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

Image by Eiliv-Sonas Aceron

Sweet

earth + water

Increase Kapha, balance Vata and Pitta doshas

Wheat, rice, dairy, sweet fruits, dates, pumpkin, etc. 

Image by Vino Li

Sour

fire+earth

Increase Kapha and Pitta, balance Vata doshas.

Lemon, sour fruits, vinegar, fermented foods, etc. 

Image by Sara Cervera

Astringent

air+earth

Increase Vata, balance Pitta and Kapha doshas

Cranberries, green beans, sprouts, chickpeas, pomegranate, etc. 

Pink and Salty

Salty 

fire+water

Increase Kapha and Pitta, balance Vata doshas

Rock salt, sea salt, tamari, etc. 

Image by Calum Lewis

Pungent

fire +air

Increase Pitta and Vata, balance Kapha doshas

Chilli peppers, spinach, garlic, onions, hot spices etc. 

Image by FOODISM360

Bitter

air+ether

Increase Vata, balance Pitta and Kapha doshas

Turmeric, bitter gourd, dark cocoa, black tea, coffee, raw green veggies, etc. 

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