The role of the diet is extremely important in Ayurveda as it forms the main part of the treatment for any ailment. It is the first and foremost pillar of health, because of its necessity for the growth of the body, strength and immunity. The right diet is considered to be responsible for the maintenance of good health and for the prevention and cure of disease. The contemporary science of nutrition and dietetics was developed towards the end of the 18th century and developed a vast knowledge about the contents of food, i.e. minerals, proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins etc. Food was measured according to its nutritive value and weighed in quantities. Modern dietetics has taught us to "count calories" and that we need food to build and shape our physical body. Nutritional needs are measured in terms of calories and quantities, and we are advised to take certain amounts of specific food groups. It is exactly this part of modern dietetics, I wanted to counterbalance with this book. The ancient Ayurvedic texts describe the qualities of food, and divide them in three categories, viz. Rajas, Tamas and Sattva. These are the qualities of all things in life and are mental qualities as well. But the value of food in Ayurveda goes far beyond this classification. Food is valued in its relation to the climate, environment and season. Food contains all 5 elements, i.e. water, fire, earth, air and ether, which are present everywhere and also constitute our individual bodies in a very unique way. The body is not merely physical but it is mental and spiritual as well. With choosing foods according to our real natural needs and not just to our physical needs, we support all our bodies (physical, mental and spiritual), and express our true nature. In Ayurveda, the diet forms the main part of the treatment for any ailment. With this book I want to emphasize the importance of diet and nutrition to our health and highlight a significant branch of Ayurveda i.e. dietetics. |
