Time- tested wisdom of Ayurveda provides clear and specific diet recommendations for people based on their unique constitution, state of balance and seasonal factors. According to Ayurveda, there are six tastes i.e. Sweet, Sour, Salty, Bitter, Pungent and Astringent, and these tastes have specific actions upon the three biological humors or Doshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha). These tastes do not disappear once the food is ingested, but continue to influence our physical and emotional balance. Each taste is made up of a combination of two of the five elements. Three tastes increases and three tastes decrease each of the Doshas according to the elements that compose them.
Sweet taste increases body tissues, nourishes sense organs and promotes strength. The character of this Taste is cold, damp and heavy for digestion, reducing the Agni or Digestive Fire. Composed by Earth and Water Elements, Sweet taste is predominant in Sugar and Carbohydrates would increase Kapha and when taken in excess, promotes congestion, lethargy and obesity, constipation, heaviness etc. Sweet Taste would decrease Pitta and Vata.
Sour Taste is made up of Earth and fire elements. This Taste is found in Acidic fruits and Fermented Food. Generally, Sour Taste would increase appetite, promotes salivation, stimulates digestive power etc. This taste would increase Pitta and Kapha and reduce Vata. The character of this Taste is light, hot and oily. In excess, the Sour Taste would cause Acidity, promotes toxic blood, damage the muscles, mucus membranes and teeth.
Composed by Water and Fire elements, Salty Taste found in table salt or seaweed, improves digestion, gives flavor to the food, is laxative, increases secretion in the mouth and liquefies mucus (decongestant). This taste would increase Pitta and Kapha when taken in excess. It would weaken the muscles, increase toxins, induce premature wrinkles on the skin, may cause gray hair and baldness. Salty Taste would decrease Vata Dosha.
This taste is made up of Fire and Air elements, found in all Spices like Cayenne , Ginger, Turmeric etc. Pungent Taste stimulates digestion and helps destroy bacteria and parasites. Pungent Taste is light, hot and dry in character and by its hot nature, it causes sweating and creating heat in the body. It stimulates the mind and senses and clears the head and throat. This Taste decreases Kapha and increases Pitta and Vata. Excess use destroys virility and can cause skin rashes, burning sensations etc.
Bitter Taste is made up of Air and Ether (space) found in herbs like Golden Seal, Gentian, and vegetables like bitter melon (Karela). Bitter Taste is Alterative (blood purifying), cleansing and detoxifying. It is antibiotic and antiseptic, relieves inflammatory diseases of the skin, and also clears and cleanses the mind and emotions. It decreases Pitta and Kapha but increases Vata. It is dry, cold and light in character. In excess, this taste produces dryness, loss of strength and weakens the appetite etc.
Astringent Taste is composed of Earth and Air element. The character of Astringent Taste is dry, cold and heavy found in herbs containing Tannins like alum and witch hazel. Foods like beans though its character is heating. Many green herbaceous plants are astringent in taste like lettuce, alfalfa, dandelion, plantain etc. Pitta and Kapha is reduced by this Taste but increases the Vata. This taste purifies the blood, removes excess watery wastes like mucus, sweat, diarrhea. In excess Astringent Taste produces dryness in the mouth and skin, obstructs the channels and produces gas in the stomach and intestines.
Find out your predominant Constitution and follow general suggestions below. Schedule an appointment for Initial Consultation for in depth Constitution analysis, Ayurvedic Assessments of imbalances, Food Plan, Herbal Supplements, lifestyle suggestions, Ayurvedic therapies and Panchakarma which is customized detoxification programs.
ADVICE ON FOOD AND BEHAVIOR ACCORDING TO PREDOMINANT CONSTITUTION
