Chaudhari Maheshkumar : Important Values Of Food in The View Of Ayurveda

14 Pages·2016·0.52 MB·English

by  Dr Priya Rohra

International Journal of Applied Ayurved Research ISSN: 2347- 6362
IMPORTANT VALUES OF FOOD IN THE VIEW OF AYURVEDA
1Chaudhari Maheshkumar Nilkanth
1Associate Professor , Dept. of Shalya Tantra ,Hon. Annasaheb Dange Ayurveda Medical
College ,Ashta , Sangli-416301 ( Maharashtra ) INDIA.
ABSTRACT :
Today’s fast life has no sufficient time for taking a peaceful meal. Every day comes with
new problem & man is continuously trying to overcome that but during this fast & the furious
life , we people completely forget the importance of food & the rules & regulations of taking
the meal . No other substance is important rather than food for life. In this article, I (Author )
elucidate the very important points regarding Aahar ( food) like quality , quantity , utility ,
classifications , time , drinking of water , Ayurvedic view regarding non-veg. , the Vedic &
mythological importance , preservative & packaging of food in modern era .Scientists of
today, are inventing new things day by day in every field to make our life more comfortable
but we the people are giving no importance to very precious but very important point like
food ( Aahar) . A person who wish to live healthy long life, he should read this article
thoroughly & for more details one should refer original scripture of Ayurveda . If following
these simple phenomena of food consumption, I assure that he should be 100% fit for long
life, no disease will occur to him. Only such thoughts are explained in Ayurveda , so we can
proudly say that Ayurveda is not only science but the complete science of life .
Keywords: Ayurveda , Importance & utility of Aahar (food) , management , life .
Key Message: For long healthy life, one should follow the rule of consumption of Aahar of
Ayurveda .
INTRODUCTION: Even-though much implemented and observed in practice ,
has been investigated and searched out in the points illustrated here , would no
the field of food and nutrition, by the doubt , prove not merely a support but a
modern science, even if people are good contribution to the modern world . I
following the modern theories of food am sure, people who observe these
with full faith in their practical life , we denoted points in their daily diet, would
the Ayurvedists , have certainly , be benefitted more and realise more
something still more to furnish with .Most contentment than the satisfaction by the
of the people , the scientists , research- food intake.I want to present my particular
workers and scholars are seen to have paid points in a nut-shell because a gist is
very less interest to peep into the treasury always better than a list.Full growth of
of our ancient sciences like Ayurveda body with its full nourishment is chiefly
particularly because the scriptural fund of kept in view by the modern research
knowledge of them is in Sanskrit language workers. Taking it for granted, that most
, which the concerned modern experts , of you are well acquainted with the
etc. are not well conversant with. Lack of modern concept regarding food, I wish
proper propagation is also one of all the only to state and stress here, that material
significant causes. I humbly think , better which throws light on the subject of food
say , I suppose , if scientifically a research in the view of Ayurveda .“ Aahaar ” is a
work could be planned and systematically particular term for food in Ayurveda .
