ROLE OF RASAS AND THEIR ORDER OF INTAKE IN NUTRITION

Dr. Mukta, Dr. Shiva Kumar Harti and Dr. Mangalagowri V. Rao*

ABSTRACT

Malnutrition is one of the leading causes of death worldwide and Accounts for more than 45% of the deaths under the age of five .there are many programmes running to fight malnutrition. Ayurveda has solutions for most of the problems prevailing in the current era. Malnutrition can also be fought with Ayurvedic principles as tools. As per modern science, food is the main source of nutrients like carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals etc. Food is the medicine for Malnutrition. In Ayurveda the nutrition in food is present in the form of Rasas, Gunas, Viryas and Vipakas. In Ayurveda, dietetic rules have been mentioned to facilitate the absorption of nutrients, assimilation and transformation into tissues. Rasas are the entities that can be considered as nutrients based on their functions in the body, but for the maximum effect of the Nutrients (Rasa), rules should be followed. Intake of only one Rasa in excess regularly may cause weakness, which is one of the symptoms of malnutrition. There are rules for taking Rasa, different types of Rasas should be taken for enhancement of strength (Bala) and nutrition. Further, the Rasas should be taken in a proper order.

Keywords: Malnutrition, Nutrients, Rasa, Ahara, Guna, Vipaka, Virya.