Nitya sevaniya - asevaniya dravya
Nitya means regulary or daily. Sevaniya means consumable. This chapter is about daily consumable and non consumable food items as prescribed in ayurveda and their contemporary aspects.
Need of concept of ‘Nitya sevaniya’ (daily consumable) food:
Nutrition is a prerequisite for healthy life. A proper diet is essential from a very early age of life for growth, development, and active life. Nutrition is the science that deals with all the factors of which food is composed and how proper nourishment is brought about. Due to a lack of time and awareness, junk food intake has been increasing. ‘Junk foods' are foods that lack nutrients like vitamins and minerals and are high in calories, salts, sugars, and fats.[1] Junk food is so-called because it doesn’t play a role in healthy eating, especially if it's eaten excessively or frequently. An unhealthy diet is one of the leading risks for the global disease burden, mainly for noncommunicable diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and cancer.[2] So, there is a need to elaborate on the concept of daily consumable and non-consumable food items.
Section/Chapter/topic | Concepts & Contemporary practices/Nitya sevaniya - asevaniya dravya |
---|---|
Author | Deshmukh Saylee1 |
Reviewers |
Basisht G.2 Khandel S.K. |
Editor | Deole Y.S.3 |
Affiliations |
1 RRAP Central Ayurveda Research Institute, CCRAS, Worli, Mumbai, India 2 Rheumatologist, Orlando, Florida, U.S.A. 3 Department of Kayachikitsa, G. J. Patel Institute of Ayurvedic Studies and Research, New Vallabh Vidyanagar, Gujarat, India |
Correspondence emails |
dsaylee@ymail.com, carakasamhita@gmail.com |
Publisher | Charak Samhita Research, Training and Development Centre, I.T.R.A., Jamnagar, India |
Date of publication: | September 27, 2023 |
DOI | 10.47468/CSNE.2023.e01.s09.153 |
Etymology and meaning
Wholesome called “Pathya” in Ayurveda is the regimen that does not adversely affect the body channels i.e., Patha/Srotasa. The word “Nitya” means constantly/continuously. Criteria for the classification of food items have not been clearly mentioned in the texts of Ayurveda but in context of vitiation of body channels (srotodushti), Acharya Charaka has stated that food and regimens that promote the morbidity by aggravation of doshas and go contrary to the well-being of dhatu vitiates the channels. With the help of this quotation, it can be said that the food that leads to vitiation of body channels by vitiation of dosha and dhatu can be considered as daily non-consumable (nitya asevaniya). On the contrary, it can be said that a diet that does not lead to any srotodushti by vitiation of any dosha and dhatu can be said as daily consumable (nitya sevaniya), maintaining equilibrium of all the dosha.
Daily consumable and daily non-consumable food items have been quoted in ‘Matrashitiya Adhyaya’ of Charaksamhita and Ashtangahrudaya, ‘Annapanavidhi adhyaya’ of Ashtanga Samgraha and Viharavarga of Kaiyyadevanighantu. In a similar context, Ekanta hitakara (solely wholesome) and Ekanta ahitakara (solely unwholesome) food etc. have also been described at various places in the texts of Ayurveda. Nitya sevaniya and Ekanta hitakara dravya have been stated for daily intake for maintenance of health because of their specific properties described in the texts of Ayurveda, while Nitya asevaniya and Ekanta ahitakara dravya are prohibited for regular/long time use because of their harmful effects on body.
Daily consumable food items
List of daily consumable food items described in Charak Samhita, Ashtanga hridaya, Ashtanga samgraha and Kaiyyadeva Nighantu is as follows:
|
Ch.Su.5/12 A.Sa.Su.10/45, A.Hr.Su.8/42, Kai.Ni.7/277 |
|
A.Sa.Su.10/45, A.Hr.Su.8/42, Kai.Ni.7/277 |
|
A.Sa.Su.10/45, A.Hr.Su.8/42, |
Properties of daily consumable food items from different classics and contemporary sciences are summarized in Table-2.
