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== Importance of Ahara ==

== Importance of Ahara ==

Ahara has been acclaimed for its role in every aspect of persons life in Charaka Samhita. Acharya Charaka has described the multivariate importance of Ahara or Annam in the verse below. <blockquote>प्राणाः प्राणभृतामन्नमन्नं लोकोऽभिधावति| वर्णः प्रसादः सौस्वर्यं जीवितं प्रतिभा सुखम्॥ </blockquote><blockquote>तुष्टिः पुष्टिर्बलं मेधा सर्वमन्ने प्रतिष्ठितम्| लौकिकं कर्म यद्वृत्तौ स्वर्गतौ यच्च वैदिकम्॥ </blockquote><blockquote>कर्मापवर्गे यच्चोक्तं तच्चाप्यन्ने प्रतिष्ठितम्॥ (Char. Samh. 27.349-51)<ref>Charaka Samhita (Sutrasthanam Adhyaya 27 Sutras 349-51)</ref></blockquote><blockquote>prāṇāḥ prāṇabhr̥tāmannamannaṁ loko'bhidhāvati| varṇaḥ prasādaḥ sausvaryaṁ jīvitaṁ pratibhā sukham॥</blockquote><blockquote>tuṣṭiḥ puṣṭirbalaṁ medhā sarvamanne pratiṣṭhitam| laukikaṁ karma yadvr̥ttau svargatau yacca vaidikam॥</blockquote><blockquote>karmāpavarge yaccoktaṁ taccāpyanne pratiṣṭhitam॥ (Char. Samh. 27.349-51)</blockquote>Meaning: The source of life for all living beings is food and thus all the world seeks (runs behind) food. Complexion, clarity, good voice, long life, understanding, happiness, satisfaction, growth, strength and intelligence are all established in food (can be attained by eating right food). Whatever is beneficial for worldly happiness, whatever pertains to the vedic sacrifices leading to higher abode and whatever actions lead to spiritual salvation are said to be established through food.<ref>Available from [https://www.carakasamhitaonline.com/index.php?title=Annapanavidhi_Adhyaya charakasamhitaonline.com]</ref><blockquote>आहारः प्रीणनः सद्यो बलकृद्देहधारकः ॥ आयुस्तेजःसमुत्साहस्मृत्योजोग्निविवर्धनः ॥ (Sush. Samh. 24.68-69)<ref>Sushruta Samhita (Chikitsasthanam Adhyaya 24 Sutra 68-69)</ref></blockquote><blockquote>āhāraḥ prīṇanaḥ sadyo balakr̥ddehadhārakaḥ ॥ āyustejaḥsamutsāhasmr̥tyojognivivardhanaḥ ॥ (Sush. Samh. 24.68-69)</blockquote>Meaning: Ahara is nourishing, instantly energizing and body bearer. It promotes longevity, energy, freshness, memory, [[Ojas (ओजः)|ojas]] and Agni.

