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“Ushṇam annam pathyam”“Warm food is beneficial.”— Charaka Samhita This verse emphasises the importance of consuming warm food for better digestion, nutrient absorption, and overall health. Ayurveda considers food temperature a crucial factor in maintaining digestive fire (Agni), which governs metabolism and health. The ancient wisdom of “Ushṇam Annam Pathyam” from the Charaka Samhita is supported […]

Short Answer: Not necessarily. It depends on what is being used in place of sugar. Most “sugar-free” products use artificial or synthetic sweeteners like:• Aspartame• Sucralose (Splenda)• Saccharin• Acesulfame-K Or sugar alcohols like:• Sorbitol• Xylitol• Erythritol The Reality:• These sweeteners can reduce calories, but studies suggest they may disrupt gut microbiota, increase sugar cravings, and […]

In 1900, sugar was a luxury for most Indians. The majority of the rural population consumed gur (jaggery) or khandsari (unrefined sugar) in small quantities, and refined white sugar was rare and expensive. Based on British India trade records and agricultural output data (Colonial Statistical Abstracts, compiled by Tirthankar Roy, Economic History of India), the […]

Living in harmony with nature is the key to health. Charaka Samhita This profound statement emphasises the importance of aligning oneself with the natural world to maintain physical, mental, and spiritual health. It suggests that the key to achieving and maintaining health lies in our ability to live in harmony with the rhythms and laws […]

The debate between 12-hour intermittent fasting (IF) and the more popular 16:8 model (16 hours fasting, 8 hours eating window) is nuanced. While the 16:8 method has been widely promoted, recent studies suggest that a 12-hour daily fasting window may offer several advantages without the potential downsides of longer fasting periods.c 1. Better Compliance & […]

In a world obsessed with pharmaceutical solutions, the humble tomato offers a profound reminder: Sometimes, nature’s simplest gifts hold the most complex and potent benefits. Whether eaten raw, cooked, or juiced, particularly when the precious seed-rich gel is preserved, tomatoes can serve as a natural adjunct to heart health — reducing platelet overactivity, guarding against […]

“Ojovardhakam ahāram seveta”“Eat foods that enhance vitality”Charaka Samhita This emphasises the importance of nutrition in sustaining and boosting one’s vitality or ojas—the essence of life, strength, and immunity in Ayurveda. This aphorism holds deep significance in understanding the role of food not only as sustenance but as a vital force that nurtures and strengthens the […]

Medical myths, especially those rooted in outdated science, tend to linger far beyond their expiration date. Cardiovascular disease (CVD), the world’s leading cause of death, has been surrounded by such myths — the belief that heart disease is an inevitable part of ageing, that cholesterol and blood pressure naturally rise as we grow older, or […]

Low back pain (LBP) has become one of the leading causes of disability worldwide, with a lifetime prevalence of up to 84%, and nearly 20% of sufferers developing chronic pain.¹ Often assumed to stem from heavy lifting, poor posture, or aging, recent decades have revealed deeper, systemic causes. One such factor—long overlooked—is atherosclerosis, the cholesterol-induced […]

Industry-funded nutrition research is deeply compromised. The same manipulative practices that once delayed recognition of the dangers of smoking are now being used to obscure the risks of ultra-processed foods. Far from being neutral observers, many food corporations are actively shaping science, policy, and public perception. Much like mosquitoes transmit malaria, today’s leading food and […]

Over the past decade, the landscape of beverage health research has significantly evolved. While water remains the undisputed healthiest choice, the health impacts of coffee—one of the most widely consumed beverages globally—have continued to stir scientific debate, particularly concerning cardiovascular health and endothelial (arterial) function. In the foundational Beverage Guidance Panel of 2006, beverages were […]

In the ongoing effort to understand the rising global obesity epidemic, diet continues to be a central focus of scientific scrutiny. One longstanding observation is that vegetarians tend to have significantly lower obesity rates compared to meat-eaters. But what’s driving this difference? Is it the absence of meat? The presence of more plant foods? Lower […]

Every year, over 81,800 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with kidney cancer, and nearly 14,000 die from it, according to the American Cancer Society’s 2025 report. Kidney cancer, particularly renal cell carcinoma (RCC), now ranks among the top 10 most common cancers in both men and women—and its incidence continues to rise globally. While […]

Over the past decade, fructose has remained in the spotlight — often labeled “alcohol without the buzz” for its potential to damage the liver and promote metabolic diseases. But is all fructose equally harmful? And where does that leave fruit, nature’s natural source of fructose? Multiple recent studies reaffirm that the source of fructose matters […]

“काले हितमितं योग्यं भुक्त्वा रोगान्न यापति।”(Ashtanga Hridaya, Sutrasthana 8.17)“If one eats suitable food, in the right quantity, at the right time, diseases do not affect them.” Ashtanga Hridaya* This verse highlights three essential principles for maintaining good health and preventing diseases:1. काल (Kala) – Right Timing of Meals2. हित (Hita) – Suitable and Wholesome Food3. […]

“Nivāraṇam rogaṇām shreṣṭham”“Prevention of disease is better than cure”Sushruta Samhita This verse encapsulates a profound understanding of health and medicine that transcends the mere treatment of illness. Prevention is not just a secondary consideration, but a fundamental aspect of maintaining a harmonious balance within the body, mind, and spirit. This principle has become increasingly relevant […]

”Ahārasya prasādāt dhātu-samyam” आहारस्य प्रसादात् धातु-सम्यम् “Proper food brings balance to the body’s elements.” Sushruta Samhita, Sutrasthana 46.20 This verse emphasises the vital role of food in maintaining health and harmony within the body. The Sanskrit terms in this verse provide deeper insights:• “Ahārasya” (आहारस्य) – Food and nutrition• “Prasādāt” (प्रसादात्) – Purity, clarity, and […]