SN | Items | Taste | Post digestive effect | Potency |
Prop erties |
Effect on Dosha |
Pharmacological properties |
References |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. | Indian gooseberry | sour, sweet, bitter, astringent, pungent | Sweet | cold | dry | alleviates all the 3 Dosha | antioxidant, immuno-modulatory, hepato-protective , cyto-protective | [3],[4],[5],[6] |
2. | Rainwater | Unmanifested | - | cold | - | alleviates all the 3 Dosha, purifies blood | - | |
3. | Pomegranate | Sour, astringent, sweet | sweet | cold | - | alleviates Vata, does not vitiate Kapha & Pitta | antioxidant, skin protecting activity against AGEs and UV-A, hepatoprotective, immune-modulatory, cytoprotective, embryo-protective. | [7],[8],[9],[10],[11] |
4. | Cow’s milk | sweet | Sweet | cold | - | alleviates Vata & Pitta | anti-oxidant, immunomodulatory, gut protective | [12],[13] |
5. | Cow’s ghee | sweet | Sweet | cold | - | alleviates Vata & Pitta | antioxidant, and anti-atherogenic properties, gastroprotective and adaptogenic, antimicrobial activity, immunostimulant, antioxidant and hepatoprotective activity. | [14],[15],[16],[17] |
6. | Wheat | sweet | Sweet | cold | Heavy, unctuous | alleviates Vata & Pitta | anti- oxidant, anti-hyperlipidemic, neuro-protective, anti-microbial activity, protective to the skin and gastric, intestinal mucosa. | [18],[19],[20],[21],[22],[23],[24] |
7. | Meat of arid animal | astringent, sweet | - | cold | - | alleviates all the 3 Dosha, at some extent causing fluid secretion | - | |
8. | Leptadenia reticulata Retz./ Holostemma adakodien schultes | sweet | Sweet | cold | - | alleviates all the 3 Dosha | antioxidant, free radical scavenging property, hepatoprotective, anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory | [25],[26],[27],[28],[29] |
9. | Honey | astringent, sweet | Pungent | cold | - | alleviates Kapha & Pitta, partially vitiates Vata | hepatoprotective, cardio- protective, cyto-protective, immunomodulatory, hepatoprotective and nephroprotective properties. | [30],[31],[32],[33] |
10. | Dry grapes | sweet | Sweet | cold | - | alleviates Vata & Pitta | antioxidant, hepato-protective, immuno-modulatory, Vaso protective, neuroprotective, anti-cancer, cardioprotective, gastroprotective and nephroprotective properties. | [34],[35],[36],[37],[38],[39],[40],[41] |
11. | Green gram | astringent, sweet | Pungent | cold | Laghu, Vishada | alleviates Kapha & Pitta, partially vitiates Vata | anti-oxidant, anti-hyperglycemic, anti-anemic, anti-hyperlipidemic, anti-microbial | [42],[43],[44],[45],[46] |
12. | Unripen radish | pungent, bitter | - | hot | - | alleviates all the 3 Dosha | - | - |
13. | Chebulic myrobalan | Astringent, pungent, bitter, Madhura sweet, sour | sweet | hot | - | alleviates all the 3 Dosha | antioxidant and anti-microbial, anti-aging, cardio-protective, hepato-protective activities | [47],[48],[49],[50] |
14. | Pointed gourd | bitter, pungent | Sweet | hot | - | alleviates all the 3 Dosha | antihyperglycemic, antihyperlipidemic, antitumor, cytotoxic, arsenic poisoning ameliorative, anti-inflammatory, antidiarrheal | [51] |
15. | Rock salt | salty, sweet | Sweet | cold | - | alleviates all the 3 Dosha | - | - |
16. | Red rice | sweet, astringent | Sweet | cold | - | alleviates all the 3 Dosha | antioxidant, cytoprotective, immunomodulatory, hepatoprotective. | [52],[53],[54],[55] |
17. | Rock sugar | sweet | Sweet | cold | - | alleviates Pitta | - | - |
18. | Clover fern | sweet, astringent | - | cold | - | alleviates all the 3 Dosha | anti-inflammatory activity, diuretic activity, anti-venom activity, hypo glycemic activity and anti-bacterial activity | [56],[57],[58],[59],[60],[61],[62],[63] |
19. | White goosefoot/ pigweed | sweet | Pungent | cold | - | alleviates all the 3 Dosha | anti-inflammatory, analgesic, gastroprotective, hepato-protective, anticancer, antioxidant, antimicrobial , | [64],[65],[66],[67] |
20. | Hordeum vulgare L. | sweet, astringent | Pungent | cold | - | alleviates Kapha & Pitta | anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory | [68],[69] |
Among daily consumable food items mentioned in classical Ayurvedic texts, green gram (Mudga i.e. Vigna radiata L.), easily available in all parts of India, has been described best in Shamidhanya i.e. pulses. It has high nutritional value. It is a good source of protein, carbohydrate, potassium, magnesium, calcium, phosphorous, iron and vitamins like carotene, thiamine, niacin, riboflavin, ascorbic acid.[70] Its regular consumption can regulate enterobacterial flora of the intestine, decrease absorption of toxic substances, reduce the risk of hypercholesterolemia and coronary heart disease, and prevent cancer. Extracts of green gram were also found to have a potent scavenging activity against reactive oxygen and nitrogen species and an inhibitory effect on low-density lipoprotein oxidation.[71][72]
Red rice (Shashtika shali- Oryza sativum L.), grown in Kerala and known locally by the Dravidian name Njavara. has been described as best among Shukadhanya i.e. cereals. It is a very good source of carbohydrate, vitamin B complex and minerals like Iron.[73][74]
Wheat (Godhuma- Triticum aestivum L.) is a good source of carbohydrate, vitamins like, thiamine, niacin, calcium, and vitamin B6 and minerals like iron.
