According to ayurveda nutrition, everyone needs to consume a certain amount of food, herbs and minerals containing the six tastes in order to have a healthy and balanced diet.
Ayurveda nutrition describes all foods based on 6 tastes and these tastes are called rasas in Sanskrit. They are reflected in a combination of the five great elements which are:
Sweet – Earth & Water
Sour – Fire & Earth
Salty – Water & Fire
Pungent – Fire & Air
Astringent – Air & Earth
Bitter – Air & Ether
When learning Ayurveda nutrition, all food, herbs and minerals are based on these six tastes which represent the actual taste of them that is taken into the mouth.
They are important because each taste helps to maintain a certain balance in the body and mind. They also need to be consumed in the right proportion to nourish your body and tissues.
The six tastes of the ayurvedic diet can be applied by selecting the right foods or herbs to balance your doshas and treat conditions and diseases as well as prevent them. They can also be varied according to the seasons.
It can be very beneficial to seek an ayurvedic practitioner or ayurvedic wellness counsellor to help you select the appropriate foods, herbs and minerals as part of your healthy diet and ayurveda nutrition program.
Here are the descriptions and some food examples of the six tastes in Ayurveda Nutrition.
Sweet – Healthy sweet foods not only include natural sugars but also starches and complex carbohydrates such as sweet tasting fruit, almonds, flaxseeds, all grains (e.g. rice, pasta, oatmeal, wheat, barley), many legumes (e.g. beans & lentils), root vegetables (carrots, beets &sweet potatoes), honey, milk and other dairy products.
Sweet foods and herbs naturally increase bulk, moisture, and weight in the body. For this reason, it is excellent for building the body’s seven vital tissues (called dhatus) of plasma, blood, fat, muscles, bones, marrow, and reproductive fluids.
In addition to strengthening the tissues in the body, they improve circulation, strengthen the heart and calm the nerves. Sweet foods also enhance the senses, improve complexion – promote healthy skin & hair and provides for a good voice. Sweet foods give the mind a sense of compassion and satisfaction.
Their qualities are heavy, oily (moist), and cool. Eating too many sweet foods can lead to lethargy and obesity. They can cause coughs, colds, congestion, tumors, edema and diabetes.
Sour – Healthy sour foods include yogurt, sour cream, citrus fruits, sour fruits, vinegar, fermented foods such as wine, vinegar, pickles, sauerkraut, tempeh, soy sauce and some cheeses.
Sour foods and herbs improve digestion, stimulate acid secretions in the stomach, reduce gas, increase circulation, strengthen the heart, relieve thirst, maintain acidity, sharpen the senses, help with elimination and energize the body. The Sour taste cleanses all the tissues and helps with the absorption of minerals. Sour foods provide the mind with a sense of stimulation and clarity.
Their qualities are light, oily (moist), and hot. Eating too many sour foods can lead to excessive thirst, heartburn, hyper-activity, ulcers, infections and skin conditions such as dermatitis, acne, eczema, and psoriasis.
Salty – Healthy salty foods not only include various types of salt but also foods that have added salt such as nuts, natural/homemade chips, pickles and crackers. They also include foods that come from the sea such as kelp and seaweed.
Salty foods, herbs and minerals not only enhance taste but also improve digestion, calm the nerves, help the body retain water, lubricate tissues, maintain electrolyte balance and enhances absorption and the elimination of wastes. They improve the radiance of the skin and promote healthy growth in the body. Salty foods provide the mind with a sense of confidence and zest for life.
Their qualities are heavy, oily (moist), and hot. Too many salty foods can cause conditions such as hypertension, water retention, edema, ulcers, bleeding disorders, kidney stones, baldness and skin conditions such as skin wrinkling.
Pungent – Healthy pungent foods include all hot foods and spices like ginger, cayenne, black pepper, cardamom, cloves, chili peppers, jalapenos, radishes, mustard, onions and garlic.
Pungent foods, herbs and spices can help improve metabolism, aid in digestion and absorption, dispel gas, reduce congestion, clear the sinuses, improve circulation, and promote sweating and detoxification. They also kill germs and parasites. Pungent foods can help one to be clear, outspoken, and bold with their thoughts.
Their qualities are light, hot and dry. Too many pungent foods or herbs can lead one to over-heat physically and mentally. They can cause sexual debility and anger. Excessive uses can also increase tremors, burning sensations and insomnia.
Astringent – Healthy astringent foods include legumes and some vegetables & fruits like broccoli, cauliflower, artichoke, asparagus, turnips, alfalfa, red raspberries, cranberries, pomegranates, pears, and some dried fruit. Grains such as rye, buckwheat, and quinoa also have the astringent taste. Other common foods, herbs and spices that are astringent are turmeric, marjoram, coffee, and tea.
Astringent taste is related more to its effect on the tongue rather than its actual taste. The taste usually manifests as a puckering or dry sensation in the mouth such as the taste of fresh cranberries. It also has a dry, chalky taste such as many beans.
Astringent foods and herbs help the body and tissues absorb water. They aid in the healing of joints, as well as sores and wounds. They tighten, dry and firm the tissues which helps to stop bleeding.
Their qualities are dry, cool, and heavy. Too many astringent foods or herbs can lead to constipation, heart pain, decreased circulation, dry-mouth, weak voice, low vitality and premature aging.
Bitter – Healthy bitter foods include many dark leafy greens such as kale, spinach, green cabbage, collards and other vegetables such as zucchini and eggplant. Some common bitter herbs and spices are turmeric, fenugreek, and dandelion root. Coffee, tea and certain fruits such as grapefruits, olives, and some melon are also bitter in taste.
Bitter foods and herbs detoxify and make the tissues of the body light. They have antibiotic, anti-inflammatory, anti-parasitic, and antiseptic qualities. Bitter foods and herbs help with reducing weight, water retention, skin rashes, burning sensations, fever and nausea. They cleanse the blood.
Their qualities are light, cool, and dry. Too many bitter foods or herbs can cause emaciation (wasting away of the tissue of the body), dry mouth, weariness and dizziness.
Remember that moderation is the key when incorporating the six tastes in your diet and one should seek the advice of an ayurvedic practitioner or ayurvedic doctor to see which tastes need to be increased and which ones need to be reduced.