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Line 38: − + − Ayurveda lays great emphasis on selection and consumption of Ahara for maintenance of health and well-being. It is considered to be the most important factor in one' life responsible for longevity, strength and health. Not just that but Ayurveda scholars have opined that Deha or Shariram is made up of ahara (food). All the body components and elements are originated from and maintained through food. And therefore one needs to be extra cautious while taking food. Food should not be consumed out of affection (without mindfulness) or without having knowledge of the food that is being consumed since food taken in this way might prove harmful. Thus it is recommended that ahara should be consumed after properly assessing or understanding its nature. <blockquote>एवं च कृत्वाऽन्नमया एव देहे सर्वे भावाः॥ न रागान्नाप्यविज्ञानादाहारानुपयोजयेत्| </blockquote><blockquote>परीक्ष्य हितमश्नीयाद्देहो ह्याहारसम्भवः ॥ (Char. Samh. 28.41)<ref>Charaka Samhita (Sutrasthanam Adhyaya 28 Sutram 41)</ref></blockquote> − − == त्रयोपस्तंभाः॥ Trayopastambha == − Ayurveda has put forward the concept of 3 supporting pillars of life. These are called as 3 upastambhas.<ref name=":02">Charaka Samhita (Sutrasthanam Adhyayam 11 Sutram 35)</ref> <ref>Ashtanga Hrudayam (Sutrasthanam Adhyaya 7 Sutra 52)</ref> It is stated that, strength, immunity and growth of any individual is dependent on well-regulated support of 3 factors namely Ahara (food), nidra (sleep) and observance of bramhacharya (celibacy/control of senses). These are called supports or pillars of one’s [[Ayu (आयुः)|Ayu]] or life.<blockquote>त्रय उपस्तम्भा इति- आहारः, स्वप्नो, ब्रह्मचर्यमिति; एभिस्त्रिभिर्युक्तियुक्तैरुपस्तब्धमुपस्तम्भैः शरीरं बलवर्णोपचयोपचितमनुवर्तते यावदायुःसंस्कारात् संस्कारमहितमनुपसेवमानस्य, य इहैवोपदेक्ष्यते॥ (Char Samh 11.35)<ref name=":02" /></blockquote><blockquote>traya upastambhā iti- āhāraḥ, svapno, brahmacaryamiti; ebhistribhiryuktiyuktairupastabdhamupastambhaiḥ śarīraṁ balavarṇopacayopacitamanuvartate yāvadāyuḥsaṁskārāt saṁskāramahitamanupasevamānasya, ya ihaivopadekṣyate॥ (Char Samh 11.35)<ref name=":02" /></blockquote>Meaning: Three supporting pillars of life: Ahara (food), nidra (sleep) and observance of bramhacharya ( celibacy/control of senses). By the wisdom of well regulated support of these three pillars one can get body with strength, good complexion and proper growth and this continues throughout life, provided person does not get involved in regimens which are detrimental for health, these are discussed in this chapter.<ref>Charaka samhita online (Sutra Sthanasutra Chapter 11.The Three Desires of Life and important triads sutram 35)</ref> − − 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 == Line 43:
Line 55: − + − आहारश्च विहारश्च यः स्याद्दोषगुणैः समः|+ − धातुभिर्विगुणो यश्च स्रोतसां स प्रदूषकः||४४|| A.H.Sha3.44+ − विविधादशितात् पीतादहिताल्लीढखादितात्|+ + − भवन्त्येते मनुष्याणां विकारा य उदाहृताः||२३||+ − − तेषामिच्छन्ननुत्पत्तिं सेवेत मतिमान् सदा| − − हितान्येवाशितादीनि न स्युस्तज्जास्तथाऽऽमयाः||२४|| Cha.Su.28.23-24 − − आहारसम्भवं वस्तु रोगाश्चाहारसम्भवाः| − − हिताहितविशेषाच्च विशेषः सुखदुःखयोः||४५|| Cha.Su 28.45 Line 217:
