Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of holistic healing, has a concept of ‘six tastes’ or ‘Shad Rasas,’ as per which a balanced diet that includes all six tastes can lead to improved health, harmony, and overall well-being.
This concept holds significance in modern medicine as well. As per a study conducted by the Molecular Diversity Preservation International, ‘Flavour is a major determinant of which food is accepted or rejected, and can profoundly influence diet selection, nutrition, and health.’ To understand these six tastes, the team of OnlyMyHealth spoke to Dr Ganesh Chaudhary, Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery, PHC, Darbhanga, Bihar.
What Is Shad Rasas?
Dr Chaudhary said, “Ayurveda recognises six primary tastes, each of which consists of different combinations of the five elements -earth, water, fire, air, and ether.”
“Each of these tastes has unique properties and can influence the balance of the three doshas- Vata, Pitta, and Kapha, in the body. Vata is used for all the movements in the body, Pita is the body’s metabolism, and Kapha refers to the nourishing element of the body,” he added.
Listing the six tastes and their properties, Dr Chaudhary shared:
●Madhura or Sweet: This taste is associated with earth and water elements. Its properties are that it’s cool, heavy, and moist. This taste promotes strength, nourishment, and satisfaction, and hence balances the Vata and Pitta, but can aggravate Kapha if consumed in excess.
●Amla or Sour: This taste has an association with earth and fire elements, and is warm, light, and moist. Foods that have this taste aid digestion, stimulate appetite, and help balance Vata, but can increase Pitta and Kapha if overused.
●Lavana or Salty: Associated with water and fire elements, Lavana is characterised as hot, heavy, and moist. It enhances taste, aids digestion, has a laxative effect, and balances Vata, but can increase Pitta and Kapha if consumed excessively.
●Tikta or Bitter: Associated with ether and air elements, tikta foods are cool, light, and dry. They help to detoxify the body, reduce heat, and promote lightness. These foods help balance Pitta but can increase Vata and Kapha if over-consumed.
●Katu Or Pungent: Associated with fire and air elements, these foods are hot, light, and dry, stimulate digestion, clear congestion, and impart a spicy flavour. They help in balancing Kapha but can aggravate Pitta and Vata if used excessively.
●Kashaya or Astringent: Associated with air and earth elements, the foods are cool, dry, and light. They help to absorb moisture, tighten tissues, promote a feeling of dryness, and balance Kapha but can increase Vata and Pitta if overused.
In conclusion, by incorporating a variety of tastes into your diet, you can help balance your doshas, support digestion, and maintain a harmonious state of health. To optimise the benefits of Ayurvedic nutrition, it’s advisable to consult with an Ayurvedic practitioner who can provide personalised guidance based on your individual constitution and needs.
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