[Chaudhari Maheshkumar : Important Values Of Food in The View Of Ayurveda]

According to Ayurveda , food is that “Survival of the fittest ’. So to say to
particular entity , due to contact of which become fittest man in all respect, the
one is inspired to catch it , seize it , eat it wholesome food is a must. Perhaps, in the
and digest it for the satiation and view of Ayurveda , something more is
contentment . Here in this context, I must expected . Fitness of physical, mental as
make it clear that the term ‘satiation’ well as spiritual domains.This is the most
indicates bodily or physical requirements distinctive thought in the science of
and ‘contentment the mental ones. In Ayurveda . It would not be out of place to
these particular sense Ayurveda has used elucidate this conspicuous concept of
the term ‘aahar ’ in the literature Ayurved in this context.As the body built
throughout .Moreover, it must also be rests upon the food, the spirits and the life
noted that the concept of ‘aahar’ includes itself also rest upon the food.Food not only
not only the food-stuffs but also the causes nutrition and growth of body , but it
intake of water and other drinking enriches dhatus (elemental seven factors of
substances.Therefore, the ‘food in the Body) strengthens the physical power ,
Ayurveda’ deals with both of these mental abilities , ‘Ojas’ (the purest and the
entities as well.Food is the only and prime finest substance in the body, out come as
source. Animation of life rests only on the an essence of seven dhatus) and all the
food. Food has the potential of the spiritual activities too .In this authentic
creation of every living being.Even if version of charaka , two important points
spermatozoa, ovum and some other have been brought to light . Unless and
elements are the causative factors of until the action of digestion is complete,
fertilisation , the start of life , one should the food does not exhibit its effective
not forget that food is the root cause of all results.Power of digestion is a conspicuous
.It is at present, an all admitted fact that concept of Ayurveda which is termed as
the main cause of the built of great ‘agni’ in Ayurvedic literature . Unless
personalities in the world, is prominently there is proper digestion of food, the food
related with the potential purities of their itself cannot exhibit its effects on the body
parents.Probably, keeping this type of and in the body . If so , one realizes from
theory in mind, Ayurveda ‘rishis and food ; the longevity , fairness of
munis’ must have given much more stress complexion , strength , healthiness ,
and attention towards the qualitative energy , attractive , built of body , spiritual
potentials of the food than its quantitative splendor , vitality and vigour , the
ones.By the proper pure and potential formation of other dependent systems of
food, they wish to produce powerful man ‘agni’ ( perhaps the metabolism) and the
with dynamic personality, description of spirits or panchapranas , etc.
which can be witnessed in Viman Sthan of All these attributes, says Ayurveda ,
Charak Samhita , chapter II in details . inseparably belong to the food . I assume,
The class of food or food stuff differs as if scrutinised carefully, all of these
per the species of the living being differs. attributes of food lie beyond the
One animal’s food may become another’s measurable scope of modern science. They
poison. It is rightly said - the strong animal do not belong to merely aesthetics, they
victimizes weaker ones as food. It supports are the subject of yoga and adhyatma
the doctrine - sciences.
673 www.ijaar.in IJAAR VOLUME II ISSUE 5 JAN-FEB 2016
[Chaudhari Maheshkumar : Important Values Of Food in The View Of Ayurveda]

I suppose , it is not necessary to stress and Taking into consideration, Ayurveda
stage before the scholars like you the recommends it regarding the quantity of
importance of yoga and Adhyatma , which food (Aahar-rashi) that is:
are the integral part of Ayurveda and the 1) There should not be a standardization of
life span and such other attributes hold food quantity,
prominent place in our life . They are and 2) Quantity of food varies according to the
must for the attainment of the whole-health individual,
in the life. 3) Quantity of Rashi - depends upon the
View regarding quantity of food - ‘Prakruti’ group to which one belongs,
Ayurveda is more a subjective science than 4) “Matra” & “Aahaar Rashi” is
an objective one. Therefore, the rule of the detrimental according to the age , quality
quantity-intake is stated in general. No of food , the seasonal changes , place of
specification like modern calories – resort , ability to digest , occupation ,
measurement is stressed. condition of the body , state of mind at the
[1] Sarth Vagbhat Sutra Sthan 8 /46 time and the surroundings . Hence the
Two parts of the stomach are only to be point of Aaharmatra and Rashi must be
filled up with the food-stuff. One part with viewed distinctively.
water intake and the remaining fourth is Food Utility - a distinctive point of
advised to be kept up filled or empty for Ayurveda :Including the point quantity of
the existence of ‘Vata’ for its easy food (Raashi) there are eight points in
movements . More over – While taking Ayurveda , which throw light on this
the food, when one feels half of the subject .
