Insights of Nutravigilance in Ayurveda Classics

Abstract

Ahara, i.e., diet, possesses a very significant place in Ayurveda which is evident from its inclusion among Trayoupastambha (three main pillars of life). According to classical literature, Ayurveda places significant importance on food and categorizes it in various ways based on factors such as an individual's constitution, properties of the food, therapeutic benefits, and more. Food has been considered as medicine, and according to pathya Kalpana, dietary restrictions along with disease specific recipes have been vividly mentioned. Apt, optimal and dexterous use of them facilitates the human body to sustain its integrity, being enriched with bala (strength), varna (complexion), and upachaya (growth of nourishment) till longevity. Considering the essentiality of food, the treatise has also focussed on the need for vigilance in the case of diet. Thus, this chapter is an effort to discuss the insights into nutra-vigilance from Ayurveda Classics.