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The Importance of Bitter and Astringent Tastes for Balanced Nutrition

Six Tastes

Image of Family MealAyurveda describes six rasas, or types of taste. Taste applies not only to the perception of taste buds located on the tongue, but also to the final reaction of food in the acid medium of the stomach. The taste in the mouth is called svadu and the taste in the stomach is called paka. For example Ayurveda classifies wheat bread as sweet even though the taste in the mouth is not sweet, as we know it. Its reaction in the stomach makes it sweet.

The six rasas are

  1. madhura--sweet
  2. amla-- sour
  3. lavana--salty
  4. katu--hot
  5. tikta--bitter
  6. kashai--astringent

 

The six tastes should be balanced in the diet for optimum health and nutrition. The Ayurvedic principle of the six tastes is key in the science of ayurvedic herbal formulation as well.

 

The British diet tends to predominantly consist of the sweet, sour, salt and pungent tastes but people who need to balance Pitta and Kapha generally need to eat more bitter and astringent foods. Maharishi Ayurveda Churnas or spice mixes are convenient ways to incorporate the latter tastes into the diet.

 

The sweet taste includes food with wheat products such as bread, cereal and pasta and rice, milk, ice cream and desserts. The sour taste includes food and drinks made from yoghurt, cheese, tomato products, citrus fruits and carbonated drinks. Too much sour taste increases heat in the body so these sour food items should be reduced in quantity or preferably avoided by people who have hyperacidity or other signs of a Pitta imbalance.

 

Bitter tasting foods help to balance Pitta and Kapha. They decreases water retention and support liver function. The bitter taste is cleansing and helps to take away burning and itching sensations. In excess it can aggravate Vata and dehydrate the body.

 

The astringent taste purifies the blood and has a drying effect. It helps to balance Pitta and Kapha. In excess it increases Vata and creates gas and constipation.

The following are examples of foods and spices for the bitter and astringent tastes

 

  • Bitter Taste:
  • turmeric
  • fenugreek seeds
  • leafy greens
  • barley
  • basil
  • nettle
  • lettuce
  • aloe vera

 

  • Astringent Taste:
  • apple
  • pomegranate (tastes sour on the tongue but is both astringent and bitter)
  • pear
  • quinoa
  • legumes
  • tofu
  • sprouts
  • beans and lentils

 

Try to include some of these foods in your daily diet. An easy way to get the bitter taste is to add fenugreek seeds to your foods as they are cooking. One teaspoon of fenugreek seeds per day is a great way to get more of the bitter balancing taste. You can saut them in ghee and then add to your vegetables or add a teaspoon right into the cooking pot of a stew or bean dish. Turmeric is both bitter and astringent. It is considered a blood purifier, antioxidant and a preventer of cancer. One teaspoon a day cooked with your meals is an excellent and inexpensive health habit that would be a great way to increase your antioxidant intake.

 

 Pomegranates taste sour but are both astringent and bitter and do not aggravate Pitta. According to ayurvedic texts, pomegranate is considered a Pitta balancing fruit and a wonderful heart tonic. Pure pomegranate juice can be purchased at health food stores. Pomegranate seeds can be made into a delicious relish or chutney. This can be eaten daily, especially during summer when Pitta dosha gets out of balance.

 

Aloe vera juice is good for everyone but it is especially beneficial for those suffering from Pitta imbalances. It is good for digestion and elimination. It cleanses and refreshes the system. Spices are certainly a quick, convenient and flavourful way of incorporating the more unusual bitter and astringent tastes into your daily diet, but with a little effort and creativity you can get those tastes from many other foods as well.

Image of FamilyFor other information helpful for weight balance see

 

 

 

 

 

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DISCLAIMER: The information in this document is presented for the sole purpose of imparting education on Maharishi Ayurveda and neither the information nor the products are intended to diagnose, treat, mitigate, cure or prevent any disease. If you have a medical condition, or are pregnant or lactating, please consult a health professional and it is recommended that you speak with your physician before making significant changes to your diet or routine.