stomach is filled up , one should stop 1) Prakriti : The nature of the substance ,
taking the food , which is supposed to be as : ‘Maasha’ (Teramnus labialis) is not
heavy for digestion and the food stuffs easily digested , it has ‘guru’ as an
light to digest can be consumed to one’s inherent property , while ‘Mudga’
full contentment .What and how much (phaseolus mungo) is easily digested in
quantity of food one can easily digest is the body . It is its inherent property. Thus
said to be one’s specific dose of food to consider the effects of any food-stuff
intake. Food dosages differ according to an such a point must be taken into account.
individual. The man of ‘ kapha 2) Karanam : It is nothing but to put the
Prakruti ’ in the view of Ayurveda edible drug and undergo particular
requires naturally a very meager , quantity processing on it . It is called ‘sanskar’ in
of food . Man of ‘pitta’ group , requires Ayurveda . ‘Sanskaras’ of certain types
medium quantity and frequently too . ‘ are done to transform the original or
Vata-Prakriti ’ group is naturally , mostly natural properties in the substance and
hungry and eats more quantity of food . create in it the expected qualities & new
Meagre quantity of food in ‘ Kapha- qualities. For instance, the milk or tea both
Prakruti ’ Group yields full benefits have inherent qualities / properties to
required and in the Vata group , on the increase ‘kapha’ in body. The addition of
contrary more quantity does not exhibit all turmeric (Haridra) or piper longum
the qualities and benefits thereof . powder (Pippali) abolishes Kapha
increasing property and transforms them
harmless.
674 www.ijaar.in IJAAR VOLUME II ISSUE 5 JAN-FEB 2016
[Chaudhari Maheshkumar : Important Values Of Food in The View Of Ayurveda]

3) Sanyoga : A process of combination of ‘Himalayan region’ it is not found so much
two or more substances , which ‘laghu’ to digest. This change of the nature
combination exhibits mixed or some more of rice is related with its particular type of
effective properties . As for example , origination.
Ghee and Sugar create more effective 6) Kaal : The properties of food-stuff are
properties of ‘Madhura’ Rasa’ some way , experienced to be a little bit changed , due
sometimes particular mixtures like honey to the e ffect of seasonal changes. ‘Kaal’ is
and pure ghee , when consumed in equal a time factor, which according to
quantity the mixture becomes poisonous . Ayurvedic view creates changes in the
There are so many food stuffs described properties of the substance. Mango fruit
and enlisted under the caption ‘Viruddha- generally ripens in the May or June
aahar’ in all original volumes of Ayurveda (Greeshma) season. If by some processing
.Even though , we call this an age of or eventually, it is available in other
scientific advancement , we should not months or seasons, it does not exhibit the
ignore such points , which hold much same type of relish and taste.
more significance in our success of 7) Upayog Sansthan : Dietetic rules ,
life.Viruddha-aahar is unwholesome food . observance of particulars rules at the time
Intake of such unwholesome food for a of diet are found traditionally prevailing ,
considerably long time , results in creating which are found responsible for food
in the society the dangerous diseases like : property changes . As for instance,
impotency , blindness , various skin Utterance collectively of some vedic
diseases , ascitis , fainting , blood pressure hymns, etc. creates enchanting
, anemia , etc. It is every day, witnessed atmosphere, which is proved to be giving
that the percentage of the patients of such satisfactory results in the digestion and
diseases is increasing with a galloping 8) Upayokta : He who takes food . The
speed and to our wonder no trace of condition of his body and mind, etc. must
aetiological factors of these diseases is also be considered while one studies the
detected by even all types of modern food properties.Thus to obtain pleasing
investigation therefore on this point, and health giving results, one must pay
modern scientists must pay their valuable attention to these eight points also.
attention to make the people free from the Rules for taking food:
clutches of these diseases. (To get Even though, whole-some food article is
satisfactory information, please refer eaten, one must observe some rules too, to
Charak Sutra Sthan 26 ) get expected results of it.The food articles
4) Raashi : That much quantity of food must be well and timely prepared. The feel
which suits the individual to decide one’s must be pleasingly warm at the time of
dosage. meals. It must be unctuous. One should try
5) Desha: Ayurveda asserts the to avoid laughter and gossips while taking
importance of this point wherefrom the food. One should take food, when previous
food stuff originates. Because, the meals are digested completely and one
properties vary according to the birth place feels appetite for the food. All of these
of the food substance, even if ‘Shaali” rules are suggestive, that one should
type of rice is said to be ‘laghu’ (easily concentrate towards food eating to one’s
digestable), if it is obtained from full extent.
