Ayurveda (Science of Life): A Foundation t Food and Nutrition

Abstract

Ayurveda is the oldest science and tradition of Indian system of medicine which dates back to 6000 years. Ayurveda is not only a medical science but also a complete science of life, which has the three Sub pillar i.e. Ahara (food/diet) Nidra (sleep) and Brahmacarya (abstinence) among which Ahara (food) is considered as the most important. Food (Ahara) and lifestyle (Vihara) plays significant role on one’s overall health and diseases. Concept of Rasa has been used to guide the nutrition of the body hence, Ayurveda concept of nutrition includes six rasas which helps in leading a healthy life by individual. A Balanced diet comprises of all the six rasas. There is an order to be followed at the time of consuming food. The concept of Rasa which has been explained in Ayurveda is primary guidance for common man to take care of nutrition and to sustain health. Hence it’s very essential to validate many Ayurvedic concepts to establish their importance in day to day life.