Ahara has been acclaimed for its role in every aspect of persons life in Charaka Samhita. Acharya Charaka has described the multivariate importance of Ahara or Annam in the verse below. <blockquote>प्राणाः प्राणभृतामन्नमन्नं लोकोऽभिधावति| वर्णः प्रसादः सौस्वर्यं जीवितं प्रतिभा सुखम्॥ </blockquote><blockquote>तुष्टिः पुष्टिर्बलं मेधा सर्वमन्ने प्रतिष्ठितम्| लौकिकं कर्म यद्वृत्तौ स्वर्गतौ यच्च वैदिकम्॥ </blockquote><blockquote>कर्मापवर्गे यच्चोक्तं तच्चाप्यन्ने प्रतिष्ठितम्॥ (Char. Samh. 27.349-51)<ref name=":4">Charaka Samhita (Sutrasthanam Adhyaya 27 Sutras 349-51)</ref></blockquote><blockquote>prāṇāḥ prāṇabhr̥tāmannamannaṁ loko'bhidhāvati| varṇaḥ prasādaḥ sausvaryaṁ jīvitaṁ pratibhā sukham॥</blockquote><blockquote>tuṣṭiḥ puṣṭirbalaṁ medhā sarvamanne pratiṣṭhitam| laukikaṁ karma yadvr̥ttau svargatau yacca vaidikam॥</blockquote><blockquote>karmāpavarge yaccoktaṁ taccāpyanne pratiṣṭhitam॥ (Char. Samh. 27.349-51)</blockquote>Meaning: The source of life for all living beings is food and thus all the world seeks (runs behind) food. Complexion, clarity, good voice, long life, understanding, happiness, satisfaction, growth, strength and intelligence are all established in food (can be attained by eating right food). Whatever is beneficial for worldly happiness, whatever pertains to the vedic sacrifices leading to higher abode and whatever actions lead to spiritual salvation are said to be established through food.<ref>Available from [https://www.carakasamhitaonline.com/index.php?title=Annapanavidhi_Adhyaya charakasamhitaonline.com]</ref><blockquote>आहारः प्रीणनः सद्यो बलकृद्देहधारकः ॥ आयुस्तेजःसमुत्साहस्मृत्योजोग्निविवर्धनः ॥ (Sush. Samh. 24.68-69)<ref name=":5">Sushruta Samhita (Chikitsasthanam Adhyaya 24 Sutra 68-69)</ref></blockquote><blockquote>āhāraḥ prīṇanaḥ sadyo balakr̥ddehadhārakaḥ ॥ āyustejaḥsamutsāhasmr̥tyojognivivardhanaḥ ॥ (Sush. Samh. 24.68-69)</blockquote>Meaning: Ahara is nourishing, instantly energizing and body bearer. It promotes longevity, energy, freshness, memory, [[Ojas (ओजः)|ojas]] and Agni.

At the same time, Ayurveda acharyas have also identified the nuisance value of ahara if it is not consumed methodically. It is because of some inappropriate practices of consuming food, it can also become a cause for disease development and thus might create trouble. Acharya Charaka has pointed out this interesting aspect of Ahara by comparing it with liquor and poison by showing the similarity between them skillfully in the verse below.

At the same time, Ayurveda acharyas have also identified the nuisance value of ahara if it is not consumed methodically. It is because of some inappropriate practices of consuming food, it can also become a cause for disease development and thus might create trouble. Acharya Charaka has pointed out this interesting aspect of Ahara by comparing it with liquor and poison by showing the similarity between them skillfully in the verse below.

Thus, Ahara plays integral role in one’s health and wellness and therefore it is regarded as one of the 3 supports of life.  

Thus, Ahara plays integral role in one’s health and wellness and therefore it is regarded as one of the 3 supports of life.  

== Role of Ahara ==

== Role of Ahara ==

Ayurveda has recognized the role of Ahara in various aspects of life. <blockquote>हिताहारोपयोग एक एव पुरुषवृद्धिकरो भवति, अहिताहारोपयोगः पुनर्व्याधिनिमित्तमिति ॥ (Char Samh 25.31)<ref>Charaka Samhita (Sutrasthanam Adhyaya 25 Sutra 31)</ref></blockquote><blockquote>hitāhāropayoga eka eva puruṣavr̥ddhikaro bhavati, ahitāhāropayogaḥ punarvyādhinimittamiti ॥ (Char Samh 25.31)</blockquote>Meaning: Hita Ahara (Favorable/suitable Food) is identified as the one and only source of Purusha Vrddhi (Growth of body-mind-energy system of a person).  

Ayurveda has recognized the role of Ahara in various aspects of life. <blockquote>हिताहारोपयोग एक एव पुरुषवृद्धिकरो भवति, अहिताहारोपयोगः पुनर्व्याधिनिमित्तमिति ॥ (Char Samh 25.31)<ref name=":6">Charaka Samhita (Sutrasthanam Adhyaya 25 Sutra 31)</ref></blockquote><blockquote>hitāhāropayoga eka eva puruṣavr̥ddhikaro bhavati, ahitāhāropayogaḥ punarvyādhinimittamiti ॥ (Char Samh 25.31)</blockquote>Meaning: Hita Ahara (Favorable/suitable Food) is identified as the one and only source of Purusha Vrddhi (Growth of body-mind-energy system of a person).  

