Food as vital energy.

 Ayurveda identifies three essential elements for a healthy life,

1. Ahara (food)

2. Nidra (sleep)

3. Abrahmacharya (sexual indulgence), with some considering Brahmacharya (celibacy) as the third aspect.

These pillars are believed to support well-being and prevent diseases. Today, let's center our conversation on Ahara/food, the nourishment vital for energizing our body. In Ayurveda, Ahara, or food, is considered not just a source of sustenance but as the fundamental fuel for our body. It's not merely about eating but about consuming the right kind of food in the right manner. Ayurveda emphasizes the quality, quantity, and timing of food intake, promoting a balanced diet tailored to individual constitutions (doshas). The belief is that food serves as a vital energy source that influences our physical, mental, and emotional well-being. It's not just about calories but about the nourishment and energy that food provides to support various bodily functions, boosts immunity, and maintains overall health. Ayurveda considers how different foods affect the body, emphasizing a holistic approach to nutrition and its impact on our vitality. 

As per Taitariya Upanishath, food is revered as Brahma, as all living beings have their origin in it. It exists within every living being in the form of Annamayakosha.

 न च आहरात् समं किञ्चिथभैषज्यमुपलभ्यन्ते | शाक्यते अप्यन्नमात्रेणा नर: कर्तुम निरमयाह ||

There is no medicine equivalent to food and it is also possible to cure a persons disease only through proper diet .

आहारा प्रिणनो साध्यो बालकरुद्देहधारक: | आयुस्तेज समुत्साहा स्मृत्योजो अग्नि विवर्धनम् ||

Food enhances vitality, strength and makes body sturdy. Also increases enthusiasm, memory, digestion, lifespan, luster and Ojas (Vital energy).

Many incurable illnesses often stem from poor dietary choices. Hence, a wise and disciplined individual should consume appropriate food in the correct amounts and timings to ward off diseases. As per classic texts, one should consume meal only Twice a day, the morning and evening. It's recommended to eat when the body feels light after a bowel movement, experiencing clear belching and a genuine hunger or emptiness in the stomach. T he recommendation to eat after a bowel movement, when the body feels light, is based on the idea that it's an optimal time for digestion. Clear belching indicates that previous food has been adequately digested. Feeling genuine hunger or an emptiness in the stomach suggests that the body is ready to receive and efficiently process the next meal. This approach aligns with Ayurvedic principles, aiming for better digestion and overall well-being by honoring the body's natural cues before eating. Ayurveda takes into account various factors related to food, including its processing, combinations, place and time of cultivation, along with specific guidelines on food consumption. It also considers the individual's health and classifies food based on its inherent nature.

Eat warm food – उष्णमश्नीयात् : This makes food tasty, gets digested quickly, does not make you feel heavy.

Eat unctuous food – स्निग्धमश्नीयात् : Nourishes body, strengthens sense organs ,brings about good complexion also digests fast and tastes good .

Eat as per quantity / portion control - मात्रा वत् अश्नीयात् : digests easily, does not cause problems .

Eat only after feeling hungry - जीर्णे अश्नीयात् : leads to proper assimilation of food and absorption of nutrients unimpaired digestion

Do not eat in a hurry – नातिद्रुतमश्नीयात् : It may enter the wrong passage.

Do not eat very slow - नातिविलम्बात् अश्नीयात् : food becomes clod , end up eating more , does not give satisfaction.

Ayurveda advises focusing solely on food during meals, choosing a pleasant environment for eating. It also suggests being mindful of food combinations to prevent potential skin issues, health issues and many more. It also gives us the healthy and unhealthy combinations of food articles. Which among the similar group of articles is the best .

भोजनाग्रे साध| पथ्यं लवणाद्रक भक्षणं ||

It is said consuming a small quantity of Ginger and salt before food is always good. It enhances Digestion, taste and cleanses the throat and tongue.

It is advised to start meal with sweet taste because it immediately pacifies hunger. Followed by sour and salty to facilitate digestion and end with bitter or astringent taste to reduce the excessive acidity.

In conclusion, fostering proper food habits involves mindful eating, paying attention to food combinations, respecting individual body cues, and considering tastes in a sequential order for improved digestion and overall well-being. Take the time to savor and appreciate your meals. By embracing these practices, individuals can cultivate a more mindful, balanced, and nourishing relationship with food, fostering better digestion, enhanced nutrient assimilation, and overall wellness. This was merely an introductory glimpse into Ayurveda's expansive knowledge about food. Ayurveda delves deeply into various aspects, including different food types, food processing, seasonal and geographical considerations, and tailoring diets to individual body constitutions all crucial elements for maintaining good health