Relation Of Six Tastes In Food And Diseases!

The six tastes in food that we know are, Madhur (sweet), Amla (sour), Lavana (salty), Katu (Pungent), Tikta (bitter) and Kashay (Astringent). All these six different tastes have got their impact on health. Most of us eat food to avoid hunger. The most important function of foods, which people have lost touch with is the fact that foods are medicine.

The Six Tastes and Their Impact on Diseases
Most of the diseases usually occur as a result of the imbalance of the rasa in our food. Let us take a look at the six tastes and their effects:

Madhur (sweet) :
When consumed in moderate amount, it helps to promote strong body and good health. On the other hand, excess amount of madhur rasa in foods leads to kapha disorders like:

• Obesity
• Diabetes
• Heart diseases
• Hypothyroidism.

Amla (sour):
If taken moderate quantity, it is invigorating and very good for the digestive system. Excess usage of amla creates:

• Acidity
• Heartburn
• Ulcers
• Skin diseases like eczema and psoriasis.

Lavana (salty):
Salt, if consumed in moderate amount, this helps to promote growth and maintain water electrolyte balance. It also helps to improve the digestive system and elimination of wastes. Excess use of lavana ras leads to problems like:

• Hair Fall
• Baldness
• Thickening of blood
• Impotency

Katu (Pungent):
This katu rasa, if taken in moderate amount, helps in digestion and clear up the mouth and sinuses. It also improves blood circulation and breaking up the blood clots.

In excess, it causes problems like:

• Impotency
• Diarrhoea
• Nausea

Tikta (Bitter):
Tikta rasa, when consumed in moderate amount, due to its anti-toxic nature, helps to relieve people from heated conditions, skin diseases and also reduction of fat. In excess amount, the problems that arise are:

• Depletes various elements of the body including muscles and bones.
• Creates dryness
• Leads to constipation and impotency.

Kashay (Astringent):
Kashay rasa possesses the characteristics of cooling, drying and heaviness. When taken in moderation, this helps to absorb water, heals ulcers. Excess amount of Kashay rasa can lead to :

• Neuromuscular disorders
• Increase in constipation
• Circulatory issues.

Most people usually consume three rasas, madhur, amla and lavana. The last three rasas of Katu, Tikta and Kashaya are usually ignored as the routine foods consumed by them like rice, wheat and milk are devoid of these tastes.

A proper balance needs to be maintained on a daily basis by consuming the three rasas so that health stays fit. The three rasas can be put in the diet through having Adarak, Methi and Haldi, as they are the key sources of Katu, Tikta and Kashay Rasa. In case you have a concern or query you can always consult an expert & get answers to your questions!