Line 222: − − == Prakruti and ahara matra == − Kapha- alpa- A.H.SHA.3.101 − − Pitta- Prabhuta ashana pana , dandashuka Cha vi. 8.97 − − Vata- Laghu ahara Cha vi 8.98 − − == Intrauterine growth of fetus dependent on mothers ahara == − तदेवं गर्भस्य सम्पत्तिमभिधाय यथा तस्य कुक्षौ वृद्धिः स्यात्तथा वक्ति----बीजात्मकैर्महाभूतैः सूक्ष्मैः सत्वानुगैश्च सः| − − मातुश्चाहाररसजैः क्रमात्कुक्षौ विवर्द्धते||२|| A.H.Sha.1.2 − − == Pancha-aharaguna == − A.H.SHA.3.59 − − भौमाप्याग्नेयवायव्याः पञ्चोष्माणः सनाभसाः| − − पञ्चाहारगुणान्स्वान् स्वान् पार्थिवादीन् पचन्त्यनु||५९|| − − पञ्चभूतात्मके देहे ह्याहारः पाञ्चभौतिकः | − − विपक्वः पञ्चधा सम्यग्गुणान् स्वानभिवर्धयेत् ||५२६|| (Su.Su.46.526) − − == Effect or function of ahara in management of diseases == − अनया चोक्त्या आहारः शरीरगतानां भावानां समानगुणानां गुणद्वारेण वर्द्धनहेतुः,विपरीत गुणानां च क्षयहेतुः इति प्रतिपादयति ---- − − यथास्वं ते च पुष्णन्ति पक्वा भूतगुणान् पृथक्| − − पार्थिवाः पार्थिवानेव शेषाः शेषांश्च देहगान्||६०|| A.H.SHA.3.60 Line 262:
Line 237: − + − Cha.Vi 2.4 − न च केवलं मात्रावत्त्वादेवाहारस्य कृत्स्नमाहारफलसौष्ठवमवाप्तुं शक्यं, प्रकृत्यादीनामष्टानामाहारविधिविशेषायतनानां प्रविभक्तफलत्वात्||४||+ − − MAtra − − 8 aharavidhi vishesha ayatanani Line 298:
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Line 383: − − == Ahara matra == − गुरूणामर्धसौहित्यं लघूनां तृप्तिरिष्यते | − − द्रवोत्तरो द्रवश्चापि न मात्रागुरुरिष्यते ||४९५|| Su.Su.46/495 − − मात्राशी स्यात्| − − आहारमात्रा पुनरग्निबलापेक्षिणी||३|| (Cha.Su. 5.3) Line 422:
Line 406: − − == Ahara sara and mala == − − विण्मूत्रमाहारमलः सारः प्रागीरितो रसः |५२८| S.u.su. 46.528 Line 445:
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no edit summary
Bhojana, Jemana, Bhakshana. Ashana, Swadana are some common synonyms for Ahara. (तत्पर्य्यायः । जग्धिः २ भोजनं ३ जेमनं ४लेपः ५ निघषः ६ न्यादः ७ । इत्यमरः ॥ जमनं ८ विघषः ९ इति तट्टीका ॥ प्रत्यवसानं १० भक्षणं ११ अशनं १२ ॥ इति रत्नमाला ॥ अभ्यवहारः १३ स्वदनं १४ निगरः १५ । इति राजनिर्घण्टः ॥ अस्य गुणाः । सद्यस्तृप्तिजनकत्वं । बलकारित्वं । देहधारकत्वञ्च । इति राजवल्लभः ॥) Shabdakalpadruma
Bhojana, Jemana, Bhakshana. Ashana, Swadana are some common synonyms for Ahara. (तत्पर्य्यायः । जग्धिः २ भोजनं ३ जेमनं ४लेपः ५ निघषः ६ न्यादः ७ । इत्यमरः ॥ जमनं ८ विघषः ९ इति तट्टीका ॥ प्रत्यवसानं १० भक्षणं ११ अशनं १२ ॥ इति रत्नमाला ॥ अभ्यवहारः १३ स्वदनं १४ निगरः १५ । इति राजनिर्घण्टः ॥ अस्य गुणाः । सद्यस्तृप्तिजनकत्वं । बलकारित्वं । देहधारकत्वञ्च । इति राजवल्लभः ॥) Shabdakalpadruma
== Importance of Ahara ==
== त्रयोपस्तंभाः॥ Trayopastambha ==
