Balanced Indian Meal Based on Science of Nutrition at Veda5, Best Ayurveda & Yoga Wellness Retreat in Rishikesh, Kerala & Goa, India

There are total six different tastes that exist in nature and Ayurveda insists to consume them daily in appropriate quantities during our meals to ensure proper functioning of body physiology.

The elaborate menus of food which India is famous for reflect the most advanced principles of nutrition science. A big rounded plate full of diverse preparations is a hallmark of Indian meal. While we all love to relish it, we often remain oblivious about the science that lies behind it. As a result, we often do not follow adequate discipline while enjoying our meals and fail to reap their health benefits. To get benefitted from this nutrition science, we need to understand it properly and apply it in our day-today life.

There are total six different tastes that exist in nature and Ayurveda insists to consume them daily in appropriate quantities during our meals to ensure proper functioning of body physiology. Number of different recipes which occupy various positions in our rounded plate represent six tastes from nature. Each of them is meant to play a specific role in the process of digestion, metabolism and body building.

The purpose of including various different items in meal is to ensure that all tastes enter the body in adequate quantity and play their expected roles during digestion & absorption of food.

Out of the six tastes, sweet taste dominates the menu quantitively because apart from sugar & jaggery, wheat, rice, ghee and milk are also considered sweet in Ayurveda. All these substances are relatively heavy to digest, so body requires more time & energy to digest them. Unlike in western culture where sweet deserts are eaten at the end of the meal, Ayurveda advices to eat these items right at the beginning of meal when gastric fire remains intense and well-ignited and can digest these items properly. Eating them towards end when stomach is already loaded with other things can hamper their digestion. While sweet items build up the body tissues, their excess consumption can harm the body in many ways.

Lemon, tamarind, tomato, curds, buttermilk and pickles represent sour taste in meal. They generate taste in mouth and stimulate acid secretions in digestive system. While their moderate consumption is very supportive for the process of digestion, their excess consumption can cause hyperacidity and many other ailments.

Items like wafers and papad represent salty taste in meal. They increase secretion of digestive juices and eliminate gases from abdomen. Their consumption in moderate quantities is necessary but their excess consumption can raise blood pressure and weaken the bones.

Chilies, ginger, garlic, black pepper and other spices used while cooking food represent pungent taste. Pungent taste stimulates gastric fire and plays important role in digesting high calorie items. However it can burn the tongue and cause ulcers and many other diseases if consumed excessively.

Various types of pulses, beans, green leafy vegetables like fenugreek, salads and turmeric form the bitter taste in meal. Bitter items are light to digest. Some of them provide roughage to body and prove helpful for excretion. Medicinal properties of turmeric are well-known. Excess consumption of pulses & beans can constipate the person.

Nutmeg, betel nut and few other items represent astringent taste in meal. They help in absorption of digested food and offer solid form to stools. Their excess consumption can cause constipation and constriction of channels.

The purpose of including various different items in meal is to ensure that all tastes enter the body in adequate quantity and play their expected roles during digestion & absorption of food. Thousands of years ago our ancestors understood the principles of nutrition science and designed a balanced concept of meal. We need to understand the scientific principles behind this concept to get benefitted from our meals.

By,

Dr. Abhijit

World Class Ayurveda & Yoga Retreats

Veda5 Ayurveda & Yoga retreats are located in Rishikesh, Goa and Kerala. The wellness retreats are run by highly-experienced doctors and offer authentic treatments and customized care for each guest. Veda5 Yoga and Meditation retreats are led by experts and the sessions range from gentle to vigorous to stretch, strengthen, balance and improve the body and mind.

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