We all know about a balanced diet and how it helps in the growth and development of the body.
I would like to share one more very important perspective on a balanced diet which is the only effective way to reduce the amount of food you eat, to cut down on unhealthy cravings, and to keep the diseases at bay.
As per Ayurveda, a balanced diet is a diet which includes the six tastes, which are “Sweet, Sour, Salty, Pungent, Bitter, and astringent”. The tongue has taste buds which register all the above six tastes.
If the body receives all these tastes in each meal it feels satisfied and will not overeat or feel hungry again soon after eating.
Each food has different taste. For example, beans and pulses usually have astringent taste. Here is the list of food items that belong to different tastes.
SWEET -Sugar, milk, butter, ghee, sweet fruit, bread, pasta, grains
SOUR – Yoghurt, lemon, vinegar, wine, soy sauce, grapefruit, aged cheese
SALT -Salt (also in vegetables; especially celery and seaweeds)
PUNGENT– Hot, spicy foods such as pepper, ginger, garlic, cayenne, chilli
BITTER – Leafy greens, olives, turmeric, horseradish, turmeric, fenugreek, nettle, lettuce, aloe
ASTRINGENT – Beans, lentils, dals, honey, rhubarb, apples, leafy greens, pomegranate, sprouts
These six tastes are not required in equal amounts but should be combined in proportions to suit your particular body type.
1. Vata body-types: Generally require more sweet, sour and salty tastes especially in winter or if stressed. Meals should also be heavy, warm, oily and nourishing (soups and stews are good).
2. Pitta body-types: Generally require more sweet, bitter and astringent tastes especially in summer. Food should also be slightly heavy and oily and small cold dishes may be included.
3. Kapha body-types: Generally require more bitter, astringent and pungent tastes, especially in spring or if feeling heavy, lethargic or dull minded. Food should also be light, dry and warm to aid digestion and heavy, oily foods and dairy products should be excluded.
One should take diet as per their body type, as the different body types require different type of foods as we have mentioned above.
So Learn about your body type and nutrition as per your body type to keep yourself healthy and disease free.
Wishing you Health and Happiness
Dr. Taruna
