Abstract

Dr. M. B. Pillewan*, Dr. Anand Prakash Verma and Dr. Ranjita Naharia

ABSTRACT

Human body requires food to get energy for life processes such as growth, development, repair and maintenance etc. Ayurveda explains a very unique concept of Ahara (food) in the chapter of Ahara vidhi-vidhan. Ayurvedic scholars have emphasized Ahara for growth of the body, maintaining good health, prevention and management of various disorders, etc. According to Ayurveda, Ahara can be considered as the Prana because Hita Ahara (wholesome diet) promotes health and longevity while Ahita Ahara (unwholesome diet) promotes manifestation of various diseases. The combination of certain incompatible food items is considered as unsafe and it is called as Viruddha ahara. When food is not consumed according to one’s own Prakriti (constitution) it is termed as Satmya Viruddha. As per Ayurveda, there are six types of Rasa in the Ahara. i.e. Madhur, Amla, Lavan, Katu, Tikta and Kashya. Our body is familiar to the taste of Madhur Rasa (sweet) since birth. It gives nourishment to the tissues, essential for children, old and malnourished. When excess of sweet food is consumed it leads to heaviness, lethargy; reduces the Agni, increases congestion, vitiate Kapha Dosha, etc. Whereas Katu Rasa has pungent taste and is found in spicy foods. Atisevana of Katu Rasa leads to Glani, Krashata, Angashula, Avrushyakara, Murcha, Bhrama, Daha, Daurbalya, Trishna, etc.