INTRODUCTION
All living being need energy to do work. We do work, we study and we play for which we need energy. Food is important for us. All of us do so many different types of activities. For doing every activity we need energy. This energy will come from the food we eat. Here are some features which food can give us:
- Food gives energy
- Food helps grow
- It keeps a person fit and healthy
- It makes bones and muscles strong.
Food can be categorizing into three groups:
- Energy providing foods
- Body building foods
- Protective foods
Do you know foods are unhealthy too.When examining your diet, it can be difficult to determine what foods are healthy or not.
The most common unhealthy foods include highly-processed food “like fast foods or snack foods,” . “Highly processed food” are low in nutrients (vitamins, minerals and antioxidants) and high on empty calories because it contains refined flours,sodium and sugar.”
Examples of processed foods include:
- Chips
- Cookies
- Cakes
- Sugar cereals
In Ayurveda:
Ahara are of – 2 types: Hita & Ahita.
Hitahara – That which protects the equilibrium of body and mind, resulting in good health.
Ahitahara – affects the equilibrium of body and mind, resulting in ill health.
Viruddhahara
- It is a unique concept of Ayurveda.
- Viruddhahara affects the body by causing the effects similar to visha & garavisha.
- Incompatibility is the result of unsuitable combination, contradictory qualities and faulty processes.
- Importance of dietic rules- bestows health.
- Milk, honey, ghee are some of the substances used in diet since ancient times. Certain precautionary measures that are emphasized for the intake of these foods are not followed in present scenario. Hence the proper knowledge regarding such incompatible foods is necessary to maintain the health of an individual.
Ayurveda literature has described various types of Viruddha Ahara, which can be summarized as follows:
- Desha (place) Viruddha
- Kala(season) Viruddha
- Agni (digestive fire)Viruddha
- Matra (quantity) Viruddha
- Satmya (wholesome) Viruddha
- Dosha(vata,pitta,kapha)Viruddha
- Samskar (mode of preparation) Viruddha
- Veerya (potency) Viruddha
- Koshtha Viruddha
- Avastha (state of health) Viruddha
- Krama (sequence) Viruddha
- Parihar Viruddha
- Upachar (treatment) Viruddha
- Paak (cooking) Viruddha
- Samyoga (combination) Viruddha
- Hriday(heart) Viruddha
- Sampad (richness of quality) Viruddha
- Vidhi (rules for eating) Viruddha
Food that has to be avoided for your good health are:
- Oil which is reboiled
Results formation of toxin called 4-hydroxy trans-2-nonenal (HNE) forms which increase risks of cardiovascular disease, stroke, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, Huntington’s disease, various liver disorders, and cancer
- Mixing of Ghee and honey in same amount
Honey and ghee these two food substances used widely in our diet. In Ayurveda, it is said that heated honey and honey mixed in equal amount of ghee produce deleterious effects…. The study revealed that the heated honey mixed with ghee produces HMF which may cause deleterious effects.
- Tea and garlic
This combination increase the risk of bleeding
- Milk and yogurt
These together can precipitate milk inside the stomach that may irritate and induce vomiting
- Green tea or black tea along with milk
Tea contains flavonoids called catechins, which has many beneficial effects on the heart, milk hampers this benefit
- Deep frying of potatoes
Can develop toxic and carcinogenic substance called acrylamide
- Fish and milk
Proteins of two different forms. Will Cause skin disorders
- Unripe (green) tomatoes or potatoes and alcohol
You will feel more sedation if the intake is more
Processed meat
Though unprocessed meat can be healthy and nutritious, the same will be not true for processed meats.
Studies are showing that people who eat processed meats have a higher risk of many serious ailments, including colon cancer, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease.
Alternatives
If someone want to eat bacon, sausages, or pepperoni, try to buy from local butchers who doesn’t add many unhealthy ingredients.
- Artificial sweeteners
Artificial sweeteners are actual a worse cause for you than your typical refined sugar due to its potential health impact and unknown risks. It’s better to try to eat regular sugar in moderation.
Refined Grains
Refined grains will have pretty much nutrients processed out of them. Without the fiber, they get digested and enter the bloodstream rapidly, causing that familiar spike in blood sugar and fat-storing insulin.
Alcohol
Alcohol has an endless disadvantages and health risks such as brain cell damage, weakening the immune system, high blood pressure, breast, mouth, colon, esophagus, and throat cancers, liver cirrhosis and failure, depression, and anxiety . Whether it will be taken in small or large quantities, it may pose a threat to your financial, social, and emotional well-being.
- Coffee
Coffee is the most consumed beverages today. It is estimated that people drink over 2 billion cups of coffee every day as a stimulant (energy boost) and for its health benefits such as protection from type 2 diabetes, liver cancer, and keeping a healthy heart . According to research, caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee are associated to lower risk of metabolic syndrome, renal stones, and gout.
TIP:
HOW TO EAT FOOD – AYURVEDIC VIEW
All living beings in the universe need food, which sustains the life. The food and drinks whose colour, smell, taste arid touch are pleasing to the senses and conducive to the health, if taken in accordance with the rules, in fact represents the very life of living beings.
They promote:
- Mental and physical strength
- Strengths the tissue elements (dhatus)
- Pleasures the senses
- Complexion
- Good voice
- Longevity
- Happiness
- Satisfaction
- Intellect
- Memory
Conclusion
These are just some foods which can be avoided for a healthy lifestyle, but the list does not end here. Although giving up on some eating habits may be more challenging now more than ever, trying to cut off some things could help maintain a healthy body provided that you start As soon as possible. It would also help you seek advice from a professional nutritionist, a fitness trainer, and your doctor about the dietary and lifestyle changes that would contribute to your well-being.