Diet in Ayurveda
A healthy diet is very important for a healthy body and a healthy mind. An ideal diet, according to Ayurveda incorporates the six tastes prescribed in the literature and comprises a wide variety of fresh fruits, grains and milk.
“Taste” means “Rasa”. It is the sensation perceived by the tongue. Each taste is due to predominance of 2 great elements. Each taste has an effect on the body as well as mind. The basic principle of diet in Ayurveda is that physical changes as well as mental effects can be observed after consumption of different food types. In this way, food can directly and indirectly affect the three doshas of an individual. We can achieve a balance in these three doshas by regulating diet.
“Taste” means “Rasa”. It is the sensation perceived by the tongue. Each taste is due to predominance of 2 great elements. Each taste has an effect on the body as well as mind. The basic principle of diet in Ayurveda is that physical changes as well as mental effects can be observed after consumption of different food types. In this way, food can directly and indirectly affect the three doshas of an individual. We can achieve a balance in these three doshas by regulating diet.
Madhura (Sweet)
Honey - Image: Courtesy Wikipedia
Madhura means very appealing, pleasant or very sweet. Sweet taste is due to the Water and Earth elements. The sweet taste shows qualities or gunas such as cooling, heavy and unctuous.
Physical effects: The sweet taste is related to strength and stability of the body. It pacifies the Vata and Pitta doshas. However, an excess of sweet can aggravate Kapha dosha. Sweet taste is homologous to body since birth; small babies enjoy the sweet taste of breast milk. Food with sweet taste is wholesome; it promotes longevity when consumed in moderation. It enhances the growth of all seven tissue-elements. It is beneficial to the health of skin, senses and general growth of the body.
Psychological effects: Sweet taste is very pleasant and exhibits pronounced satisfying and gratifying effects. It increases cheerfulness, love and compassion. It gives the feeling of love but if consumed in excess, it increases greed and attachment.
Adverse effects: If a person consumes excess sweet food, then his Kapha dosha aggravates. It can lead to many diseases like obesity, diabetes, lethargy, increased cholesterol etc.
Source: Foods with sweet taste include sugar, honey, sugarcane juice, maple syrup and dates to name a few. Foods like rice, wheat, milk and fruits like mango and grapes are also good source of sweetness.
Physical effects: The sweet taste is related to strength and stability of the body. It pacifies the Vata and Pitta doshas. However, an excess of sweet can aggravate Kapha dosha. Sweet taste is homologous to body since birth; small babies enjoy the sweet taste of breast milk. Food with sweet taste is wholesome; it promotes longevity when consumed in moderation. It enhances the growth of all seven tissue-elements. It is beneficial to the health of skin, senses and general growth of the body.
Psychological effects: Sweet taste is very pleasant and exhibits pronounced satisfying and gratifying effects. It increases cheerfulness, love and compassion. It gives the feeling of love but if consumed in excess, it increases greed and attachment.
Adverse effects: If a person consumes excess sweet food, then his Kapha dosha aggravates. It can lead to many diseases like obesity, diabetes, lethargy, increased cholesterol etc.
Source: Foods with sweet taste include sugar, honey, sugarcane juice, maple syrup and dates to name a few. Foods like rice, wheat, milk and fruits like mango and grapes are also good source of sweetness.
Amla (Sour)
Lemons - Image: Courtesy Wikipedia
Amla means sour taste and is made up of Earth and Fire elements. This taste has qualities like lightness, hot and unctuous.
Physical effects: Sour taste increases the digestive power. It exhibits a sharp taste, which stimulates salivation and increases the appetite. It pacifies Vata but increases Pitta and Kapha. It promotes strength and stability of tissue-elements. It regulates peristalsis; it regulates downward movement of vata and helps in the digestion of food.
Psychological effects: Sour taste is very sharp. It brings alertness to the mind and increases attention. It is responsible for bringing appreciation but if consumed in excess it brings out hate, jealousy.
Adverse effects: If a person consumes excess food with sour taste, then he will experience symptoms like excess thirst, hyperacidity and heartburn. A number of other diseases like loss of skin tone, hyperacidity, skin rashes, gastritis and ulcerative colitis.