675 www.ijaar.in IJAAR VOLUME II ISSUE 5 JAN-FEB 2016
[Chaudhari Maheshkumar : Important Values Of Food in The View Of Ayurveda]

Selection of place: To take food, carries is expressed. Same way, it is supposed to
much importance in Ayurvedic view . be a duty of man to offer some part of his
Clean , well equipped , pleasing and where food to those who are dependents upon
no stress , strain , tensions would arise , him. This includes the guests, beggars, the
such a pleasing and pious place is dog, cat, parrot and other pet animals also.
supposed to be helpful in getting They are to be given priority.All these
advantages from food .One should never points, in the view of some thinkers, are of
be in hurry, in taking the food; quietly one no use. Even some modern food specialists
should perform this procedure of food think about these traditional customs of
intake. One should not take food very blind faith. They ignore these points. On
slowly. By this, system of digestion is this back ground, we must better peep into
disturbed.Too much of taking and the matter probe into it and critically see,
laughing at the time disturbs the how far correct this impression is.
concentration at the food and consequently The points under the topic, arrangements
this causes various troubles of digestion. are of various types. They encompass the
Suitability and the liking toward particular required urge for food. Particular
food stuff must always carefully be fragrance of food pleases the sense organ;
observed and utilized. Such a type of food nose, colour of different types attracts the
is preferable for the benefits thereof. Curd, attention of eye and so on. The whole
for instance, is to some persons, pleasing picture of arranged food, surely attracts the
and suitable too. They should eat curd, man, creates proper hunger taste and
there is no harm. To some, curd is pleasing appeases man. It is certainly nourishing the
but not suitable, as it creates ‘Kapha’, etc. material body and nurturing the immaterial
It is harmful to them. They should avoid it. field of sense organs. The view exhibits
These are some of the rules for taking the clearly, that food, food material with its
food. One should observe them always, so proper arrangements, is not only a support
that, one enjoys the benefits of food to the of the body, it is a contribution of the
full extent. sense organs also in the body. The food
Preliminary Arrangements :Suitable thus prepared, arranged and consumed
cooking place, which is arranged and strengthens the body as well as energises
artistically decorated pleasing dinner hall, the sense organs and the mind. Man is the
adornment of the ground place where only animal on this earth planet, who can
dishes of food are to be served, with think of obligatory system of Nature, who
powders of various colourful stones. ( can think of intrinsic values of his divine
Rangoli , as it is called ) , fragrance of gift of sense organs, mind and the soul or
incense – kindled sticks .Prayer Offerings spirits. Man can only think of being
of vedic hymns before one starts taking grateful to the Almighty. This whole
meals , is also a note worthy tradition . thought regarding food, is perhaps the
These hymns are replete with meaning. It complete thought. Here growth and
is a prayer to Almighty, who controls nourishment of body is a thought. Some
everything and an earnest desire is Naturo-paths proclaim that plain and
expressed that man and his every action, natural vegetables, etc. should be the only
including the food and its digestion is food of man . Giving artificial flavours ,
totally dominated by him and gratefulness odours and palatable tastes are unnatural
676 www.ijaar.in IJAAR VOLUME II ISSUE 5 JAN-FEB 2016
[Chaudhari Maheshkumar : Important Values Of Food in The View Of Ayurveda]

and are harmful because man uses them 1) Excreta pass out and bowels are
only with particular allurement or cleaned.
temptation . In this case, the man is to be 2) No feeling of the slightest pain in the
held responsible, who eats food with chest, near the heart.
temptation and not the food. 3) “ Vata-Pitta & Kapha doshas ” are
The food is classified under these points: excreted .
