As per Ayurveda all six tastes have to be taken together in your meal. In Ayurveda there are six tastes : sweet , sour ,salty , bitter , pungent and astringent .
These tastes have an effect on both body and mind . In this blog we will be discussing six tastes and their effect on body and mind.
Sweet Taste
Food Incorporated – Grains , Rice , Pasta , Starchy vegetables, Bread ,Sugar and honey
Effect on Body and Mind – Soothing effect on body , helps in building body and provides strength , Balances Vata and Pitta dosha . Excessive intake if Sweet taste aggravates Kapha dosha . Helps to stimulate the appetite and improve digestion.
Sour Taste
Food incorporated – Citrus fruits like lemon , oranges , berries , tomatoes and alcohol .
Effect on Body and Mind – It enhances the taste and makes it more palatable .It helps in balancing Vata , Excessive intake of Sour tastes aggravates Kapha and Pitta dosha .
Salty Taste
Food Incorporated – Table Salt , Soy sauce
Effect on Body and Mind – It balances Vata , excessive intake of salt increases Kapha and Pitta dosha . It also promotes sweating and clears the sinus passages .
Pungent Taste
Food incorporated – Black pepper, Chilli , garlic , onion , cloves and ginger .
Effect on Body and Mind – Balances Kapha dosha , Excessive intake irritates Vata and Pitta dosha . It detoxifies the system.
Bitter Taste
Food incorporated – Leafy greens , Kale , broccoli , bitter gourd , Neem.
Effect on Body and Mind – It balances Kapha and Pitta . Excessive intake of bitter taste increases vata and causes indigestion .
Astringent Taste
Food incorporated – Lentils , dried beans , cauliflower , pomegranate ,apple and tea.
Effect on Body and Mind – It balances Kapha and Pitta . Excessive intake of this taste increases Vata dosha .