Ayurvedic Nutrition & Diet Flashcards

Which taste (rasa) is considered most beneficial for Vata dosha in excess?

Answer: Sweet, sour, and salty

Sweet, sour, and salty tastes pacify Vata by providing grounding, moisture, and warmth that counteract Vata's dry, light, and cold qualities.

In Ayurveda, which food combination is considered most incompatible (viruddha ahara)?

Answer: Milk and fish

Milk and fish is a classic viruddha ahara (incompatible food) combination in Ayurveda, as both are considered heavy and their opposing qualities create digestive toxins (ama).

According to Ayurveda, what is the ideal amount of the stomach to fill with food at a meal?

Answer: One-third solid, one-third liquid, one-third empty

The classical Ayurvedic recommendation is to fill one-third of the stomach with food, one-third with liquid, and leave one-third empty for proper digestion.

Which property describes food that is guru (heavy) in Ayurvedic dietetics?

Answer: Takes longer to digest and increases Kapha

Guru (heavy) foods require more digestive power, take longer to digest, and tend to increase Kapha dosha while nourishing and building body tissues.

A patient with high Pitta presents with acid reflux and inflammation. Which dietary recommendation is MOST appropriate?

Answer: Favor cooling foods like cucumber, coconut, and coriander

Cooling, sweet, and bitter foods such as cucumber, coconut, and coriander pacify Pitta by countering its hot, sharp, and oily qualities.

What is the Ayurvedic term for the post-digestive effect of food on the body's tissues?

Answer: Vipaka

Vipaka is the post-digestive effect of a food substance after it has been metabolized, ultimately influencing the doshas and tissues (dhatus).

Which grain is considered the most sattvic and easiest to digest in Ayurveda?

Answer: White rice (especially basmati)

Basmati white rice is considered the most sattvic grain in Ayurveda — it is light, easy to digest, nourishing, and balancing for all three doshas.