Ahara vidhi concepts of food intake in ayurved

Health as well as diseases is dependent on various factors. As Acharyas had described that Ahara, Nidra and Brahmacarya are Triupstambha (three sub pillars), which support the body itself. Here Ahara has been placed first, which shows that it is most important to maintain and sustain the life. Man has always been interested in Ahara and the history of man to a large extent has been a struggle to obtain proper diet. Ahara supplies bio-energy to body. This bio-energy is supplied by proper and adequate nutrition in the form of its essential constituent’s viz. Proteins, Carbohydrates, Fats, Minerals, Vitamins and Water. In Ayurveda, Ahara, as well as the method of its intake both have equal importance. Food plays a decisive role in development, sustenance, reproduction and termination of life. Through centuries, Food has been recognized as an important factor for human beings, in health and diseased state. Ahara is not only needed for the continuity of life, but also for Bala, Varna, Upacaya etc. In other medical sciences, food is considered important, but not the manner of eating. The Ahara Vidhi (Dietetics) is an ancient, empirical and elegant art; it is the heritage of Indian culture that can be clearly observed in Ayurvedic views.