Traditional and ayurvedic grain-based foods of India

Abstract

Ayurveda (the science of life), a branch of Vedas, considered as a store of knowledge related to health sciences. In Ayurvedatraditional foodsand their dietary guideline are prescribed. Food is also used for therapeutic purpose as well as inappropriate knowledge about consumption may become the root cause of many diseases. Grains are recommended to be consumed with every meal not only as a main source of energy but also vital source of carbohydrate, protein, iron, calcium, potassium and B vitamins. In Charaka Samhita, sixty-eight aharakalpanas are described for maintenance of health and for treatment of diseases. Most of these are preparations of ShookaDhanya (grains) as the principal food item. This review article puts forward the concept of ayurvedic grain-based healthy
foods of India and also details of several grain based ethnic healthy foods across different regions of India.