Cow’s milk (Godugdha) is compatible since birth, increases vital power of the body. It is a source of high-quality protein, calcium and vitamins like vitamin A, riboflavin, niacin and folic acid.
Cow’s ghee (Goghrita) has been described in Ayurvedic texts to possess many beneficial properties like rejuvenating, nootropic, improves immunity, energy, luster, beauty, promotes longevity, aphrodisiac. It contains omega-3 fatty acids, Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) which improve cardiovascular health.[75] It can penetrate blood brain barrier and also to facilitate building or supporting the biochemical activities of tissues such as neurons.[76]
Rock salt (Saindhava) has been advised for daily use in the texts of Ayurveda. It is best among all salts because all other salts have hot potency and penetrating property. They vitiate Kapha, Pitta which produce laxity in muscles and diseases like hair fall, grey hair. Yet, worldwide common salt is being used in daily diet. Chemical formula of both is same as NaCl but the contents of both differ as rock salt contains some extra minerals like potassium which are beneficial to the health. Sodium has a contractile mechanism while potassium has proven to have a relaxing effect on the smooth muscles of the arterioles which prevents hypertension.[77][78]
Indian gooseberry (Amalaki-Phyllanthus emblica L.) has rejuvenating property and promotes longevity, maintains the equilibrium of the three Dosha. It is a rich source of vitamin C, effective in free radical scavenging.
Pomegranate (Dadima- Punica granatum L.) and dry grape (Mridvika- Vitis vinifera L.) are mentioned as ‘best among wholesome diet.’ Pomegranate is rich source of flavonoids, vitamin C and E. Dry grape contains vitamin B3, B6, B1, B2 and B9.
Haritaki (Terminalia chebula Retz.) possess strong rejuvenating property and alleviate all the three Dosha.
Jivanti (Cork swallow-wort- Leptadenia reticulata Retz./ Holostemma ada-kodien) has been described as the best among all the vegetables as it alleviates all the three dosha and is a rich source of vitamin A.
Rock sugar (Khanda sharkara) has low glycemic index while refined sugar which is commonly used in daily diet worldwide, has high glycemic index. It leads to obesity and diabetes mellitus by disturbing ghrelin-leptin-insulin equilibrium.
White goosefoot/pigweed (Vastuka- Chenopodium album) is a nutritious leafy vegetable that is available during winters in Northern India. It is rich in proteins, essential amino acids, calcium, iron and vitamins A, C.[79]
Clover fern (Sunishannaka- Marsilea quadrifolia Linn.) found in south-west India, Nepal, China, central and southern Europe. It is a rich source of polyphenols with strong antioxidants.
Pointed gourd (Patola- Trichosanthes dioica Roxb.) used as a vegetable in Bangladesh and Northern part of India, is rich in carbohydrates, vitamins like A and C, Potassium, Magnesium, Copper, Sulphur and Chlorine.
Solely wholesome food items (Ekanta hitakara dravya):Water, ghee/clarified butter, milk and rice are solely wholesome food items mentioned in Sushruta samhita. They are always suitable and accustomed to human being by birth.
Miscellaneous daily consumable food items/drugs
- For strengthening of vision:
Daily intake of Triphala (combination of 3 fruits- Emblica officinalis, Terminalia chebula and Terminalia bellirica) with honey and ghee has been stated to improve the eye-site in healthy person. - To improve digestion:
Salt (preferably rock salt) and ginger have been quoted for daily intake before meal by in Bhavaprakash to improve appetite and digestion. - For promotion of aphrodisiac activity and mind rejuvenation:
Daily intake of ghee and milk have been advised in Charakasamhita due to their nootropic, nourishing and aphrodisiac properties.