Source: Citrus fruits like limes, lemons and oranges are good examples of amla food. Other food products include sour cream, yogurt, vinegar & fermented food.
Physical effects: Sour taste increases the digestive power. It exhibits a sharp taste, which stimulates salivation and increases the appetite. It pacifies Vata but increases Pitta and Kapha. It promotes strength and stability of tissue-elements. It regulates peristalsis; it regulates downward movement of vata and helps in the digestion of food.
Psychological effects: Sour taste is very sharp. It brings alertness to the mind and increases attention. It is responsible for bringing appreciation but if consumed in excess it brings out hate, jealousy.
Adverse effects: If a person consumes excess food with sour taste, then he will experience symptoms like excess thirst, hyperacidity and heartburn. A number of other diseases like loss of skin tone, hyperacidity, skin rashes, gastritis and ulcerative colitis.
Source: Citrus fruits like limes, lemons and oranges are good examples of amla food. Other food products include sour cream, yogurt, vinegar & fermented food.
Lavana (Salty)
Salt - Image: Courtesy USA Today
Lavana means salty taste and it primarily gives relish to the food. Salty taste is due to the predominance of Water and Fire element. Salty taste exhibits qualities like oily, heavy and hydrophilic in nature. Salty taste pacifies Vata but increases Pitta and Kapha.
Physical effects: Salty taste has a laxative effect and it removes obstruction from the channels (srotas). It liquefies mucus and clears the channels. Apart from this, it improves digestion and increases salivation. It balances the blood pressure by maintaining electrolytes in the body. It gives muscles strength.
Psychological effects: Salty taste enhances the taste of food so one can enjoy it. This taste brings interest and enthusiasm. Hence, generally people show a kind of addiction to the salty things.
Adverse effects: Excess consumption of Salty foods causes ill effects like premature graying of hair, wrinkles, baldness and inflammatory diseases. It causes water retention leading to edema and increase in blood pressure. It also increases Pitta dosha leading to hyperacidity.
Source: Sea salt, rock salt and table salt and predominant sources for salty taste. Apart from this, consumption of salty food like salted chips, salted nuts also act as sources of this taste.
Physical effects: Salty taste has a laxative effect and it removes obstruction from the channels (srotas). It liquefies mucus and clears the channels. Apart from this, it improves digestion and increases salivation. It balances the blood pressure by maintaining electrolytes in the body. It gives muscles strength.
Psychological effects: Salty taste enhances the taste of food so one can enjoy it. This taste brings interest and enthusiasm. Hence, generally people show a kind of addiction to the salty things.
Adverse effects: Excess consumption of Salty foods causes ill effects like premature graying of hair, wrinkles, baldness and inflammatory diseases. It causes water retention leading to edema and increase in blood pressure. It also increases Pitta dosha leading to hyperacidity.
Source: Sea salt, rock salt and table salt and predominant sources for salty taste. Apart from this, consumption of salty food like salted chips, salted nuts also act as sources of this taste.
Katu (Pungent)
Red Cayenne Pepper - Image: Courtesy Wikipedia
Katu means pungent or very hot taste. It shows predominance of Fire and Air elements. Pungent food shows qualities like hot, dry and light nature. Pungent taste pacifies Kapha but it aggravates Pitta and Vata.
Physical effects: Pungent taste improves digestion. It stimulates the digestive fire (Agni) in the body. It improves circulations and clears the channels. It has an anti-spasmodic action. It causes instant watering of eyes and nose if consumed directly. It produces heat in the body and breaks clots in the circulation.
Psychological effects: Pungent taste also has sharp and penetrating effects on the mind. It aids the clarity of mind, increases attention and brings clarity of perception.
Adverse effects: Pungent food, if consumed in excess causes irritation and inflammation and leads to aggravation of Pitta. It destroys virility. It can cause diarrhea, peptic ulcers, giddiness, insomnia and some skin conditions.
Source: Chili pepper, cayenne pepper, habanera pepper and black pepper are sources of this taste. Apart from this, spices such as mustard, ginger, garlic and onion are also pungent in taste.
