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AYURVEDA AAHARA
Ayurveda, the ancient system of medicine, emphasizes the integral relationship between Aahara (food) and Swasthaya (overall health). This holistic approach views food as a powerful tool for both prevention and healing, where the qualities of food are carefully matched to the individual's Prakriti (constitution), Vikriti (diseased state of body), and Ritu (the prevailing environmental factors). Aahara influences the balanced and imbalanced state of Doshas i.e. Vata, Pitta, Kapha. It is important to introduce the concept of Ayurveda Aahara to align the traditional knowledge with modern aspect to the improve health status of the people.
Concept of Aahara in Ayurveda:
Aahara is considered one among TRAYO-UPSTAMBBHA (three pillars of Ayurveda) i.e. Aahara, Nidra and Brahmacharya. Acharya Kashyap has said Aahara as महाभैषज्य (Aahara is best of all medicines).
स्वास्थस्य स्वास्थ्य रक्षणमातुरस्य विकार प्रशमनं च I (Charak)
Acharya Charaka has described the Prayojana of Ayurveda as to maintain the health of healthy individual and to treat the disease of sick individuals. Protecting the health of the healthy and relieving the disorders of the sick. Ayurveda focuses on first maintaining the health of healthy individual.
Necessities to Introduce the Different Category of Food as Ayurveda Aahara:• Ayurveda also having the concept of Nidana Parivarjana, which focuses on avoiding the causative agents of diseases. Integrating Aahara into our product offerings can help in implementing Nidana Parivarjana, thereby addressing and potentially alleviating various health problems faced by people today.
• By promoting authentic Ayurvedic principles and offering genuinely healthy products, we can provide valuable support to individuals seeking to improve their health and well-being.
Definition of Ayurveda Aahara as per FSS (AA) Regulation, 2022
[FSS (AA) Regulation- Food Safety and Standards (Ayurveda Aahara Regulation)
“Ayurveda Aahara” means a food prepared in accordance with the recipes or ingredients or processes as per method described in the authoritative books of Ayurveda listed under ‘Schedule A’ of these regulations including products which have other botanical ingredients in accordance with the concept of Ayurveda Aahara but does not include Ayurvedic drugs or proprietary Ayurvedic medicines and medicinal products, cosmetics, narcotic or psychotropic substances, herbs listed under Schedule E-1 of Drug and Cosmetics Act, 1940 and the Drug and Cosmetics Rules, 1945, metals based Ayurvedic drugs or medicines, bhasma or pishti and any other ingredients notified by the Authority from time to time.
Conclusion:
This initiative highlights the importance of a healthy diet as the primary means to maintain health. In Ayurveda, the principle of Nidana Parivarjana is applicable for the treatment of all diseases, so integrating Ayurvedic principles with Aahara will aid in disease prevention and control. The integration of traditional knowledge with modern concepts is beneficial for society for the longevity of life with good health.