Yoga And Ayurveda (The Question of Right Food )

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The Vedanta Kesari, p. 381-385, October 2005, Ramakrishna Mission

We now come to the last part of this paper for our consideration, that is, food, which is an integral part of Yoga-Ayurvedic cycle. Ayurveda teaches that each individual has the power to heal himself and food plays a vital role here. Food has its direct effect on human thinking and emotional attitudes, and it creates tamasic, rajasic and sattvic gunas. It has been unanimously approved that generally sattvic food which is purely vegetarian (which does not include even eggs)
in character is recommended for attaining disease-free life and longevity, and leading a spiritual life.

Ayurveda recommends a balanced sattvic food which should contain all vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, and fibres in correct proportion. Similarly, it does not recommend excess eating. It says that a human being should half-fill his/her stomach with properly cooked food, free from strong, pungent and sour properties, and one fourth with water and the remaining one-fourth should be left as enough empty space for the food to move freely without any discomfort.

Further, it classifies food that is helpful or harmful for each constitution. For instance, dry fruits, apples, melon, potatoes, tomatoes, eggplant, ice cream, beef, peas and green salad aggravate vata. So, a person of vata constitution should not take these foods in excess. Conversely, sweet fruits, avocados, coconut, brown rice, red cabbage, banana, grapes, cherries and oranges are beneficial for people of vata constitution. Similarly, pitta dosha will be caused by spicy foods, peanut, butter, sour fruits, bananas, papayas, tomatoes and garlic. Foods that inhibit pitta are mangoes, oranges, pears, plums, sprouts, green salad, asparagus and mushrooms. Bananas, melons, coconuts, dates, papayas, pineapples and dairy products increase kapha. However, dry fruits, pomegranates, basumati rice, sprouts are beneficial for people of kapha constitution.

During summer, when the temperature is high, people tend to perspire excessively. Pitta predominates at that time. Hence it is not advisable to eat hot, spicy or pungent foods, because they will aggravate pitta. During autumn, when the wind is high and dry, more vata will be present in the atmosphere. At this time, one should avoid dry fruits and high protein foods that increase vata. Winter is the season of kapha. During this period one should avoid cold drinks, ice creams, cheese and yoghurt. Such foods will increase kapha.

Ayurveda also tells us that unless we feel hungry we should not eat, and unless we feel thirsty we should not drink. We should not eat when we feel thirsty, and drink when we feel hungry. When we are hungry, the digestive fire is en-kindled. If we drink at this time, the liquid dissolves the digestive enzymes and the agni is reduced. Ayurveda also suggests that we do not drink water half-an-hour before taking food, and avoid drinking water while eating. Proper munching of food creates juice in the mouth, which removes any sticking or blocking of food in the throat.

Similarly, Ayurveda tells us that we should take water two hours after eating our food. This will necessitate proper digestion and good absorption of food in the body. The amount of food eaten at a meal should be the equivalent of two handfuls of food. Overeating causes toxins in the digestive system.

How we eat is very important. While eating we should sit with crossed legs, and straight with the spine erect, and avoid watching television or reading or talking. We must focus our mind upon food and chew properly and relish the taste slowly. It is important that one eats at a moderate speed. Eating is an experience and if done properly, it helps in concentration, and enhances longevity.