The practice of Ayurveda is, in essence, about harmonizing mind and body. And what you eat affects everything, Ayurveda is clear on this: all health — let’s repeat this — ALL good health starts with digestion; with the proper metabolism of food.

Accordingly, one of the most important things we can do for our health every day of the year is to eat wisely.

Food is considered just as powerful as medicine. In fact, there is a sloka (writings of the ancient texts of ayurveda) that says “food is medicine when consumed properly.” If we eat foods uniquely suited to our physiology, and follow a sattvic (life supporting) routine that enhances digestion, our bodies will reap the benefits and we will find that our days will be happier, healthier and filled with real vitality — at any age.

Timely intake of food, which one is accustomed to, clean, pleasing and having properties of unctuous (snigdha), light (laghu), and hot (ushna) is desirable for use. It should have six taste (rasa) with predominance of sweet taste (madhura).it should predominantly be in liquid form and delicious, prepared and served by cooks who are clean affectionate. Food is to be taken after bathing, washing the hands, legs and face, and gratifying forefathers, deities, guests, children and preceptors(by giving food to them). Pet birds and animals also should be satisfied with eatables before taking food. It is to be taken when one feels hungry, staying at a secluded place, fully devoted on it; after considering current body status and without abusing the food. Talking while taking food is not desirable. Do not eat food too fast or slow. Food is t be taken in the company of the beloved. Food contaminated with grass, hair etc. and that, which is heated again, is not good for health. Habit of taking food predominantly vegetables, especially leafy green vegetables and pulses and that which is extremely hot and salty is to be avoided.

Undesirable for regular use
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Preparation like curd alkaline preparations, vinegar, uncooked radish, meat of emaciated animals, dried meat of sheep, cow fish and buffalo, black gram, bean, tuberous roots, the fiber of lotus, sweet prepared by grinding cereals, sprouted seeds, dried leaves are undesirable for regular use.

Suitable for regular use
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Edibles prepared with cereals (Njavara rice), wheat and barely, condiments prepared meat of animals of animals of arid/dry land, amaranthus, holostemma adakodien, radish which is immature, snake gourd and gree gram are desirable for daily use. Sugar, ghee, rain water, milk, honey, pomegranate and rock salt can also use daily. Taking thriphala mixed with honey and ghee is good for health of eyes. In short, dishes that are capable of promoting health and curing diseases are suitable for regular use.

Should be taken in the middle of food
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Culinary which are heavy, unctuous, sluggish, and stable and sweet like lotus filament, sugarcane, and banana, and jack fruit, mango, also cake. Eatables that are prominently sour, salty, should taken in the middle of food.

Half of the stomach is to be filled with food and one fourth with water. The rest of the stomach is to be left empty for the dosha.