There are 6 flavours in Ayurveda. They are: Sweet, Bitter, Salty, Sour, Pungent and Astringent. These flavors balances our body, mind and spirit. It is a very healthy practise to include these six tastes into our diet daily. We guarantee you a good health and emotional balance.
Sweet:
Sweet taste always denotes love and happiness. Sometimes even spiritual growth is also associated. Sweet foods are often comfortable to eat and also provide nourishment. We often gift sweets, chocolates and other sugary products to people whom we love. People who desire love, affection and care, their crave for sweet increases. People who live a very stressful and hectic life also like to eat more sweets. people who eat too much sweets are often lazy and greedy, but become very dependant. All sugary products are sweet; including all chocolates, candies, ice creams, deserts, sweets, low calorie sugar etc.
Bitter:
Bitter foods are very helpful in managing food cravings. It increases our digestive power and detoxifies our body. But excess intake of bitter foods cause loss of appetite, headaches, weakness and dry skin. Spinach, lemon peel and endive or witloof are a good source of Bitter foods.
Salt:
Salt enhances our digestion. But when salt is taken in excess amount, it causes uncontrolled food cravings. It can also result in retention of excess water and sweating. Salt can increase your enthusiasm and also increase your compulsive behavior.
Sour:
Sour foods enhances your intellectual activities. But excess of sour foods can result in resentment, spite and jealousy. More intake of sour foods cause ulcers, acidity and imbalances in blood. Sour foods include lemon, citrus fruits and yoghurt.
Pungent: Movement of body fluids and warming up of our body is highly done by pungent tastes. They increase our digestion and circulation. But when is in excess, may cause harshness in speech, irritability and anger. Pungent foods are garlic, chilli peppers, onions, ginger and radish.
Astringent: Maintaining balance in blood sugar level is very important in Diabetics. And Astringent foods can be very beneficial. But again excess in amounts of astringent foods can cause constipation and gas problems. Lentils, tea, broccoli, pears, cabbage, cauliflower and potatoes are rich source.
