AYURVEDIC NUTRITION
Rasa: meaning taste per Ayurveda is the foundation of food. Ayurveda looks at food through the lens of energy/ metabolism (agni) rather than as macronutrients or calories. There are 6 main rasas: sweet, salty, sour, pungent, astringent, and bitter. Rasas are formed from the 5 elements as well and according to your unique constitution, imbalance, or season you can vary them within your diet. The complete meal which will nourish your body and bring balance is when it includes all 6 tastes and is easily digestible by your agni.
Rasa: 6 tastes
Sweet
earth + water
Increase Kapha, balance Vata and Pitta doshas
Wheat, rice, dairy, sweet fruits, dates, pumpkin, etc.
Sour
fire+earth
Increase Kapha and Pitta, balance Vata doshas.
Lemon, sour fruits, vinegar, fermented foods, etc.
Astringent
air+earth
Increase Vata, balance Pitta and Kapha doshas
Cranberries, green beans, sprouts, chickpeas, pomegranate, etc.
Salty
fire+water
Increase Kapha and Pitta, balance Vata doshas
Rock salt, sea salt, tamari, etc.
Pungent
fire +air
Increase Pitta and Vata, balance Kapha doshas
Chilli peppers, spinach, garlic, onions, hot spices etc.
Bitter
air+ether
Increase Vata, balance Pitta and Kapha doshas
Turmeric, bitter gourd, dark cocoa, black tea, coffee, raw green veggies, etc.
