Almonds are one of the best foods for pacifying Vata.  They’re sweet and warm, high in protein, and loaded with vitamin E and magnesium. They’re also a good source of calcium, iron, potassium and zinc.  Because almonds are raw, and heavy, Ayurveda gives us some recommendations about how to eat them so that we can digest them more easily.  It is a good idea to soak almonds in water overnight.  Peeling the skin off of almonds also helps their digestibility.  Almonds are best eaten with other foods, like grains or vegetables.  I add sliced almonds to our salads, or sprinkle them on hot cereal.  They’re also really great added to breads and muffins.  Eating almonds helps to balance Vata, and applying warm, sweet almond oil to the skin is a real treat.  Almond oil is a wonderful massage oil for Vatas.