Ayurveda has put forward the concept of 3 supporting pillars of life. These are called as 3 upastambhas.<ref name=":02">Charaka Samhita (Sutrasthanam Adhyayam 11 Sutram 35)</ref> <ref>Ashtanga Hrudayam (Sutrasthanam Adhyaya 7 Sutra 52)</ref> It is stated that, strength, immunity and growth of any individual is dependent on well-regulated support of 3 factors namely Ahara (food), nidra (sleep) and observance of bramhacharya (celibacy/control of senses). These are called supports or pillars of one’s [[Ayu (आयुः)|Ayu]] or life.<blockquote>त्रय उपस्तम्भा इति- आहारः, स्वप्नो, ब्रह्मचर्यमिति; एभिस्त्रिभिर्युक्तियुक्तैरुपस्तब्धमुपस्तम्भैः शरीरं बलवर्णोपचयोपचितमनुवर्तते यावदायुःसंस्कारात् संस्कारमहितमनुपसेवमानस्य, य इहैवोपदेक्ष्यते॥ (Char Samh 11.35)<ref name=":02" /></blockquote><blockquote>traya upastambhā iti- āhāraḥ, svapno, brahmacaryamiti; ebhistribhiryuktiyuktairupastabdhamupastambhaiḥ śarīraṁ balavarṇopacayopacitamanuvartate yāvadāyuḥsaṁskārāt saṁskāramahitamanupasevamānasya, ya ihaivopadekṣyate॥ (Char Samh 11.35)<ref name=":02" /></blockquote>Meaning: Three supporting pillars of life: Ahara (food), nidra (sleep) and observance of bramhacharya ( celibacy/control of senses). By the wisdom of well regulated support of these three pillars one can get body with strength, good complexion and proper growth and this continues throughout life, provided person does not get involved in regimens which are detrimental for health, these are discussed in this chapter.<ref>Charaka samhita online (Sutra Sthanasutra Chapter 11.The Three Desires of Life and important triads sutram 35)</ref>
Thus, Ahara plays integral role in one’s health and wellness and therefore it is regarded as one of the 3 supports of life.
== Annamaya deha ==
Ayurveda lays great emphasis on selection and consumption of Ahara for maintenance of health and well-being. It is considered to be the most important factor in one' life responsible for longevity, strength and health. Not just that but Ayurveda scholars have opined that Deha or Shariram is made up of ahara (food). All the body components and elements are originated from and maintained through food. And therefore one needs to be extra cautious while taking food. Food should not be consumed out of affection (without mindfulness) or without having knowledge of the food that is being consumed since food taken in this way might prove harmful. Thus it is recommended that ahara should be consumed after properly assessing or understanding its nature. <blockquote>एवं च कृत्वाऽन्नमया एव देहे सर्वे भावाः॥ न रागान्नाप्यविज्ञानादाहारानुपयोजयेत्| </blockquote><blockquote>परीक्ष्य हितमश्नीयाद्देहो ह्याहारसम्भवः ॥ (Char. Samh. 28.41)<ref>Charaka Samhita (Sutrasthanam Adhyaya 28 Sutram 41)</ref></blockquote>Meaning: Therefore all body components have their origin in food. One should not take food with greed and ignorance. One should consume wholesome food after evaluation as the body is formed from food.
=== Pancha-aharaguna or Panchabhautikatwa of ahara and deha ===
A.H.SHA.3.59
भौमाप्याग्नेयवायव्याः पञ्चोष्माणः सनाभसाः|
पञ्चाहारगुणान्स्वान् स्वान् पार्थिवादीन् पचन्त्यनु||५९||
पञ्चभूतात्मके देहे ह्याहारः पाञ्चभौतिकः |
विपक्वः पञ्चधा सम्यग्गुणान् स्वानभिवर्धयेत् ||५२६|| (Su.Su.46.526)
== Vital nature 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 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.
