Ayurvedic Benefits of
Khapli Wheat
: A Healing Grain

0 Like

Save

0 Like

Save

Quick Summary

For over 5,000 years, Ayurveda has existed in India as an ancient science of life that focuses on balancing body, mind, and soul to maintain health and prevent disease. During this same time, select local ingredients and ancient grains, like the khapli wheat, have gone in and out of popularity but never vanished completely from the indigenous food scene. Bring together Ayurveda and ancient grains like the Aashirvaad Namma Chakki 100% Khapli Atta, and you discover the secret to balancing and managing many of the ailments afflicting the human body today.

Deep Dive

With every change of season, the human body undergoes a set of changes. Winter brings sniffles in the body and extra doses of ghee in the food to warm the body. Summer brings seasonal fruits and vegetables and specially crafted drinks that keep the body cool. But who devised this balance between nature and the human body? Not just lived experiences, but also one of the original life sciences, Ayurveda. Ayurveda includes multiple tips and guidelines on dealing with changing seasons, curing common ailments (like bloating, cold, indigestion, etc.), and using locally available produce like khapli wheat to balance an individual’s unique dosha, aka constitution. Before understanding how this balance works, one must know the doshas.

The Ayurvedic Doshas Explained

There are three main Ayurvedic doshas, Vata, Pitta, and Kapha, that work as foundational energies. These are derived from elements that govern all health facets, namely, physical, mental, and emotional health.

Vata (Air + Ether): Governs movement, respiration, circulation, and nervous system activity. It is associated with lightness, cold, and dryness. Imbalance may cause anxiety, insomnia, or dry skin.
Pitta (Fire + Water): Regulates digestion, metabolism, energy production, and body temperature. It is characterised by heat and sharpness. Imbalance can lead to irritability, inflammation, or acidity.
Kapha (Earth + Water): Controls structure, lubrication, stability, and immunity. It is heavy, slow, and stable. Imbalance may cause weight gain, lethargy, or congestion.

Balancing these doshas through personalised diet, lifestyle, and routines is essential for optimal well-being, as imbalances can cause physical and mental ailments.

How Khapli Wheat Helps Balance Doshas

Khapli or Emmer wheat is an ancient grain known for its low gluten content, high fibre, and low glycemic index, making it ideal for managing diabetes, weight loss, and supporting digestive health. It has a slightly nutty flavour and can be used to make rotis or chapatis, parathas, and even baked goods.

Ayurveda views grains as daily medicine, not just carbohydrates. When eaten mindfully and in moderation, grains are considered sustenance that slowly builds strength rather than quick energy. Khapli wheat, in particular, is considered a “lighter” grain than others and helps with two of the three Ayurvedic doshas — Kapha and Vata doshas. Here’s how:

Balancing Kapha Dosha

As per Ayurveda, an imbalanced kapha dosha can cause weight gain and sluggish digestion. Light and dry khapli counteracts the heavy, sticky nature of kapha, prevents congestion, and provides metabolism support because it is easier to digest than certain other grains.

Balancing Vata Dosha

Just because something is light does not mean it can’t be nutritious. In fact, khapli is both grounding and nourishing, providing stability without causing excessive water retention or heaviness that can lead to Vata-type digestive issues. Ayurveda doesn’t only look at what you eat, but also how you eat it. Consuming khapli rotis warm (rather than cold or reheated multiple times) improves absorption and reduces bloating—especially for Vata-dominant individuals.

Ayurveda recommends daily consumption to maintain a healthy, stable constitution, especially during seasons when kapha or vata are likely to increase (Spring and Winter).

Ayurveda and Khapli Wheat: Things To Keep in Mind

Due to the rapid change in lifestyle, quality of produce, and overall climate, it’s important to look at Ayurvedic principles as a guide and not an absolute, science-backed way of living. After all, life today is a lot different from what it was when Ayurveda was first practised. Having said that, many of its principles regarding daily diet and seasonal changes have benefited people across the nation. The best approach is to try in moderation — gradually introduce khapli wheat to your diet, observe how it impacts your daily diet, and include it in wider dishes accordingly.

Other Health Benefits Of Khapli Wheat

Apart from Ayurvedic balance, khapli wheat, like the Aashirvaad Namma Chakki 100% Khapli Atta, also provides several direct health benefits:

It is a good source of dietary fibre, iron and vitamin B1
Is support muscle mass by providing 23 per cent RDA of protein (in three chapatis).
Its low GI (glycaemic index) makes it a better choice for people managing diabetes.
The grain contains magnesium and soluble fibre, which help regulate blood pressure, reduce inflammation, and lower cholesterol.

These benefits make khapli wheat an ideal choice for individuals looking for solutions to common issues like heaviness or bloating, or who need to manage conditions like diabetes.

Ancient Grains, Timeless Wisdom

Ancient grains are gaining traction because they hold centuries of wisdom. From direct health benefits to possibly balancing doshas, the grains possess enough benefits to earn the tag of a supergrain. Though whole wheat flour continues to remain more common, and for the right reasons, gradually introducing khapli into select meals may just prove to be beneficial in the long run.