1) Qualitatively: Edibles, chewables , 4) Digesting power, when it is known by
drinkables and lickables . noticing the hunger,
2) Quantitatively: The measuring quantity 5) Sensitivity and sharpness of all the
in general of the food intake and the organs both motor and sense organs is
dosages according to an individual demand experienced,
and capacity to digest. 6) When body is felt (to be) light.
3) With colourfulness of food stuffs and 7) Natural eruption of ‘Vata ’.
articles. 8) Urge for the food is also noticed.
4) With fragrance and smell. 9) (Gases) ‘Vata-apaan’ passed out and the
5) Palatableness of food. stomach is evacuated,
6) Sense of touch or feel of food. 10) If there is no appetite, one should not
7) Particular type of hearing the sound take food.
from the food at the time of its preparation These are the points advocated in
and when it is consumed as well. Ayurveda , regarding the proper time of
8) Freshness, warmth and according to food intake . This is the food time. It is
appeasing effect of food. based on the nature’s laws. We suppose no
9) Hot or cold effect making. challenging appropriate food time can be
10) Light or heavy to digest. devised, other than this view of Ayurveda.
11) That type of food is recommended Same food and same rules of food
which enhances the digesting and the consuming are not recommended in
metabolic power in the body. Ayurveda . As food stuff varies according
12) Food articles, quantity, etc. must to ‘Prakriti Bala’ , etc. it also differs
differ corresponding the prakriti ( Vata- according to the season . In the winter
Pitta-Kapha etc.) , Vikriti (the disease) , season the digestion is naturally powerful,
“Dosha” ( Vata , etc.) , Kala (season at the man feels hungry just early in the morning
time) , bal (the strength of man) , desha . ‘Snighdha’ (Unctuous) , Ushna (creating
(food differs and is easily digested at a warmth in the body) , Guru (heavy to
particular place and region) etc. digest) and paushtik (nourishing) food
Time – (when to take food): It has no articles are recommended . While in the
sense, in the view of Ayurveda to say, to rainy season -Ushna Paachak (digestive) ,
take the food in the morning lunch in the laghu (easily digestible) and Deepak (that
noon and supper in the night. Food taking which promotes digesting power) , food
has no connection with the morning, noon, articles are recommend . This type of
etc. it is inseparably related with the time change of thought regarding food changes
of its demand or an urge by the body . in the seasons is founded on the principle
[2] Sarth Vagbhat Su. 8/55 of ‘dosha and dhatusamya’” in Ayurveda
One is expected to take food, when the which means , maintain the ecquilibrium
following conditions are ful filled – of the body elements in the seasons
677 www.ijaar.in IJAAR VOLUME II ISSUE 5 JAN-FEB 2016
[Chaudhari Maheshkumar : Important Values Of Food in The View Of Ayurveda]

Covetousness, fear, anger, also almost for good digestion . Ayurvedic
greediness, feeling of helplessness, view regarding water drinking as of food ,
indifference, hatred or contempt – there are some rules to the drinking water .
affliction of these all mental contingencies As a food , water is also a food stuff or
is a great hindrance to proper digestion. food article . Therefore , as it is
Even though, a good nourishing and rich recommended for food , it must be
diet of vitamins , etc. is consumed , recommended for the water also , that
mental disease is sure to happen . water must also be drunk only when the
[3] Sushrut Su. 46/451 Place to cook the thirst is felt .
food is called mahanasa or ‘muda paak- Even though , inseparable part of body
khaana’, it must be at a remote and clean requisites , water is a foreign substance to
place , experts and only those who are the body . One must borne in mind , there
loving and well wishers like the mother or are many a distinguishing characteristics ,
wife , etc. only should be allowed to stay attributes and properties of the water in the
there . body and the water we drink . Therefore ,
From whom one should not accept the requires to be digested properly . Secreted
food : From a patient, a man of lower juices in the body ( kledka-kapha , pachak
behavior, impotent man, cruel, prostitutes, pitta , etc.) generally digest the food .
covetous, enemy and from those who are When they fall short , the body exhibits it
dirty and are always sickly.In the above through the media of thirst . Urge for water
reference, effects of the food dishes of is felt and it indicates the necessary of
metals, mud and glass, etc. are described. water to the body at the particular state .