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.
<blockquote>किन्तु मद्यं स्वभावेन यथैवान्नं तथा स्मृतम्| अयुक्तियुक्तं रोगाय युक्तियुक्तं यथाऽमृतम्॥</blockquote><blockquote>प्राणाः प्राणभृतामन्नं तदयुक्त्या निहन्त्यसून्| विषं प्राणहरं तच्च युक्तियुक्तं रसायनम्॥ (Char. Samh. 24. 59-60)<ref>Charaka Samhita (Chikitsasthanam Adhyaya 24 Sutram 59-60)</ref></blockquote><blockquote>kintu madyaṁ svabhāvena yathaivānnaṁ tathā smr̥tam| ayuktiyuktaṁ rogāya yuktiyuktaṁ yathā'mr̥tam|॥</blockquote><blockquote>prāṇāḥ prāṇabhr̥tāmannaṁ tadayuktyā nihantyasūn| viṣaṁ prāṇaharaṁ tacca yuktiyuktaṁ rasāyanam॥ (Char. Samh. 24. 59-60)</blockquote>Meaning: (Ayurveda has identified alcoholic drinks or fermented preparations as one of the medicinal formulations e.g. Asavas and Arishtas. Thus how Madyam can be utilised as medicine and when it can give trouble was well-known to Ayurveda scholars which they skillfully applied in practice of medicine. The same applies to use of poison. In this reference this verse has been added) But liquor by nature is similar to the food. It causes disorders when consumed improperly; while it is like amritam (elixir) when consumed properly. Food is like the vitality of life for the human beings; but the same may be fatal if ingested improperly. The poison is fatal, but it can be [[Rasayana (रसायनम्)|rasayana]] if used sensibly.<ref>Available from [https://www.carakasamhitaonline.com/index.php?title=Madatyaya_Chikitsa charakasamhitaonline.com]</ref>
<blockquote>किन्तु मद्यं स्वभावेन यथैवान्नं तथा स्मृतम्| अयुक्तियुक्तं रोगाय युक्तियुक्तं यथाऽमृतम्॥</blockquote><blockquote>प्राणाः प्राणभृतामन्नं तदयुक्त्या निहन्त्यसून्| विषं प्राणहरं तच्च युक्तियुक्तं रसायनम्॥ (Char. Samh. 24. 59-60)<ref>Charaka Samhita (Chikitsasthanam Adhyaya 24 Sutram 59-60)</ref></blockquote><blockquote>kintu madyaṁ svabhāvena yathaivānnaṁ tathā smr̥tam| ayuktiyuktaṁ rogāya yuktiyuktaṁ yathā'mr̥tam|॥</blockquote><blockquote>prāṇāḥ prāṇabhr̥tāmannaṁ tadayuktyā nihantyasūn| viṣaṁ prāṇaharaṁ tacca yuktiyuktaṁ rasāyanam॥ (Char. Samh. 24. 59-60)</blockquote>Meaning: (Ayurveda has identified alcoholic drinks or fermented preparations as one of the medicinal formulations e.g. Asavas and Arishtas. Thus how Madyam can be utilised as medicine and when it can give trouble was well-known to Ayurveda scholars which they skillfully applied in practice of medicine. The same applies to use of poison. In this reference this verse has been added) But liquor by nature is similar to the food. It causes disorders when consumed improperly; while it is like amritam (elixir) when consumed properly. Food is like the vitality of life for the human beings; but the same may be fatal if ingested improperly. The poison is fatal, but it can be [[Rasayana (रसायनम्)|rasayana]] if used sensibly.<ref>Available from [https://www.carakasamhitaonline.com/index.php?title=Madatyaya_Chikitsa charakasamhitaonline.com]</ref>
== Annamaya deha ==
== Role of Ahara in controlling various aspects of life ==
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).
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).
