Article: CONCEPT OF DIET (AHARA) ACCORDING TO AYURVEDIC PERSPECTIVES: A REVIEW

Article Category: Review articles

DOI: 10.7897/2277-4343.1406158

Pages: 9-14

Author: Jadhav Kalpana K *, Archana Suresh Ingole Patil

Abstract: Ahara is the most important and basic requirement for living beings. Ahara is considered one of the three upastambhas of life. Various concepts and principles of ahara are described in Ayurveda. Some of the unique concepts like satmya – asatmya, pathya – apathya, aharavidhividhan, dwadasha anna pravicharana, ashta ahara vidhi visheshayatana are mentioned for healthy and unhealthy persons. While incorporating the Ayurvedic diet, we must consider the prakriti, agnibala and panchbhautik composition of ahara. Modern life is swift and stressful, and because of that, we have to face lifestyle disorders like diabetes mellitus, hypertension and obesity. Therefore, it is not an exaggeration to state that diet is the most important aspect in treating diseases such as diabetes mellitus and obesity. As Ayurveda gives more importance to ahara and rules of taking food, it prevents and reduces the number of complications in these patients. If we prevent a disease, then the cost of treatment is reduced, leading to the betterment of society and health promotion of individuals. Ahara is important in maintaining the human body's normal physiological and psychological functioning. It provides strength, complexion, nourishment and longevity.

Keyword: Ahara, Ahara Vidhi Vidhan, Ashta Ahara Vidhi Visheshayatana, PathyaApathya, Dwadasha Ashna Pravicharana, Viruddha Ahara.