If the food is served in the plate of gold Water drunk at such a demand , is easily
metal, it is pleasing, carries cooling effects digested by the body and when digestged ,
in the body and it promotes nourishment of it is helpful for the remaining digestion of
the body.Food plate of silver, if used for a food . Water taken at an unwanted time ,
long time regularly, is beneficial to the when there is no urge or demand for it , it
eyesight, diminishes burning due to is harmful to the body .
vitiated ‘Pitta’ , etc. Food in the steel and Charaka says : that “ The digestion is
glass plates is useful to alleviate swelling , nothing but a process of transformation of
anaemia , kamala or jaundice , etc. food (inclusive of drinking water) into the
Water Drinking -The thought of food is bodily tissue elements ”. Rice , water or
incomplete; water drinking is the any receipt of particular colour , density
remaining significant part of the topic. To and other attributes , when digested are
elucidate it in brief, we may say - transformed or converted into particular
“Jeevanam” is a synonymical term in type of body elements ; the blood flesh ,
Sanskrit for water , which means the life bones , etc. The water so taken in as a
itself . It being an inseparable part and food article is also digested properly and
parcel of life , it holds the 2nd importance only then we realilse its existence in the
in the food .Two parts of stomach are to be body in the liquid form of blood , urine ,
filled up with the food and out of four , the sweat , etc.One may think , this much
one forth with water . The remaining forth explanation on this point as un-necessary .
is to be left unfilled for the proper I must better make it clear , that this is
movements of the element ‘Vata’, which is deliberately done on the back ground of
678 www.ijaar.in IJAAR VOLUME II ISSUE 5 JAN-FEB 2016
[Chaudhari Maheshkumar : Important Values Of Food in The View Of Ayurveda]

the modern established concept regarding Such aphorismsin Ayurveda are awaiting
water drinking . Generally three to five to be put to clinical research work in the
litres of water intake is advocated to be modern age . Hot water holds heat creating
necessary by the modern research . For properties in it , while the cold one is said
the clearance of bowles and other chanells to be cooling the body . Such a type of
in the body , to cool the body and for water shows the result according to the
good digestion this much quantity is ‘prakriti’, the type of disease , demand of
recommended a must . Over functioning of body , seasonal changes in atmosphere ,
kidneys by more water intake is said to be etc.
necessary for maintainance of sound Warm or hot water holds the properties
health . as under : It dissolves ‘kapha’. Alliviates
Ayurveda on the other hands , states the accumulated ‘Vata’. Deposited substances
other view by Vagbhata - Unless there is a (malas) like sticky and thickened ones are
demand of water from inside , one should released from their places . It clears up the
not drink water . It must be used in a bowels . Gases in the stomach pass out .
moderate quantity to the extend to meet Of course the acuteness of pains due to
the quantity , to meet the demand . Why ‘Vata’ or gaser becomes mild . Tolerable
more and excess of water ? Excessive and disappears too . Internal parts of the
water itself is not digested properly in the body are heated systematically and
body . To digest excessive intake of water sweating takes place which causes
the digesting potential (agni) is utilized , lightness of body . So many are properties
diminished and sometimes it is lost . Many that hot water alone holds .Excessive thirst
a troubles start of ‘agni-mandya’. I have , when it is due to some sticky (snighdha)
maintained a record of such patients who food stuff like ‘Basundi , Gulab jam’ ,
were victimed of excess water drinking . etc.If it is not at all satiated by drinking
Diarrhoes , Dysentary , Running of nose , cold water . Cold water increases it and
recurrence of heaviness of head , headache belly is distended . In such a condition ,
, acidity , joint pains , excess of sweating the warmthness of the hot water melts the
and fatigue thereof , frequency of ‘snigdha’ substance relieves it from the
urination and the weakness thereby, place and the thirst is quenched . The use
occasional swelling on some parts etc. of cool water in such a condition is seen
In most of these cases , it is witnessed that not only useless , but a bit harmful too .