=== In Prevention of diseases ===
=== In Prevention of diseases ===
Ahara is one of the highly important factors from one's life that is responsible for maintenance of health and wellbeing. The entire theory of disease development and health in Ayurveda is based on the effect of food and lifestyle factors on various body components. Therefore, the role of aahara in prevention of diseases has also been identified by Ayurveda. Various Ayurveda scholars at multiple places in literature have clearly stated that the one who consumes the appropriate and suitable food regularly can stay away form diseases and live a healthy life.<blockquote>नित्यं हिताहारविहारसेवी समीक्ष्यकारी विषयेष्वसक्तः</blockquote><blockquote>दाता समः सत्यपरः क्षमावानाप्तोपसेवी च भवत्यरोगः (Asht. Hrud. 4.36)<ref>Ashtanga Hrudayam (Sutrasthanam Adhyaya 4 Sutram 36)</ref></blockquote>The qualities of food that should be looked for while selecting the daily food have been mentioned by ayurveda scholars. Ahara which is nutritious, right in quantity, snigdha (having appropriate amount of fats) and madhura [[Rasa (रसः)|rasa]] dominant is believed to be beneficial to build and maintain strong health.<ref>Sushruta Samhita (Chikitsasthanam Adhyaya 24 Sutram 98)</ref> Such ahara should be consumed on daily basis or in other words, the food that is recommended to be consumed on daily basis should have these qualities.
Ahara is one of the highly important factors from one's life that is responsible for maintenance of health and wellbeing. The entire theory of disease development and health in Ayurveda is based on the effect of food and lifestyle factors on various body components. Therefore, the role of aahara in prevention of diseases has also been identified by Ayurveda. Various Ayurveda scholars at multiple places in literature have clearly stated that the one who consumes the appropriate and suitable food regularly can stay away form diseases and live a healthy life.<blockquote>नित्यं हिताहारविहारसेवी समीक्ष्यकारी विषयेष्वसक्तः |</blockquote><blockquote>दाता समः सत्यपरः क्षमावानाप्तोपसेवी च भवत्यरोगः॥ (Asht. Hrud. 4.36)<ref>Ashtanga Hrudayam (Sutrasthanam Adhyaya 4 Sutram 36)</ref></blockquote>The qualities of food that should be looked for while selecting the daily food have been mentioned by ayurveda scholars. Ahara which is nutritious, right in quantity, snigdha (having appropriate amount of fats) and madhura [[Rasa (रसः)|rasa]] dominant is believed to be beneficial to build and maintain strong health.<ref>Sushruta Samhita (Chikitsasthanam Adhyaya 24 Sutram 98)</ref> Such ahara should be consumed on daily basis or in other words, the food that is recommended to be consumed on daily basis should have these qualities.
=== In development of diseases ===
=== In development of diseases ===
Ahara (Diet) and Vihara (lifestyle) affects health of an individual. The causes of disease development are believed to be rooted in irregularities and mistakes of ahara and vihara. When these factors are of the gunas (nature) similar to doshas (causing their aggravation) while opposite in gunas (nature) of that of dhatus (causing their depletion) diseases develop.<ref>Ashtanga Hrudayam (Sharirasthanam Adhyaya 3 Sutram 44)</ref> This is regarded as the basis of knowledge about disease development and management according to Ayurveda. Therefore the role of ahara in diseases has been reiterated and emphasized multiple times in various context in Ayurveda literature. Acharya Charaka has opined that, the origin of life and diseases is Ahara i.e. food. Wholesome and unwholesome food articles are responsible for happiness and sorrow respectively. <blockquote>आहारसम्भवं वस्तु रोगाश्चाहारसम्भवाः| हिताहितविशेषाच्च विशेषः सुखदुःखयोः ॥ (Char. Samh. 28.45)<ref>Charaka Samhita (Sutrasthanam Adhyaya 28 Sutra 45)</ref></blockquote>Also, at some instances Ahara has been considered as the sole responsible factors in disease development and thus it has been advised to always eat wholesome food mindfully.
