6 Tastes in Ayurveda
Ayurveda places great emphasis on, completely exploring the taste of the variety of food that we eat, the herbal treatments we take, and even the tiniest moments of our existence. Ayurveda presumes taste (Rasa)is not only enjoyed when we eat, but also something to be used as a tool for healing. Ayurveda teaches us to modify our cooking, eating, and lifestyle habits with each taste.
A balance of these six tastes which include Sweet, Sour, Salty, Bitter, Pungent, Astringent tends to influence a predictable influence on human body functions and you feel the taste in the buds of the tongue while you eat palatable food. Obtaining detailed information about different tastes by discussing with your Ayurveda Doctor will help you a lot.
The Sweet Taste (Madhura)
The Sweet taste is comprised of water and some elements of earth and is the most nourishing of the Rasas. Its specifications are heavy, oily and moist, including it in your diet with an adequate amount you get weight gain. Wheat, dairy, rice, dates, root vegetables and maple syrup are some examples of foods that contain a sweet taste. Consumption of this taste with balanced and moderate amounts supports long life, physical and mental strength and healthy bodily fluids and tissues.
Sour Taste (Amla)
It is comprised of water and fire elements and it is hot and oily but also light. It can play a vital role in strengthening the process of digestion and detoxification. However, it should be consumed carefully in moderate amounts because too much consumption can quickly create imbalances in the body.
The Salty Taste (Lavana)
Salty taste consists of some elements of fire and the earth. Those who are Vata dominant consider the salty taste by considering hydrating qualities of this taste. However, its fire element is the reason for the increase in Pitta, so use in a moderate amount. Salt flavoured food improves digestive functions, thoroughly clean the tissues of the body and increases mineral absorption in the body., black olives, Seasalt, seaweed etc are some of the examples of foods that contain Lavana taste.
The Bitter Taste(Tikta)
It is comprised of space elements and air. It is the lightest and coolest of all of the Rasas. It mainly detoxifies our body. Then it stimulates digestion. Usually, the bitter taste is found in, dark chocolate, dandelion root and leaves, turmeric, aloe vera, neem and bitter melon., turmeric, aloe vera, fenugreek, neem and bitter melon.
The Astringent Taste(Kshaya)
Astringent taste comprises earth elements and air. Milk, legumes, beans etc are examples of this.
The astringent taste is a bit of a mystery, that the experts discussing whether it can be defined as an additional taste.
The Pungent Taste (Katu)
Primarily it is comprised of some of the air elements and fire. It enhances the better functioning of appetite and digestion. Then, it detoxifies the tissues and improves blood flow. We know pungent taste is found in mustard greens, chillies, garlic etc
Conclusion
So each of the tastes has a different function in balancing doshas in Ayurveda. Adding these six tastes in an adequate amount into your foods is the prime thing you have to care about. Considering this thing will always be helpful for your health.
