Pathya Ahara (Wholesome diet) concept

Wholesome diet can be described as one that nourishes all dhatus of the body, helps restore balance between them where it is disrupted, does not clog the body channels and lead to satisfaction. In contrast, diet that blocks body channels, is incapable of maintaining balance between dhatus, causes harm and is disliked, is an unwholesome diet.

Wholesome food and drinks have good colour, smell, taste and are pleasing to the senses and conducive to health, if taken in accordance with the ayurvedic rules. According to Ayurveda – complexion, clarity, good voice, longevity, happiness, satisfaction, nourishment, mental/ physical strength and intellect are all conditioned by food.

Wholesome and unwholesome diet varies from person to person. wholesome  for one might be unwholesome for another. The suitability of diet for a person is governed by age, body constitution, nature, quantity of dravya and compatibility with other dravyas. Keeping the above in mind one should exclude unwholesome items from one diet and eat only wholesome foods.

Some foods/substances are by nature wholesome or unwholesome. They are listed below:

If the wholesome foods are not eaten properly according to body constitution, seasonal quantity, age etc. they can cause harm. Food builds the body. Hence it must be consumed sensibly. Greed must not be allowed to dictate diet as it can only lead to disorders and imbalance,