no cause is ever detected . The patient This peculiar view of Ayurveda
realizes relief as soon as we advise the regarding water drinking is stated in brief
patient stop excess intake of water .If taken as above , it is a distinctive view of
before meals the water exhibits its effects Ayurveda from the modern view regarding
on the lower portion of the body, when it food and water . It must therefore , be
is consumed to satiate the thirst at the contemplated over , consumed, absorbed ,
dinner , it helps to keep in the body in digested in the mind and be assimilated
proportion and while taken after dinner , carefully to reap out benefits thereby .
it’s effects are seen on the upper portion of Restorative measures through ‘Aahaar’
the body . ( portion above coller bone ) : After the use of elimination or ‘Panch
[4] Vagbhat Su. 8 Shodhana’ therapy or when the patient is
kept under a long standing treatment
679 www.ijaar.in IJAAR VOLUME II ISSUE 5 JAN-FEB 2016
[Chaudhari Maheshkumar : Important Values Of Food in The View Of Ayurveda]

continuously , we see him in an emaciated heavy to digest , with suger and milk ,
state of body . The patient is reduced and heavier and same way , with the same
becomes weak . To promote him with principle in view , in the disease like
proper health to enhance his ‘agni’ ( diabetes or ‘madhumeha’ such a rice is
digestion ) and to put on some wait , a advised to be fried dry and then to be used
specific type of food and food articles are . This point elucidates nicely by Vagbhat .
advised in Ayurvedic literature . It should Before we start taking meals : A separate
be started with ‘laghu’ food articles like clean pleasing dress is advised for and at
‘shali-shashtik’ . (particular kind of rice , the dinner .The dress which we generally
which is said to be easily digested) . Next wear , knowingly and unknowingly comes
comes the term of the utility of lesser into contact of various dirty and poisonous
‘laghu’ or a bit ‘guru’ food like ; vilepi articles .This vicinity to the food .
(gruel) , and this way the use of ‘guru’ – ‘Sowale’ is a particular term used to such a
‘gurutar’ (more guru) and ‘gurutam’ (the ‘dinner dress’, which Bharatiya or Indian
most ‘guru’) food articles . This is a peoples are witnessed using traditionally .
particular way or process of acceptance Seats and seating accommodations are of
way or process of acceptance of food various types . The decorations and artistic
gradually , when the disease is over . This pleasing arrangements have been described
process is called ‘sansarjan’ or previously .Meals and food serving are
‘sansargee’ in Ayurveda . By adoption of also described to be pleasant to all of the
the sarnsarjan , food is easily digested . It sense organs .At the time of meals no foot
promotes ‘agni’ and the wears are allowed in Indian and Ayurvedic
healthsystematically . This is an old ancient systems .All of the members in the
thought in Ayurveda , which would be family , the bosom friends , nearby
perhaps new thought to new world . relatives and alikes all are to be invited for
Some worth remembering points : the dinner . Dinner must be with them .
Whatever properties of food article may All the pet-creatures in the house like the
hold , those properties do not remain the cow , dog , parrots and the others like
same forever .The grain , suppose the crow-sparrow are also expected to be
wheat or rice , is said to be heavy to digest given priority to take the meals . The
, when it is ripe . After an year’s lapse or beggars , guests and the crippled
more it becomes easily digestible . This dependants are also suggested for being
change happens due to the dominating given priority while taking the food .
unknown power , (or time) . Any type of Food taking is considered to be a ‘yadnya’
grain-corn or seed that which is edible , (an important religious sacrificial
undergoes such a change . It becomes performance) and hence it has a great
transforms into ‘light’ or ‘laghu’ property . significance in the life .