Physical effects: Pungent taste improves digestion. It stimulates the digestive fire (Agni) in the body. It improves circulations and clears the channels. It has an anti-spasmodic action. It causes instant watering of eyes and nose if consumed directly. It produces heat in the body and breaks clots in the circulation.
Psychological effects: Pungent taste also has sharp and penetrating effects on the mind. It aids the clarity of mind, increases attention and brings clarity of perception.
Adverse effects: Pungent food, if consumed in excess causes irritation and inflammation and leads to aggravation of Pitta. It destroys virility. It can cause diarrhea, peptic ulcers, giddiness, insomnia and some skin conditions.
Source: Chili pepper, cayenne pepper, habanera pepper and black pepper are sources of this taste. Apart from this, spices such as mustard, ginger, garlic and onion are also pungent in taste.
Tikta (Bitter)
Bitter Groud - Image: Courtesy Wikipedia
Tikta meaning bitter taste produces a very unpleasant taste in mouth. In spite of its unpleasant taste, it is important to incorporate this taste in our meal. Bitter taste shows predominance of Air and Ether elements. It is cool, dry and light in character.
Physical effects: It demonstrates a strong wormicidal action. It has appetizing effects and reduces burning sensation. It gives firmness to the skin and muscles and reduces skin diseases by its anti-inflammatory effects. It also demonstrates a cleansing effect.
Psychological effects: Bitter taste helps to withhold the mind and senses from objects of desire.
Adverse effects: Bitter food consumed in excess will produce adverse effects on the body. Further, this taste exhibits spermicidal effects. Excess consumption of bitter taste leads to loss of strength and energy and increased Vata dosha.
Source: Sources of this taste are bitter gourd and bitter melon. Herbs like neem (Azadirecta Indica) are also bitter in taste.
Physical effects: It demonstrates a strong wormicidal action. It has appetizing effects and reduces burning sensation. It gives firmness to the skin and muscles and reduces skin diseases by its anti-inflammatory effects. It also demonstrates a cleansing effect.
Psychological effects: Bitter taste helps to withhold the mind and senses from objects of desire.
Adverse effects: Bitter food consumed in excess will produce adverse effects on the body. Further, this taste exhibits spermicidal effects. Excess consumption of bitter taste leads to loss of strength and energy and increased Vata dosha.
Source: Sources of this taste are bitter gourd and bitter melon. Herbs like neem (Azadirecta Indica) are also bitter in taste.
Kashaya (Astringent)
Bananas - Image: Courtesy Wikipedia
Kashaya means astringent taste that occurs due to the predominance of Air and Ether elements. It is heavy, dry and cooling in nature. It gives an immediate drying sensation in mouth on consumption.
Physical effects: By its drying property, kashaya absorbs water and helps in binding stools. It constricts the different channels of the body. It purifies blood by its anti-inflammatory effects. It reduces Pitta and Kapha but it increases Vata dosha in the body.
Psychological effects: Astringent substances help the mind to become collected or organized. But excess consumption of this taste causes insomnia, anxiety and depression.
Adverse effects: Excess use of astringent food causes choking sensation and difficulty in speaking. It causes constipation along with distension of abdomen. It affects the sperm count and can even reduce the sex drive. Prolonged consumption may lead to emaciation of the body.
Source: Unripe banana, chickpeas, alum and okra are good sources of astringent taste.
Copyright © 2014 Ayurveda Amritvani. All Rights Reserved.
Physical effects: By its drying property, kashaya absorbs water and helps in binding stools. It constricts the different channels of the body. It purifies blood by its anti-inflammatory effects. It reduces Pitta and Kapha but it increases Vata dosha in the body.
Psychological effects: Astringent substances help the mind to become collected or organized. But excess consumption of this taste causes insomnia, anxiety and depression.
Adverse effects: Excess use of astringent food causes choking sensation and difficulty in speaking. It causes constipation along with distension of abdomen. It affects the sperm count and can even reduce the sex drive. Prolonged consumption may lead to emaciation of the body.
Source: Unripe banana, chickpeas, alum and okra are good sources of astringent taste.
Copyright © 2014 Ayurveda Amritvani. All Rights Reserved.
