tissue, and invigorating tissue metabolism. The tonic should not be withering, as in caffeine.

SEE ALL 'TONIC' FOODS / HERBS

Kidney & Urinary:
Diuretic

DIURETIC

Herbs that promote urine formation, thereby flushing the kidneys and urinary tract while eliminating any excess water retention. As diuretics reduce water retention, they are often used to reduce blood pressure.

SEE ALL 'DIURETIC' FOODS / HERBS

,
Dries Mouth

DRIES-MOUTH

Makes the mouth feel dry, or pasty.

SEE ALL 'DRIES-MOUTH' FOODS / HERBS

Reproductive Health:
Estrogenic

ESTROGENIC

Increases estrogen, helpful in menopause. Estrogen is anabolic and increases muscle growth, bone density, and moisture.

SEE ALL 'ESTROGENIC' FOODS / HERBS

Constituents:
Iron

STRONG IRON

Iron is necessary for the transport of oxygen in red blood cells.

SEE ALL 'IRON' FOODS / HERBS

,
Isoflavone

ISOFLAVONE

A type of naturally occurring isoflavonoid. Many have a phytoestrogen effect. Frequently found in the pea family (Fabaceae).

SEE ALL 'ISOFLAVONE' FOODS / HERBS

,
Magnesium

MAGNESIUM

Helps muscles relax. Laxative.

SEE ALL 'MAGNESIUM' FOODS / HERBS

, Protein, Soluble Fiber

Foods with a Similar Nature to Tempeh

  • Tofu

    Tofu has these Actions in Common

    Dries-mouth, Nutritive, Estrogenic, Satisfies-stomach, Diuretic, Nerve-relaxant-grounding

