Concept of Diet in Yoga Shastra and Ayurveda – A Literature Review

Abstract

In this era lifestyles are changed which has a negative impact on health. Eating habits are also changed due to technological advancement and easing lifestyles. Due to this risk of lifestyle is also increasing. Yoga and Ayurveda Shastra are life sciences that give importance to diet for a healthy life. Yoga gives the concept of Satvik, Rajsik, and Tamasik diets along with Mitahar, Hita Ahar, and Ahita Ahar. Ayurveda gives the concept importance of Ahar, Shadrasatmak Ahar, Bhojan Kala, Ahar matra, etc.  Both Yoga and Ayurveda give similar concepts of diet such as Satvik Ahar, Mitahar (moderate and balanced diet), Pathya Ahar (beneficial and preferred diet), and Apathya Ahar(harmful and prohibited diet). Also gives importance to the time of food intake, and quantity of food. Both  Hathyog and Ayurveda teach how to keep the physical body healthy, and how this health relates to our diet in our spiritual journey. So this study aims to comply with the literature regarding yogic Ahar mentioned in different Yogic and Ayurveda texts.