<blockquote>विविधादशितात् पीतादहिताल्लीढखादितात् | भवन्त्येते मनुष्याणां विकारा य उदाहृताः॥</blockquote><blockquote>तेषामिच्छन्ननुत्पत्तिं सेवेत मतिमान् सदा | हितान्येवाशितादीनि न स्युस्तज्जास्तथाऽऽमयाः॥ (Char. Samh. 28.23-24)<ref>Charaka Samhita (Sutrasthanam Adhyaya 28 Sutras 23-24)</ref></blockquote>Meaning: The diseases mentioned here (in this chapter) occur due to consumption of different types of unwholesome food articles viz eatables, drinkables. linctuses and chewables. Therefore the wise person who desires to avoid their occurrence should always eat only wholesome food (eatables, drinkables, chewables and linctuses) so as to keep check on such illnesses.
=== Intrauterine growth of fetus dependent on mothers ahara ===
तदेवं गर्भस्य सम्पत्तिमभिधाय यथा तस्य कुक्षौ वृद्धिः स्यात्तथा वक्ति----बीजात्मकैर्महाभूतैः सूक्ष्मैः सत्वानुगैश्च सः|
मातुश्चाहाररसजैः क्रमात्कुक्षौ विवर्द्धते||२|| A.H.Sha.1.2
== Seasonal ahara ==
== Seasonal ahara ==
=== Bhojan kala in daily routine/ dinacharya ===
=== Bhojan kala in daily routine/ dinacharya ===
Dinacharya refers to the ideal daily regime of the person which can maintain his health and wellness. The daily routine explained by Ayurveda scholars includes diet as an integral part of it. The right time of having food is mentioned after having explained all the cleansing process right up to the bath. Thus most importantly food is to be taken only after the wastes generated from previous day's metabolism are removed, body is cleansed and good appetite is observed.
Dinacharya refers to the ideal daily regime of the person which can maintain his health and wellness. The daily routine explained by Ayurveda scholars includes diet as an integral part of it. The right time of having food is mentioned after having explained all the cleansing process right up to the bath. Thus most importantly food is to be taken only after the wastes generated from previous day's metabolism are removed, body is cleansed and good appetite is observed.
== Panchakarmas after ahara ==
== Panchakarmas after ahara ==
Dhumapana- A.H.S.21.6- Madhyaam dhooma
Dhumapana- A.H.S.21.6- Madhyaam dhooma
== Ahara parinaman kala ==
== Ahara parinaman kala ==
मासेन याति शुक्रत्वमन्नं पाकक्रमादिभिः|६६|
मासेन याति शुक्रत्वमन्नं पाकक्रमादिभिः|६६|
== Ahara phala souththava hetu ==
== Ahara sara and mala ==
विण्मूत्रमाहारमलः सारः प्रागीरितो रसः |५२८| S.u.su. 46.528
== Ashta Ahara vidhi vishesha ayatanani ==
== Ashta Ahara vidhi vishesha ayatanani ==
This includes points like the quantity to be consumed, accompaniments to be chosen while taking that food, time to eat that food etc. This provides guideline for healthy eating practices. It is believed that, food consumed after considering these factors and implementing these rules provides all benefits and does not become the cause for ailments. On the other hand, food can be the cause for multiples diseases when it is consumed without considering these factors.
This includes points like the quantity to be consumed, accompaniments to be chosen while taking that food, time to eat that food etc. This provides guideline for healthy eating practices. It is believed that, food consumed after considering these factors and implementing these rules provides all benefits and does not become the cause for ailments. On the other hand, food can be the cause for multiples diseases when it is consumed without considering these factors.
