अन्नब्रह्मा रसोविष्णुः भोक्ता देवो महेश्वरः ।

एवम् ज्ञक्त्व तु यो भुन्क्ते अन्न दोषो न लिप्यते॥

पद्म पुराण ५.७९.४८

Ayurved:

Ayurved is the ancient system of medicine rooted in Sanatan philosophy, emphasizing the harmony of body, mind, and spirit. Its primary goal is to promote a healthy lifestyle through appropriate dietary choices, daily routines, and mental tranquility. Diet plays a crucial role in Ayurved, as it helps maintain bodily balance and alleviates ailments. Ayurved identifies six tastes: Madhura (Sweet), Amla (Sour), Lavana (Salty), Katu (Pungent), Tikta (Bitter), and Kashay (Astringent), each influencing our overall health.

Ved:

The Veds are revered as the earliest sacred and philosophical writings of Hinduism and the entire world. They address various dimensions of life, including nutrition, tantra, rituals, meditation, and overall health—both physical and mental. The Veds assert that one's dietary choices and lifestyle are closely linked to Lord Brahma and the forces of nature, and by embracing these practices appropriately, a person can attain a balanced and healthy existence.

Sanatan Sanskriti:

Sanatan Sanskriti forms the foundation of Bharatiya civilization, where every facet of life is viewed through a spiritual lens. This culture emphasizes the importance of harmony and reverence towards family, community, and the environment. The principles of Ayurved and the teachings of the Veds provide guidance for achieving this equilibrium. The ultimate goal of Sanatana culture is the upliftment of the soul and the connection with the divine, prioritizing physical, mental, and spiritual well-being equally.

Sanskrit Shastra:

The tradition of Sanskrit Shastra is a treasure trove of Indian knowledge. The scriptures, which are articulated in the Sanskrit language, include the Veds, Upanishads, Puranas, Smriti, and Upadesh, among others. These texts delve into numerous dimensions of life, addressing themes such as spirituality, ethics, governance, and medicine. They provide detailed guidance on diet, yoga, and lifestyle practices to help individuals achieve a healthy and prosperous existence.

 Sanskrit scriptures offer a wealth of significant principles and guidelines concerning food and nutrition, which play a crucial role in achieving a balance of physical, mental, and spiritual health. In these ancient texts, the concept of diet transcends mere physical nourishment, intertwining with the fundamental purpose of life itself. Key scriptures and writings delve deeply into the intricacies of food and dietary habits.

ओ3म् अन्नपतेSन्नस्य नो देह्यनमीवस्य शुष्मिणः/

प्र प्रदातारं तारिष ऊर्ज्जं नो धेहि द्विपदे चतुष्पदे //

ओ3म् शान्तिः शान्तिः शान्तिः !

यजुर्वेद ११.८३

Ayurved:

In Ayurved, the significance of diet is paramount to achieving a balanced life. It teaches that our dietary habits directly influence our physical condition and mental state. Ayurved classifies food into three essential categories: Sattvik (pure and nourishing), Rajasik (stimulating and active), and Tamasik (heavy and inert). Consuming a Sattvic diet is believed to purify both body and mind, whereas Rajasik and Tamasik foods can lead to various mental health issues.

Sattvik diet:  

Vegetarian, fresh, nutritious, light and easily digestible. Eating them promotes mental peace, happiness and health.

Rajasik diets:

These are intense, spicy, and stimulating, which increase mental arousal and tendencies.

Tamasik diets:

They are tending to be more heavy, impure, and stimulating, which can lead to lethargy, imbalances, and health problems.

Shri Bhagavad-gi ̄ ta ̄:

In Bhagavad-gi ̄ ta ̄, Lord Krishna has also told about the type of food. Chapter 17, verses 7-10 of the Gita describes three types of food:

Sattvik food:

One that promotes life, longevity, health and well-being. This food is light, refreshing and pure.

Rajasik food:

which is tastier, more spicy and stimulating. This diet stimulates the body and mind.

Tamasik food:

which are impure, raw or old. This diet causes heaviness and lethargy in the body.

Manusmriti:

In the Manusmriti, the significance of diet and nutrition is underscored, indicating that one's eating habits should be harmonious and aligned with their nature, age, and health condition. The text advises that food should be consumed with purity, devotion, and a sense of asceticism. It also stresses the importance of maintaining calmness and self-control while partaking in meals.

Yajurved and Samaved:

The Yajurved and Samaved include a wealth of instructions related to dietary habits, particularly concerning the sacred preparation of food during ceremonies like yajna and puja, as well as its sharing with others. These texts illustrate the relationship between diet and social-religious contexts, emphasizing that food is not only essential for physical health but also holds deep spiritual importance.

Rules of diet: Some special rules regarding diet are also given in Sanskrit scriptures:

Eating on time: The time of eating should be regular and fixed, during daytime.

Avoid Eating Too Much: Eating too much food can have negative effects on the body.

State of mind: The mind should be calm and balanced while eating.

Quality of food: Fresh, pure, and nutritious foods should be consumed.

According to the profound insights found in Sanskrit scriptures, the significance of food extends far beyond simply fulfilling our physical hunger. It plays a crucial role in promoting mental clarity, emotional stability, and spiritual growth. The ancient texts emphasize that by consuming food mindfully and in accordance with these sacred principles, individuals can not only nourish their bodies but also elevate their consciousness. This holistic approach to eating fosters a sense of balance and harmony within, ultimately leading to a life characterized by health, prosperity, and lasting peace. Embracing these teachings can transform one's relationship with food into a pathway for personal and spiritual development.