    LEARN MORE

  • Butternut Squash

    Butternut Squash has these Actions in Common

    Nerve-relaxant-grounding, Tonic, Nutritive, Diuretic, Satisfies-stomach

    LEARN MORE

  • Egg Yolk

    Egg Yolk has these Actions in Common

    Nerve-relaxant-grounding, Tonic, Nutritive, Dries-mouth, Satisfies-stomach

    LEARN MORE

  • Hemp Seed

    Hemp Seed has these Actions in Common

    Nutritive, Diuretic, Satisfies-stomach, Nerve-relaxant-grounding, Tonic

    LEARN MORE

  • Sorghum Flour

    Sorghum Flour has these Actions in Common

    Nerve-relaxant-grounding, Diuretic, Nutritive, Dries-mouth, Satisfies-stomach

    LEARN MORE

  • Jackfruit

    Jackfruit has these Actions in Common

    Dries-mouth, Satisfies-stomach, Nerve-relaxant-grounding, Tonic, Nutritive

    LEARN MORE

  • Peanut Butter

    Peanut Butter has these Actions in Common

    Nerve-relaxant-grounding, Nutritive, Dries-mouth, Satisfies-stomach

    LEARN MORE

  • Peanuts

    Peanuts has these Actions in Common

    Nutritive, Dries-mouth, Satisfies-stomach, Nerve-relaxant-grounding

    LEARN MORE

  • Millet

    Millet has these Actions in Common

    Nerve-relaxant-grounding, Nutritive, Dries-mouth, Satisfies-stomach

    LEARN MORE

  • Buffalo Milk

    Buffalo Milk has these Actions in Common

    Nutritive, Satisfies-stomach, Nerve-relaxant-grounding, Tonic

    LEARN MORE

Herbs & Supplements with a Similar Nature to Tempeh

  • Shatavari

    Shatavari has these Actions in Common

    Estrogenic, Nerve-relaxant-grounding, Nutritive, Tonic

    LEARN MORE

  • Gokshura

    Gokshura has these Actions in Common

    Nutritive, Tonic, Diuretic, Nerve-relaxant-grounding

    LEARN MORE

  • Vidari

    Vidari has these Actions in Common

    Diuretic, Nerve-relaxant-grounding, Nutritive, Tonic

    LEARN MORE

  • Ashwagandha

    Ashwagandha has these Actions in Common

    Diuretic, Nerve-relaxant-grounding, Nutritive, Tonic

    LEARN MORE

  • Bala Taila

    Bala Taila has these Actions in Common

    Tonic, Nerve-relaxant-grounding, Nutritive

    LEARN MORE

  • Maca

    Maca has these Actions in Common

    Estrogenic, Nutritive, Tonic

    LEARN MORE

  • Shatavari Ghee

    Shatavari Ghee has these Actions in Common

    Nutritive, Tonic, Estrogenic

    LEARN MORE

  • Vata Shirodhara Oil

    Vata Shirodhara Oil has these Actions in Common

    Nerve-relaxant-grounding, Nutritive, Tonic

    LEARN MORE

  • Blue Cohosh

    Blue Cohosh has these Actions in Common

    Diuretic, Estrogenic, Nerve-relaxant-grounding

    LEARN MORE

  • Red Clover

    Red Clover has these Actions in Common

    Diuretic, Estrogenic, Nutritive

    LEARN MORE

  • Oats, Fresh Milky Seed

    Oats, Fresh Milky Seed has these Actions in Common

    Nerve-relaxant-grounding, Nutritive, Tonic

    LEARN MORE


Joyful Belly is a recognized college of biocharacteristics medicine.

CONTRAINDICATED FOR
THESE SYMPTOMS

Tempeh may be harmful or contraindicated for these symptoms. Please see your doctor before using this food to treat a medical condition.

Herb Drug Interaction Risk

Here are some potential herb drug interactions with Tempeh. Please see your health care provider for more information.
  • Diuretic: Diuretics may clear pharmaceutical drugs more quickly, lowering the effect. Avoid if taking water pills or pharmaceutical diuretics.

View other ingredients
for Autumn-Winter

Tempeh is recommended for Autumn-Winter. Check out these other Autumn-Winter foods here.
VIEW ALL AUTUMN-WINTER FOODS MORE FOODS FOR VATA / PITTA MAIN INGREDIENT PAGE

HOW DOES EATING AYURVEDICALLY MAKE YOU FEEL?

Eating Ayurvedically makes you feel nourished and energized. Food digests with ease when right for your body type (dosha). Healthy digestion is seen as the cornerstone of well-being in Ayurveda. Healthy digestion generally prevents illness. If you do get sick, a strong digestive fire reduces the severity of illness and increases your resilience. It also improves your mood. Once you begin eating Ayurvedically, you will feel refreshed, vital and strong.
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About the Author

John Immel, the founder of Joyful Belly, teaches people how to have a healthy diet and lifestyle with Ayurveda. His approach to Ayurveda is clinical, yet exudes an ease which many find enjoyable and insightful. John also directs the Joyful Belly College of Ayurveda, offering professional clinical training in Ayurveda for over 15 years.

John's hobbies & specialties include advanced digestive disorders, medieval Catholic philosophy, & botany. He holds a bachelor's degree in mathematics from Harvard University. His wife and family of 7 kids live in Asheville, NC.

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Comments & Impressions of 'Tempeh'

Do you like 'tempeh'? Why or why not? What makes it unique? Is there something else you'd like to know about 'tempeh'?

(1.00 out of 5 stars) 1 rating, 183 likes
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Kim McFadden Wilmington, DE
2013-04-12
“The tempeh at Whole Foods is a mixture of fermented soy and brown rice. Is this still good for a Pitta-Vata constitution?"
Like Reply
John J Immel Asheville, NC
2013-04-18
“Generally, fermented foods should be avoided for pitta dosha. Beans may be difficult for Vata to digest. Otherwise, in moderate amounts tempeh should be okay for both."
Like Reply
Debbi Jesse
2023-05-02
“Tempeh has a wonderfully nutty flavor and firm texture that can be used in so many recipes. I've used tempeh instead of meat in dishes with General Tso and Thai peanut sauces."
Like Reply
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