Food And Health in Ancient Sanskrit Text

                     In the present era of 21st century where development is taking place at a tremendous speed, changes in our lifestyle specially eating habits, have created many problems for our environment and us. We are conscious for our health and follow the theories of Medical science. We generally consume Nutritious food But We are reducing resistance power and are more dependent on medicines. At this moment when we are in a search for a solution to this problem, the concepts regarding food and health in Sanskrit literature can play vital role. Following points have been emphasized in this paper -

a. There are many references, which tell us about the various features and nature of food and its impact on our mind.

b. Medical science give importance to the food rich in calories and to a balance diet according to the age, sex, physique and working conditions of the person But Ayurveda also emphasis on the digestive power ( Agnibal).

c. We generally emphasis on physical health rather than mental health.

            The Chandogya Upanishad 6/5/1-4 states “Aharashuddhau sattvashuddhi”. Gita and Kalki purana says that the food is of three types-Sattvika,Rajasika and Tamasika. The Chandogya Upanishad states that the food when eaten becomes three fold, its grossest portion becomes faces, its middle portion becomes flesh and its subtlest portion becomes mind. As the mind contains subtlest essence of the food the mind is known as annamaya i.e.Annamayam hi somya manaha, Chandogya Upanishada 6-6-5. There are many references, which tell us about the various features and nature of food and its impact on our mind.

            People usually give importance to the food rich in calories and to a balance diet according to the age, sex, physique and working conditions of the person. But concepts regarding food and health in Ayurveda also emphasis on the digestive power ( Agnibal) and tendency of the person –Vata Pitta and kaph.

For example –a person suffering from Vata Vikar should not consume Milk an important element of the balanced died.

            In Sushrut Samhita health is described as the Samyavastha of body, mind and soul. Therefore health means not only physical but mental health also.       

            Upanishads, Gita, Aurveda, Yoga philosophy etc. provides us various ways for attaining mental health, which leads to spirituality. The various characteristics of “Isthitpragya” in Gita help us to determine a good mental health. Role and contribution of Sanskrit literature in solving mental problems and getting good mental health is undoubtedly established.

      I feel that we have fully ignored the concepts of  Sanskrit literature regarding food and health. Our food should be Sattvik and we should practice Yam and niyam-“the sarvabhomavrat”for  mental health and Asana Pranayam for good physical health .