DAILY NON-CONSUMABLE FOOD ITEMS
Daily non-consumable food items described in various texts of Ayurveda are enlisted in Table 3. These food items can be consumed in certain conditions concerning the prakriti, season, or diseases. However, if taken regularly without any pre-requisite condition, the food items can produce harmful effects on health.
· Curd (Dadhi) (In the evenings)
· Inspissated milk (Kilata) · Fermented curd/cheese (Kurchika) |
Ch.Su.5/10
A.Sa.Su.10/43 A.Hr.Su.8/40 Kai.Ni.7/278 |
· Uncooked radish (Aama mulaka)
· Alkaline preparation (Kshara) · Flour preparation (Pishta) |
A.Sa.Su.10/45
A.Hr.Su.8/40 Kai.Ni.7/278 |
· Fish (Matsya) | Ch.Su.5/10
A.Sa.Su.10/43 A.Hr.Su.8/40 |
· Lotus stalk (Bisa)
· Cow’s meat (Gavya mamsa) · Buffalo meat (Mahisha mamsa) · Black gram- Phaseolus radiates (Masha) · Lotus rhizome (Shaluka) |
Ch.Su.5/10
A.Hr.Su.8/40 Kai.Ni.7/278 |
· Fermented food products (Shukta)
· Sprouts (Virudhaka) · food items causing constipation (Vishtambhi) · Food items causing burning sensation (Vidahi) · Food items which block the body channels (Abhishyandi) · Dry food (Ruksha ahara) · Molasses (Phanita) · Flat beans (Nishpava) |
A.Hr.Su.8/40
Kai.Ni.7/278 |
· Dried vegetables (Shushka shaka)
· Dried meat (Vallura) · Avena sativa L. (Yavaka) · Sheep meat (Aavi mamsa) · Cold food (Sheeta aahara) |
Kai.Ni.7/278 |
· Meat of emaciated animal (Krisha mamsa) | Ch.Su.5/10
A.Hr.Su.8/40 |
· Pork meat (Shukara mamsa) | Ch.Su.5/10 |
Properties of daily non-consumable food items mentioned in different classics are summarized in Table 4.
S.No. | Substance | Taste | Post digestive effect | Potency | Effect on Dosha |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. | Uncooked radish | Bitter | - | Hot | vitiates all the three Dosha |
2. | Lotus stalk | sweet, astringent | - | Cold | vitiates Kapha, alleviates Pitta, causing constipation, heavy to digest |
3. | Curd | sweet, sour | sour | Hot | vitiates Kapha & Pitta |
4. | Cow’s meat | - | - | Hot | heavy to digest |
5. | Inspissated milk | Sweet | - | - | heavy to digest, vitiates Kapha, causing constipation, causing indigestion and Aama |
6. | Alkaline preparation | Pungent | - | Hot | Vitiates Vata & Pitta, alleviates Kapha |
7. | Fermented curd | - | - | - | heavy to digest, vitiates Pitta & Rakta |
8. | Buffalo’s meat | Sweet | - | Hot | heavy to digest, vitiates Pitta & Rakta |
9. | Black gram | Sweet | sour | Hot | vitiates Kapha & Rakta, alleviates Vata |
10. | Fish | Sweet | sweet | Hot | vitiates Pitta & Kapha, alleviates Vata |
11. | Flat beans | sweet, astringent | sour | Hot | vitiates Pitta & Vata, alleviates Kapha |
12. | Molasses | Sweet | sweet | Hot | vitiates all the three Dosha |
13. | Flour preparation | - | - | - | heavy to digest |
14. | lotus rhizome | Sweet | sweet | Hot | heavy to digest, causes manifestation of worms |
15. | Pork meat | Sweet | sour | Cold | vitiates Rakta, alleviates Vata, heavy to digest |
16. | Fermented food products | Sour | pungent | Hot | vitiates Pitta & Rakta alleviates Kapha |
17. | Dried vegetables | - | - | - | vitiates all the three Dosha |
18. | Dried meat | - | - | - | vitiates all the three Dosha |
19. | Sprouts | - | - | - | vitiates all the three Dosha, heavy to digest |
20. | Avena sativa L. | sweet, astringent | pungent | Cold | vitiates Kapha & Rakta |
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References
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