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ॐ सह नाववतु। सह नौ भुनक्तु। सह वीर्यं करवावहै।

तेजस्विनावधीतमस्तु। मा विद्‌विषावहै॥ 

ॐ शान्ति: शान्ति: शान्ति:॥

कठोपनिषद

The current food crisis is driven by multiple factors, including evolving lifestyles, the effects of industrialization, urban growth, and insufficient regulation in food production. These challenges are influencing not only our physical health but also our mental and spiritual well-being. The following points will help us explore the existing state of food:

Lack of natural, ethical or logical foods:

Currently, a large portion of the population is leaning towards processed and convenience foods, such as fast food, sugary drinks, and snacks. These options are often low in nutrients and can lead to various health problems. On the other hand, the intake of fresh and wholesome foods like fruits, vegetables, grains, and legumes is steadily decreasing.

Use of artificial additives and chemicals:

In today's world, the use of chemical additives in food, including artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives, has become increasingly common. These substances can compromise food quality, leading to negative impacts on both physical and mental well-being. The accumulation of these chemicals in the body may result in the development of toxins, which can contribute to various serious health issues.

Decline of Sanatani veg food intake:

The vegetarian diet, praised for its health advantages in Ayurved and the Veds, is becoming increasingly rare today. The growing intake of non-vegetarian foods can lead to excessive stimulation and various health disorders. Additionally, the production of animal-derived foods consumes vast resources, which presents considerable challenges for the environment.

Lack of awareness towards healthy diet:

Rapid food delivery services are undermining business ethics, as many individuals today opt for unhealthy meal options due to their busy schedules and overwhelming workloads. This often leads to a preference for fried foods, burgers, pizzas, and heavily processed snacks. Additionally, the pressure of hustle culture causes people to neglect proper meal timing and nutrition, which can adversely affect their digestive health and overall well-being.

Corrupt agricultural practices and food production:

Contemporary farming methods, heavily reliant on synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, are leading to the contamination of our food supply. This not only diminishes the soil's ability to retain nutrients but also introduces harmful chemicals into our diets, posing significant risks to human health.

Excess of fat, sugar, and salt:

Fast and processed foods are typically loaded with unhealthy amounts of fats, sugars, and salts, which can result in health problems such as obesity, heart conditions, elevated blood pressure, and diabetes. Overindulgence in these components can lead to imbalances and health issues within the body.

Mental stress and diet:

In today's fast-paced world, the rise in mental stress and anxiety often leads individuals to engage in emotional eating, which can result in overeating. This behavior not only jeopardizes their physical health but also negatively impacts their mental well-being.

To sum up, the current food landscape indicates a significant drop in quality, making it challenging for people to sustain a balanced way of living. By embracing the dietary teachings of Ayurved and the Veds, which advocate for the consumption of fresh, natural, pure, and sattvic foods, we can greatly improve our physical and mental health. Furthermore, it is essential to cultivate a healthy lifestyle by avoiding processed foods and chemical additives.

अन्नाद् भवन्ति भूतानि पर्जन्यादन्नसंभवः।

यज्ञाद भवति पर्जन्यो यज्ञः कर्म समुद् भवः।।

भगवत गीता ३.१४

The importance of a Sanatani diet:

1. Nutritious and light: Sanatani foods are characterized by their purity, freshness, and lightness. This category includes an array of fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and ghee, all of which contribute to optimal nutrition. These foods are gentle on the digestive system and help maintain a balanced energy level in the body.

2. Mental Peace and Balance: Following a Sanatani diet can greatly enhance one's mental state, fostering a sense of tranquility, clarity, and balance. This type of nourishment not only benefits the body but also plays a crucial role in alleviating mental issues like stress, anxiety, and anger.

3. Lightness in the body: Sanatani diet is free from heavy and oily foods. It keeps the body light and energetic, thereby increasing the efficiency of the body.

4. Spiritual Advancement: Eating sanatani food leads to purification of the soul and spiritual advancement. This diet maintains spiritual peace, reduction of ego and balance in life.

Benefits of a healthy diet:

1. Healthy Body: Sattvic diet provides balanced nutrition to the body, which keeps various diseases at bay.

2. Peace of mind: This diet promotes mental peace and reduces stress.

3. Energy Level: Sattvic food maintains the flow of energy in the body, thereby maintaining physical and mental activity.

4. Longevity: Sattvic diet helps in increasing lifespan and strengthening immunity.

Principles of the Sattvic Diet:

1. Balance of nutrition: A balanced diet should contain all the essential nutrients such as proteins, vitamins, minerals, and fibers.

2. Eating at the right time: Food should be consumed regularly and at the right time, so that the digestive system works properly.

3. Smart Growth: Food should be consumed in moderation, neither too much nor too little.

 Adopting a healthy diet is fundamental for achieving optimal health, and when we focus on a sattvic diet, the benefits extend far beyond just our physical well-being. A sattvic diet is known to enhance mental clarity, promote emotional stability, and foster a deep sense of spiritual peace. By incorporating fresh, wholesome, and natural foods into our meals, we not only nourish our bodies but also create a harmonious balance in our lives. This approach to eating encourages us to live with intention and mindfulness, ultimately leading to a more joyful, fulfilling, and extended life filled with vitality and purpose.