Wheat or rice or any other food article , Hence all the above said performances ,
when undergoes some specific processings food is a divine gift and blessings of God
, it’s inherent properties do not remain the and it is a result of strenuous incessant
same .Boiled rice with water is easily efforts or so many ; therefore he who takes
digested . When added with ginger or food , must suppose it to be a duty , to be
spicy element it is becomes more laghu . If grateful them all .
boiled with milk , it becomes a bit little
680 www.ijaar.in IJAAR VOLUME II ISSUE 5 JAN-FEB 2016
[Chaudhari Maheshkumar : Important Values Of Food in The View Of Ayurveda]

With this concept in mind , Indian Food There are some important and peculiar
science advocates , that one could not eat points in Ayurvedic literature regarding
oneself selfishly ; a little part of the food the processes and properties of meat and
must be generously offered to them . He meat – eating . I humbly think , they
who does not offer such food sacrifices are require an attention of great thinkers as
hence , supposed to be the thieves . well as of the research workers , to obtain
View regarding non – veg. food : the benefits of them in their full extent .
Particulars anatomical structure & The properties of a goat differ , according
physiological food digesting function and to other view of Ayurveda as per the
also some distinguishing characteristics of habital of the goat , food type , activities of
the man this all is suggestive of the fact , it sex , size and part of its body to be used .
that man is a born vegetarian animal .As To make it clear : - the goat – meat from
for the non–veg. killing of an animal is a sandy dry and hot region like ‘Sahara’,
must , Hindu scriptures are generally holds good qualities . The meat is lightly
hateful to this act of taking non–vegetarian digested , it emaciates and reduces fats in
food .On this back ground , it is worth the body . The goat – meat from marshy
considering , how Ayurveda describes and lands like North Saiberia is not
advocates the properties of the food of comparatively easy to digest . It is ‘guru’
meat , etc. of animal kingdom .To throw by nature due to dominating factor of
more light and make the picture clear , I marshy atmosphere there . ‘Jaangal’ and
better quote the authentic , as described by ‘Anupa’ desha is a particular term for the
Arundatta , a well known critic on natural environmental conditions
Vagbhata .Killing as well as meat eating of respectively . Such properties vary in
birds and certain animals is permitted by accordance with ‘Bhoomi desha’.
scriptures .The Life of man is stated to be Simiarly movements of the animal also
the most valuable amongst all the creatures affect the properties of the meat of the
. When the life of a man seems to be animal . A cow , if not releaved from its
ceasing , due to some disease or so and pen , the meat and milk of such a stably
when it could just be possibly saved by sitting cow and also of a she goat differs in
meat – eating , meat – eating is permitted its properties from other cow’s meat and
in Ayurveda . It is advocated in this milk . The effect of such a long – timely
context only , I feel myself much grieved , seating of animal is witnessed ‘guru’ in
I am unable to quote here the exact book Ayurveda . This theory is also applicable
of reference , where from I have stated this to any other animal and its way of action
particular view of Ayurveda regarding or movements .
meat - eating as above . I correctly and The heavy food taking animal yields the
exactly remember , furthermore , the milk of meat with heavy properties .The
author has stated :- he who eats the meat , meat of a he buffellow is stated more
must have the dire need of it . He must be ‘guru’ compared to the meat of a she
in such a condition , that the meat eating is bufellow . In this case sex of the animal is
a must for him . Only for the palatable stated to be dominating .Flesh of the
satiation non veg. food is supposed to be shoulder is heavier than that of the thigh .
unjust ‘Himsa’ as it is termed . The meat of the chest is heavier than that
of the leg . Such a comparison is made of
681 www.ijaar.in IJAAR VOLUME II ISSUE 5 JAN-FEB 2016