Ayurveda is one of the oldest systems of medicine in the world. It has massive significance in our country. The ancient medicinal system primarily focuses on living a healthy life by promoting good eating habits. Ayurvedic principles state that eating food inappropriately is the root cause of many diseases, and a balanced diet and nutritious food can provide remedies for both physical and mental illnesses.
Dosha is the central term in Ayurveda, which translates to "fault" or "problem," and it is divided into three categories: vata (air), pitta (fire), and kapha (earth and water). One’s doshas can be determined based on physical, emotional, mental, and behavioural characteristics, and each of them has certain diet rules that can treat all kinds of ailments. These rules not only provide necessary nutrients for our bodies but are also beneficial for a good state of mind.
Here are the key rules of Ayurveda that you can follow to lead a healthy life:
The Best Time To Eat Meals
According to Ayurveda, the right time for having breakfast is between 7 and 9 AM, and one must have lunch between 12 and 2 PM. Finish your dinner between 6 and 8 PM, with no snacking in between meals. It is also advised to start your meals with sour and salty foods.
Avoid Ice-Cold Foods And Beverages
Ayurveda advises avoiding cold foods as much as possible. This is because the digestive power inside us, known as agni (fire), is depleted with the consumption of cold foods and drinks. The agni is responsible for keeping our digestive power strong. It is not confined to digesting food only; thoughts, emotions, and experiences are also included in it.
Drink Herbal Teas Between Meals
We all know drinking tea is a tradition in our country, but it is more than just a palate-pleasing beverage. Drinking half a cup of tea with meals or between them acts as an herbal remedy. It also curbs snack cravings and stimulates the agni. You can also drink hot water to avoid diluting agni.
Consume Whole And Fresh Foods
Always eat hot and fresh food to increase prana, the life force that is responsible for nourishing the body at the most fundamental level. The foods that come straight from the earth are rich in prana, and as they get picked, their energy starts diminishing slowly. Therefore, eating whole and fresh foods increases vitality and energy in the body.
Every Meal Should Include All Six Tastes
According to Ayurveda, the six tastes are sweet, sour, salty, bitter, astringent, and pungent. By incorporating each one of them into every meal, we create a bio-diverse, energetic palate. Even a small amount of each flavour in our meals can provide numerous benefits to our bodies.
Follow these Ayurvedic diet rules and stay healthy.