This statement underlines the importance of Ahara in nourishment of not only physical body but also [[Manas (मनः)|manas]] (mind). Ahara has also been identified as one of the extremely important causative factor for disease development. The origin, sustenance and destruction of life is rooted in Ahara. It is Ahara which causes growth, generates strength, health, wellness when consumed appropriately, On the other hand, inappropriately consumed food leads to illness. <ref>Sushruta Samhita (Sutrasthnam Adhyaya 46 Sutra 3)</ref> Thus, role of ahara in all these aspects of life, health and well-being is discussed step-wise in brief.

This statement underlines the importance of Ahara in nourishment of not only physical body but also [[Manas (मनः)|manas]] (mind). Ahara has also been identified as one of the extremely important causative factor for disease development. The origin, sustenance and destruction of life is rooted in Ahara. It is Ahara which causes growth, generates strength, health, wellness when consumed appropriately, on the other hand, inappropriately consumed food leads to illness. <ref name=":7">Sushruta Samhita (Sutrasthnam Adhyaya 46 Sutra 3)</ref> Thus, role of ahara in all these aspects of life, health and well-being is discussed step-wise in brief.

=== In Sharira vruddhi ===

=== In Sharira vruddhi ===

[[Sharira (शरीरम्)|Shariram]] (Physical body) of a person is made up of Ahara. Therefore Sharira vrddhi (physical growth), strength building can be achieved essentially through ahara. Ahara undergoes the process of digestion and it is transformed into [[Rasa Dhatu (रस धातु)|Rasa dhatu.]] This Rasa dhatu which is the essence of ahara is then circulated through various channels in the body to provide nourishment to each and every body component. Thus nourishment & growth of body, sustenance of metabolic functions and preservation of life is accomplished by Ahara through Rasa dhatu. <ref>Sushruta Samhita (Sutrasthanam Adhyaya 14 Sutra 3)</ref> Owing to this, the root of living beings, their balam (strength) and Varnam (Complexion) appears to be in Ahara. All these vital activities are carried out by Ahara with the help of its [[Rasa (रसः)|Rasa]]. Guna, [[Veeryam (वीर्यम्)|Veerya]] and [[Vipaka (विपाकः)|vipaka]]. These properties are based on dravya i.e. ingredient or substance which is consumed as a food. Therefore, what food you select and consume is extremely important. Physical body appears good when it is in proper shape and size. The disproportionate increase or reduction in size and shape of the body is unpleasant and leads to illness as well. Thus obesity and emaciation (frail/lean body structure) both conditions are displeasing to the person. Ayurveda too opines that such body types are unfavorable and suggests that Ahara is one of the extremely significant causative factors in this which needs to be properly addressed. The other important factor is Nidra.<ref>Charaka Samhita (Sutrasthanam Adhyaya 21 Sutra 51)</ref> Overall, for the growth of the physical body known as Sharira in Ayurveda, the role of Ahara was well known to the Ayurveda scholars and thus it has been counted as one among the factors responsible for Sharira Vrddhi (physical growth). These factors are collective known as Sharira Vrddhikara Bhavas. At this place it is once again communicated that not just any ahara but Aharasampat i.e good quality of Ahara is responsible for body growth.  

