Food is the basis of all life. To gain optimal balance from food, it is essential to consume something that is well-suited and wholesome. The food, which is wrong in combination, has undergone unsuitable processing, was consumed in an incorrect quantity, and/or was consumed at the wrong time of day and in the wrong season, is said to be incompatible food. This concept is clearly explained by Ayurveda Acharya Charaka as ‘Virudha Ahara.'
According to the Ayurvedic perspective, each food has a distinct combination of tastes, energy, and post-digestive effect (Rasa, Virya, and Vipaka). Therefore, combining foods in a wrong way can affect the digestive fire and may cause gas, bloating, and the formation of toxins in the body. On the other hand, proper combining can enhance digestion and tissue formation.
Here’s a list of incompatible foods according to Ayurveda.
- 1. Fish and Milk - The potency of fish and milk is different (cold and hot potency, respectively), and a combination of these two is known to vitiate blood and cause obstruction to channels.
- 2. Milk and melons – Milk is a laxative, and melons are diuretic; a combination of these two can result in belching and acidity.
- 3. Banana with milk, yogurt, or buttermilk - A combination of these can cause indigestion and produce toxins in the body.
- 4. Ghee and Honey - In equal quantities, this combination is considered to be as hazardous as poison.
- 5. Raw and cooked food together is considered incompatible
- 6. Nightshades like potatoes, eggplants, tomatoes, etc. with cheese and yogurt may cause indigestion.
The list is unfinished but gives an insight into some not-so-recommended staple daily combinations in our diet. It’s important to understand that Ayurveda gives prime importance to agni, or digestive fire. It has been said by Acharya Charaka that the root cause of major diseases is improper digestive fire.
Certain recommendations need to be followed while taking food. These include,
- 1. Quantity of food – One should take the right quantity of food always, since the quantity is that which maintains proper digestive power. The quantity of food depends on the digestive power of the individual.
- 2. Time of eating – Ayurveda advises three meals in a day. The main meal should be lunch, which is the pitta time and when digestive fire is maximum. Also, dinner should be taken before sunset, as when the sun goes down, the digestive fire also goes down.
- 3. Sequence of consuming food – One should include all the 6 tastes while consuming food. The sweet taste needs to be taken first (like fruits), the sour and salty taste in the middle, and the bitter, astringent, and pungent foods should be taken at the end of the meal.
- 4. Method of eating food - One should eat at a moderate pace, not too fast or slow. Eating slow is advised for those who wish for weight loss.
Besides these directives on how to eat, Ayurveda also advises about foods that can be consumed on a regular basis and those that need to be avoided in regular use.
Food for Regular Use
- 1 Ghee
- 2 Honey
- 3 Indian gooseberries
- 4 Fruits like Grapes, pomegranate, etc.
- 5 Rice and Barley
- 6 Immature Radish
- 7 Chebulic Fruits
- 8 Leafy Vegetables
- 9 Meats of animals in arid or dry land
In short, the dishes capable of promoting health and curing diseases are suitable for regular use.
Foods not recommended for Regular Use
- 1 Cheese and Curd
- 2 Alkaline preparations like Vinegar
- 3 Sprouted seeds
- 4 Black grams
- 5 Dried meat
- 6 Molasses
- 7 Tuberous roots
- 8 Sweets prepared by grinding cereals
- 9 uncooked radishes
Ayurveda advises eating food for your soul. The food that you eat can nourish or vitiate all the aspects of your health. This includes not just your physical health but your mental health too.
Follow these simple practices from Ayurveda for a healthy life.
Tags: Ayurveda