=== Ahara phala souththava hetu ===
Cha.Vi 2.4
न च केवलं मात्रावत्त्वादेवाहारस्य कृत्स्नमाहारफलसौष्ठवमवाप्तुं शक्यं, प्रकृत्यादीनामष्टानामाहारविधिविशेषायतनानां प्रविभक्तफलत्वात्||४||
== Aharavidhi ==
== Aharavidhi ==
* Concentrate on food while eating and pay due regard to oneself
* Concentrate on food while eating and pay due regard to oneself
== Quantity of ahara to be eaten at a time ==
== Ahara matra ==
Ayurveda acharyas give guidelines for deciding right quantity or portion of food that is being consumed. This has been described on the basis of physical form of food and the space available within imaginary partitions inside the stomach. If we consider that the stomach is divided into 3 parts then, for solid food and liquids one compartment each is to be utilized while a sufficient space i.e. one third space is to be kept vacant for movement of doshas which participate in the process of digestion.<ref>Charaka Samhita (Vimanasthanam Adhyaya 2 Sutram 3)</ref> Moral of the entire consideration is that one should not over-stuff the stomach with food. solids and liquids both should be taken in balanced proportion and at the same time some part of your stomach should be kept empty to facilitate easy digestion.
=== Based on property of food article ===
गुरूणामर्धसौहित्यं लघूनां तृप्तिरिष्यते |
द्रवोत्तरो द्रवश्चापि न मात्रागुरुरिष्यते ||४९५|| Su.Su.46/495
मात्राशी स्यात्|
आहारमात्रा पुनरग्निबलापेक्षिणी||३|| (Cha.Su. 5.3)
=== Based on volume or quantity ===
Ayurveda acharyas give guidelines for deciding right quantity or portion of food that is being consumed. This has been described on the basis of physical form of food and the space available within imaginary partitions inside the stomach. If we consider that the stomach is divided into 3 parts then, for solid food and liquids one compartment each is to be utilized while a sufficient space i.e. one third space is to be kept vacant for movement of doshas which participate in the process of digestion.<ref>Charaka Samhita (Vimanasthanam Adhyaya 2 Sutram 3)</ref> Moral of the entire consideration is that one should not over-stuff the stomach with food. solids and liquids both should be taken in balanced proportion and at the same time some part of your stomach should be kept empty to facilitate easy digestion.
=== Prakruti and ahara matra ===
Kapha- alpa- A.H.SHA.3.101
Pitta- Prabhuta ashana pana , dandashuka Cha vi. 8.97
Vata- Laghu ahara Cha vi 8.98
=== How do I understand I have eaten in right quantity? ===
=== How do I understand I have eaten in right quantity? ===
* Sweets, confectioneries should be served in the middle on the plate.
* Sweets, confectioneries should be served in the middle on the plate.
In this way the food articles should be arranged and served on plate.
In this way the food articles should be arranged and served on plate.
== Factors that affect proper digestion of food ==
== Factors that affect proper digestion of food ==
तत्र मलभूतास्ते ये शरीरस्याबाधकराः स्युः| cha sha 6.17
तत्र मलभूतास्ते ये शरीरस्याबाधकराः स्युः| cha sha 6.17
== Ahara as medicine ==
== Ahara as medicine ==
न च केवलं हिताहारोपयोगादेव सर्वव्याधिभयमतिक्रान्तं भवति, सन्ति ह्यृतेऽप्यहिताहारोपयोगादन्या रोगप्रकृतयः, तद्यथा- कालविपर्ययः, प्रज्ञापराधः, शब्दस्पर्शरूपरसगन्धाश्चासात्म्या इति|
न च केवलं हिताहारोपयोगादेव सर्वव्याधिभयमतिक्रान्तं भवति, सन्ति ह्यृतेऽप्यहिताहारोपयोगादन्या रोगप्रकृतयः, तद्यथा- कालविपर्ययः, प्रज्ञापराधः, शब्दस्पर्शरूपरसगन्धाश्चासात्म्या इति|
=== Effect or function of ahara in management of diseases ===
अनया चोक्त्या आहारः शरीरगतानां भावानां समानगुणानां गुणद्वारेण वर्द्धनहेतुः,विपरीत गुणानां च क्षयहेतुः इति प्रतिपादयति ----
यथास्वं ते च पुष्णन्ति पक्वा भूतगुणान् पृथक्|
पार्थिवाः पार्थिवानेव शेषाः शेषांश्च देहगान्||६०|| A.H.SHA.3.60
== Specific recipes in specific diseases ==
== Specific recipes in specific diseases ==