[[Sharira (शरीरम्)|Shariram]] (Physical body) of a person is made up of Ahara. Therefore Sharira vrddhi (physical growth), strength building can be achieved essentially through ahara. Ahara undergoes the process of digestion and it is transformed into [[Rasa Dhatu (रस धातु)|Rasa dhatu.]] This Rasa dhatu which is the essence of ahara is then circulated through various channels in the body to provide nourishment to each and every body component. Thus nourishment & growth of body, sustenance of metabolic functions and preservation of life is accomplished by Ahara through Rasa dhatu. <ref>Sushruta Samhita (Sutrasthanam Adhyaya 14 Sutra 3)</ref> Owing to this, the root of living beings, their balam (strength) and Varnam (Complexion) appears to be in Ahara. All these vital activities are carried out by Ahara with the help of its [[Rasa (रसः)|Rasa]]. Guna, [[Veeryam (वीर्यम्)|Veerya]] and [[Vipaka (विपाकः)|vipaka]]. These properties are based on dravya i.e. ingredient or substance which is consumed as a food. Therefore, what food you select and consume is extremely important. Physical body appears good when it is in proper shape and size. The disproportionate increase or reduction in size and shape of the body is unpleasant and leads to illness as well. Thus obesity and emaciation (frail/lean body structure) both conditions are displeasing to the person. Ayurveda too opines that such body types are unfavorable and suggests that Ahara is one of the extremely significant causative factors in this which needs to be properly addressed. The other important factor is Nidra.<ref name=":8">Charaka Samhita (Sutrasthanam Adhyaya 21 Sutra 51)</ref> Overall, for the growth of the physical body known as Sharira in Ayurveda, the role of Ahara was well known to the Ayurveda scholars and thus it has been counted as one among the factors responsible for Sharira Vrddhi (physical growth). These factors are collective known as Sharira Vrddhikara Bhavas. At this place it is once again communicated that not just any ahara but Aharasampat i.e good quality of Ahara is responsible for body growth.  

<blockquote>कार्त्स्न्येन शरीरवृद्धिकरास्त्विमे भावा भवन्ति; तद्यथा- कालयोगः, स्वभावसंसिद्धिः, आहारसौष्ठवम्, अविघातश्चेति ॥ (Char Samh 6.12)<ref>Charaka Samhita (Sharirasthanam Adhyaya 6 Sutra 12)</ref></blockquote><blockquote>kārtsnyena śarīravr̥ddhikarāstvime bhāvā bhavanti; tadyathā- kālayogaḥ, svabhāvasaṁsiddhiḥ, āhārasauṣṭhavam, avighātaśceti ॥ (Char Samh 6.12)</blockquote>

<blockquote>कार्त्स्न्येन शरीरवृद्धिकरास्त्विमे भावा भवन्ति; तद्यथा- कालयोगः, स्वभावसंसिद्धिः, आहारसौष्ठवम्, अविघातश्चेति ॥ (Char Samh 6.12)<ref>Charaka Samhita (Sharirasthanam Adhyaya 6 Sutra 12)</ref></blockquote><blockquote>kārtsnyena śarīravr̥ddhikarāstvime bhāvā bhavanti; tadyathā- kālayogaḥ, svabhāvasaṁsiddhiḥ, āhārasauṣṭhavam, avighātaśceti ॥ (Char Samh 6.12)</blockquote>

=== Role of ahara in agni strength ===

=== Role of ahara in agni strength ===

दीप्तो यथैव स्थाणुश्च बाह्योऽग्निः सारदारुभिः|

Ayurveda shastra gives immense importance to the status of Agni in a person. Agni is believed to be the moola (base/root) of the life like that of Ahara. Ahara taken from outside is converted in the form of energy by Agni and this energy is responsible for all vital functions of our body. If the agni is in a balanced state, the person would be healthy and would lead a long, healthy, happy life. On the other hand, the any vitiation or disturbances in agni the entire metabolism of the body is disturbed resulting in illness and poor quality of life. Once the function of agni stops, the life ends. Thus Agni is critical for one's life. It the cause of health, nourishment, strength, lusture, [[Ojas (ओजः)|ojas]], teja (energy) and prana (life energy).<ref name=":9">Charaka Samhita (Chiktsasthanam Adhyaya 15 Sutra 3-4)</ref> One can also find that the similar description on impact of Ahara on Life is noted in Ayurveda treatises.<ref name=":4" /> <ref name=":5" /> <ref name=":6" /> <ref name=":7" /> <ref name=":8" /> Therefore it is clear that Agni and Ahara both impact the life equally in every aspect. Their targets are similar also because agni and ahara are basically interdependent. Ahara can not impact life without process of agni neither agni can help individual without ahara. These two components control each other and bring about the final effect. How food controls the strength of agni has been explained in Ayurveda with a simple example. Agni can become strong and steady when it is offered Ahara which is nourishing and suitable with a tinge of unctuousness like the wood-fire becomes strong and steady with the help of heart wood / hard wood coated with some unctuous material. <blockquote>दीप्तो यथैव स्थाणुश्च बाह्योऽग्निः सारदारुभिः | सस्नेहैर्जायते तद्वदाहारैः कोष्ठगोऽनलः ॥ (Asht. Hrud. 10.79)<ref>Ashtanga Hrudayam (Chikitsasthanam Adhyaya 10 Sutra 79)</ref> </blockquote>Thus it is always believed in Ayurveda that, not just the food but its digestion and transformation also should be given equal importance while considering health and illness.

