The basic tenets of ayurvedic dietetics and nutrition

Abstract

Food and nutrition are the most important considerations in the life sciences. Ayurveda, being essentially a life science and health care discipline, presents a very comprehensive account of classical food science in tune with its basic holistic approach and personalized considerations in relation to the theory of Panchamahabhuta, Tridosha, and Triguna. Ayurveda puts special emphasis on the role of food processing and the proper manner of food consumption in addition to food's material constituents. Ayurveda also emphasizes the importance of host biofactors like Deha Prakriti, Agni status, and the integrity of the Srotamsi, or the inner transport system of an individual body, which form the basic matrix of the nutrition science of Ayurveda. Ayurveda propounds the unique concept of special medicinal food supplements called Rasayana and believes more in a bio-balanced diet than in a merely materially balanced diet.