Diet
Food, water and air are the main components of diet. Food increases sharpness, enthusiasm, memory, energy (life force) and body fire.
It is said in Gita about Satvik diet, which is equally beneficial for all human beings -
Rasyaḥ Snigdhaḥ Sthira Hridaya Aharaḥ Satvikāh Priyaḥ.
The food which has all the essences of juice, is sweet and tasty, has the strength to give stability to the body, gives strength to the heart and mind, is easily digestible and is loved - such food is Satvik.
Only a person who eats a balanced diet can live his life completely healthy.
Main functions of food
The main function of food is to develop the body by increasing the rasa-raktadi dhatu, to compensate, to maintain the necessary heat and strength and to stabilize the life force of the body.
The principle of Ayurveda is - 'Samaani Vridhikaaranam'. Growth occurs from substances having similar properties.
1. Substances which contain elements that increase rasa-aktadi dhatu and nerves and compensate for the body, like milk, egg, meat and pulses.
2. Substances which provide necessary heat to the body, like flour, rice, sugar, potato etc.
3. Substances which make the body full of life force and also store the store of energy. Like ghee, butter and oil etc. lubricants.
4. Substances which help in digestion and absorption of food. Like water, drinks, minerals, digestive parts and vitamins.