 

सस्नेहैर्जायते तद्वदाहारैः कोष्ठगोऽनलः||७९|| A.H.Chi.10.79

 

 

 

शुभाशुभसमुत्पत्तौ तान् परीक्ष्य प्रयोजयेत्||४२|| cha.su 28.42

=== In Balam Vruddhi ===

=== In Balam Vruddhi ===

Yuktikrut bala by ahara- A.H.SHA.3.78

[[Balam (बलम्)|Balam]] in Samskrit refers to the strength of the body. It also indicates ability of the body or part of the body, to protect oneself against various harmful factors. As mentioned in previous sections, Ayurveda has given immense importance to Ahara and agni to acquire and maintain balam. <ref name=":4" /> <ref name=":5" /> <ref name=":9" /> Grossly, Balam is the product of the strength of all the [[Dhatus (धातवः)|dhatus]] (body tissues).<ref>Sushrut Samhita (Sutrastanam Adhyaya 15 Sutra 19)</ref> Therefore strength and quality of each dhatu contributes in balam which in turn depends on the ahara. Ultimately, Ahara becomes one of the crucial contributing factors in building and maintaining strength. Ahara is thus listed on eamong the crucial factors for building strength. These factors are called as Balavrddhikara bhavas in Ayurveda.<blockquote>बलवृद्धिकरास्त्विमे भावा भवन्ति| तद्यथा- बलवत्पुरुषे देशे जन्म बलवत्पुरुषे काले च, सुखश्च कालयोगः, बीजक्षेत्रगुणसम्पच्च, आहारसम्पच्च, शरीरसम्पच्च, सात्म्यसम्पच्च, सत्त्वसम्पच्च, स्वभावसंसिद्धिश्च, यौवनं च, कर्म च, संहर्षश्चेति ॥ (Char. Samh. 6.13)<ref>Charaka Samhita (Sharirasthanam Adhyaya 6 Sutra 13)</ref></blockquote>Fundamentally there are 3 types of balam based on its source viz Sahaja (Natural, Present right from the birth), Kalaja (Present due to particular season and age) and Yuktikrita (Obtained by deliberate efforts to acquire strength like use of diet, exercise, medicines). Ahara is believed to develop Yuktikruta type of Balam. This means with proper application of knowledge about which food should be taken and how it should be consumed, one can certainly increase the strength. E.g Inclusion of ghee, milk, meat and certain strength building recipes in diet under a Vaidya's supervision can help one build strength and stamina. <ref>Charaka Samhita (Sutrasthanam Adhyaya 11 Sutram 36)</ref> <ref>Ashtanga Hrudayam (Sharirasthanam Adhyaya 3 Sutra 78)</ref>

 

युक्तिजं पुनः|

 

 

Cha.Su 11.36

 

त्रिविधं बलमिति- सहजं, कालजं, युक्तिकृतं च|

 

 

 

Ahara as one of the balavruddhikara bhava

 

बलवृद्धिकरास्त्विमे भावा भवन्ति|

 

तद्यथा- बलवत्पुरुषे देशे जन्म बलवत्पुरुषे काले च, सुखश्च कालयोगः, बीजक्षेत्रगुणसम्पच्च, आहारसम्पच्च, शरीरसम्पच्च, सात्म्यसम्पच्च, सत्त्वसम्पच्च, स्वभावसंसिद्धिश्च, यौवनं च, कर्म च, संहर्षश्चेति||१३|| (Cha.Sha. 6.13)

=== In Prevention of diseases ===

=== In Prevention of diseases ===