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New Delhi: In Ayurveda, food is not only for filling the stomach, but it is also considered a medium to nourish the body, provide energy and maintain the balance of the body, hence food is also called Mahabhaishajya (best medicine). This means that if our diet is correct and balanced, we can automatically stay safe from many diseases.

Therefore, it is important for us to understand what we are eating, how much we are eating and how we are eating it. It is said in Ayurveda that our daily food should contain six types of tastes i.e. Madhur (sweet), Amla (sour), Lavana (salty), Katu (pungent), Tikta (bitter) and Kashaya (astringent) in appropriate quantity. It is called Shadras. When we take all these tastes in balanced quantities, all three doshas of the body (Vata, Pitta and Kapha) remain balanced.

For example, sweet taste gives strength to the body and nourishes the body tissues. The sour taste increases appetite and improves digestion. Salty taste makes food tasty and maintains fluidity in the body. Similarly, the spicy taste speeds up digestion and reduces phlegm accumulated in the body. The bitter taste helps in cleansing the body and purifies the blood, while the astringent taste cools the body and is considered beneficial in skin problems.

Ayurveda also says that excessive consumption of any flavor can be harmful. For example, if we eat too much sweets, problems like obesity, lethargy and diabetes can occur. Consuming too much salt can cause hair to turn gray quickly and can also cause swelling in the body. Similarly, eating too much spicy or spicy food can increase bile and cause stomach problems. Therefore, it is important that we take every taste in balanced quantity.

Ayurveda also places special emphasis on the quantity of food. It is said that the stomach should be divided into three parts. Two parts should be for solid food and one part for liquid and one part should be left empty so that the food can be easily digested. If we eat more than required, it puts pressure on the digestive system and may cause problems like gas, acidity and indigestion.