The Six Tastes of the Ayurveda Balanced Diet

Learn the Six Tastes of a balanced diet.

The ancient theories of Ayurveda prescribe a balanced Ayurvedic diet consisting of six tastes. Excess of any of the six tastes in your food can misbalance the kapha, vata and pita doshas in your body and lead to diseases. For good health a balanced diet including all six tastes is therefore necessary.

Sweet (Madhura) This watery and earthy taste cools the body, is calming and stabilizing. It raises Kapha levels of the body and lowers Vata and Pitta Doshas. When consumed in excess it leads to mucous formation, congestion, obesity and lethargy. Gumar and guduchi are sweet herbs.

Sour (Amla) This taste found in herbs like Amalaki contributes to the increase of Kapha and Pitta and decreases Vata. It stimulates appetite, quells thirst and causes perspiration. Too much of fermented food and sour fruits leads to acidity, muscle weakness, diarrhea and emotions of envy. It has water and fire elements.

Salty (Lavan) Made of water and fire elements salty herbs like schizandra enable metabolism and soothe the nerves. Excesses cause contraction and debility. It aggravates Kapha and Pitta and calms down vata doshas.

Pungent (Katu) It is a heating taste with the fire element and is found in spices like curcumin and ginger. It increases Pitta and Vata and lowers Kapha. It improves appetite and metabolism. It is associated with anger and hatred.

Bitter (Tikta) Bitter tasting herbs like Bibhitaki and Haritaki decreases Pita and Kapha and increases Vata. Bitter foods aid slimming, blood circulation, appetite and detoxification. Excess intake of bitter food damages the heart and causes feelings of depression. It is an air element.

Astringent (Kashaya) This taste, found in herbs like Jamun, decreases Kapha and Pita and increases Vata. This cooling taste reduces sweating and irritability. Too much of the taste brings thirst and fear. It consists of air and earth elements. If you are in search of an all-in-one combination, Amalaki Rasayana is the only choice you have. It has all Ayurvedic tastes except salty taste.

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