Friends File

Do tastes have different attributes? What are the effects of taste
in human body? What does Ayurveda say about this? This is what Ayurveda
has Image to say about the different attributes of taste and its action
at physical and psychological level.

1. Sweet: Sweetness is predominantly related to Earth and Water
   elements. It produces strength and is good for the aged, children, and
   the diseased. It gives pleasure to mind and body when consumed; it
   lightens complexion, improves hair and the sense organs, increases
   breast milk, and boosts vigor. However, when
   taken in excess it gives rise to obesity, dyspepsia, unconsciousness,
   diabetes, tumors, and enlargement of glands.
2. Sour: This is related to Earth and Fire elements.
   Sourness aids digestion by promoting digestive fire, it is good for
   heart, it helps relieves bloating, and increases salivation. However,
   if used in excess it causes flabbiness, loss of strength, giddiness,
   itching, irritation, whitish yellow discolouration, swelling, thirst,
   fever, and skin diseases.
3. Salt: It originated from Water and Fire elements that
   help in clearing the channels and pores, increases digestive activity
   and salivation. It promotes lubrication and sweating. Excess salt
   causes baldness, premature graying of hair, wrinkles, thirst, skin
   diseases, disorders of blood, and weakness of the body and mind.
4. Pungent: Originating from Fire and Air elements, the
   pungent taste increases appetite and digestion, causes irritation,
   makes the eyes water and the nose run, and causes burning sensation.
   Excess of pungency causes thirst, depletion of semen, loss of strength,
   fainting, tremors, pain in the waist and back, and skin disorders.
5. Bitter: Created from the union of Air and Space
   elements, the bitter taste helps in drying up excess moisture from the
   body and cleans the mouth, although, it is known to destroy the taste of the mouth. It also tends to reduce urine
   production. Bitter foods help improve anorexia, curb excessive thirst,
   relieve skin diseases, and may cause fever, nausea, and burning
   sensation. When used in excess it increases dryness of the body and
   causes neurological and neuro-physical disorders.
6. Astringent: It originated from Air and Earth
   elements, and helps cleanse the blood and improve healing process. It
   is also known to reduce moisture and fat. If used in excess, it may
   cause impaired digestion, flatulence, discomfort in chest, emaciation,
   loss of sexual desire, obstruction of channels, and constipation.