Ayurvedic Diet and Nutrition Flashcards

Which taste in Ayurveda is said to most aggravate Pitta dosha?

Answer: Sour

Sour (Amla) taste most aggravates Pitta dosha because it shares the hot, sharp, and liquid qualities of Pitta, increasing its intensity in the body.

According to Ayurveda, what is the ideal time to consume the largest meal of the day?

Answer: Midday when Pitta is dominant

Midday is recommended as the ideal time for the largest meal because Pitta dosha — which governs digestion — is most dominant between 10 AM and 2 PM, when digestive fire (Agni) is strongest.

What is 'Sattvic' food in Ayurvedic nutrition?

Answer: Pure, fresh, light food that promotes mental clarity and spiritual development

Sattvic food is considered pure, fresh, and light — including fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and dairy — believed to promote mental clarity, peace, and spiritual evolution.

According to Ayurvedic principles, which food is generally recommended to be avoided by a person with predominant Vata dosha?

Answer: Dry crackers and raw salads

Dry crackers and raw salads increase Vata's dry, light, and rough qualities and are generally not recommended for Vata-dominant individuals who benefit from warm, moist, and grounding foods.

What is 'Pathya' in Ayurvedic dietary science?

Answer: Appropriate and beneficial dietary regimen for a specific condition

Pathya refers to the appropriate, therapeutic dietary regimen prescribed for a specific disease or condition to support healing and prevent recurrence.

Which Ayurvedic concept refers to the individual's capacity to adapt to certain foods or habits over time, even if they are not ideally suited to their constitution?

Answer: Satmya

Satmya refers to the concept of suitability or habituation — certain foods or substances may become suitable for an individual over time through regular exposure, even if they are not ideal for their constitution.