“Brahma-muhurtaṁ uttiṣṭha”(ब्रह्म-मुहूर्तं उत्तिष्ठ)Wake up in the Brahma Muhurta (early morning) This verse comes from the Ashtanga Hridaya written by Vagbhata. It appears in the section on Dinacharya (daily regimen), which outlines the ideal lifestyle practices for maintaining health and longevity. The verse instructs one to rise early during the Brahma Muhurta, a specific time period […]

“Dinacharyā Hitāyushyaṁ” (दिनचर्या हितायुष्यं) “Daily routines ensure long life.” This verse from the Charaka Samhita emphasises the importance of Dinacharya (daily routine) in maintaining long life, vitality, and overall health. Health is not just the absence of disease but a state of balance in the body, mind, and spirit. The key to achieving this balance […]

“Preserve The Health Of The Healthyस्वस्थस्य स्वास्थ्य रक्षणम्“Preserve the health of the healthy.” This verse comes from the Charaka Samhita (Sutrasthana 30.26), compiled by the great sage Acharya Charaka around 2000 years ago. This verse highlights a fundamental principle —preventive healthcare. Rather than focusing solely on curing diseases, Ayurveda emphasises maintaining health so that diseases […]

“Mithyāchāraḥ Sarvabhūtahitam” (मिथ्याचारः सर्वभूतहितम्) This verse from the Mahabharata, Shanti Parva (286.8) conveys a profound ethical and spiritual truth: when one engages in wrongful conduct or an improper way of living (Mithyāchāraḥ), it does not just harm the individual but disrupts the well-being of all living beings (Sarvabhūtahitam). The Mahabharata, particularly the Shanti Parva, is […]

“Manas cha shuddham sukhāya”Translation: “A pure mind brings happiness.” This verse is derived from Bhagavad Gita 6.5, which states: “Uddhared ātmanātmānaṁ nātmānam avasādayet |ātmaiva hyātmano bandhur ātmaiva ripur ātmanaḥ ||” Translation:“A person must uplift himself by his mind and not degrade himself. The mind alone is his friend, and the mind alone is his enemy.” […]

“Chinta nāśayati kāyā”Translation: “Worry destroys the body.” This verse comes from the Hitopadesha, an ancient Sanskrit text that offers moral and practical wisdom through fables and stories. It highlights the destructive impact of excessive worry (Chinta) on physical health. What is Chinta (Worry)? Worry is a persistent state of anxiety and overthinking about the future […]

More than a century ago, The New York Times reported on an ambitious cancer study of its era, involving nearly 4,600 cases tracked over seven years. Even then, researchers suspected that the increasing consumption of animal-based foods was contributing to the rising tide of cancer cases. Fast-forward to today, and that early suspicion has been […]

People often overestimate pharmaceutical and procedural benefits while undervaluing diet and lifestyle changes. For instance, patients believe statins (like Lipitor) are nearly a hundred times more effective in preventing heart attacks than they truly are, often less than a 1–3% absolute benefit over 5 years. Similarly, colonoscopies, mammograms, or osteoporosis drugs (e.g., Fosamax) are frequently […]

Sattvāt sanjāyate jñānaṁ roga-nāsham tathā bhavet सत्त्वात् संजायते ज्ञानं रोग-नाशं तथा भवेत् Source: Skanda Purana (5.5.9.12) The verse is a profound insight into the correlation between cultivating sattva (purity, balance) and its effects on physical, mental, and spiritual health. Let’s explore its meanings, implications, and applications in detail. Word-by-Word Meaning 1. सत्त्वात् (Sattvāt): Derived from […]

“Aharajam duḥkham nivartate”Translation: “Suffering caused by improper food can be avoided.”Source: Charaka Samhita This verse written by the great physician Acharya Charaka around 300 BCE, highlights the direct connection between diet and health, emphasising that most diseases and suffering arise due to improper food choices but can be prevented through mindful eating. Detailed Explanation The […]

Ever since smoking was prohibited in nightclubs, customers have increasingly noted unpleasant smells, such as body odours, so researchers in Europe thought they’d try to cover them up. They measured the effects of peppermint, for example, on dancing activity and asked people to rate their energy level from calm and quiet to what looks like […]

Free fatty acids, meaning free fat circulating in the bloodstream, not packaged into triglycerides, result in inflammation, toxic fat breakdown products, and oxidative stress, which can gum up the insulin receptor pathway and lead to insulin resistance in our muscles. And insulin resistance is what causes prediabetes and type 2 diabetes. As the level of […]

“Dharma, artha, kāma, mokṣāṇām ārogyam mūlam uttamam”(Health is the ultimate root of all pursuits: duty, wealth, desire, and liberation.)Source: Charaka Samhita This profound verse from the Charaka Samhita, a foundational Ayurvedic text, emphasises that good health (ārogya) is the essential foundation for achieving the four primary goals of human life, known as the Purusharthas:1. Dharma […]

The statement “Śarīram ādyam khalu dharma-sādhanam”, meaning “The body is the primary means of fulfilling dharma (duty),” originates from Kālidāsa’s Kumārasambhava (5.33). This profound insight emphasises the central role that the human body plays in the pursuit of righteousness, spiritual duty, and the realisation of one’s life purpose. Let’s explore the deeper meaning of this […]

“Āhāre vigata-doṣam seveta”(Choose food free from defects or contamination.)Source: Charaka Samhita, Sutrasthana 27.5 This instructive verse emphasises the importance of selecting foods that are free from defects or contamination. In Ayurvedic philosophy, the quality of food directly influences an individual’s health and well-being. Consuming pure and uncontaminated food is considered essential for maintaining the balance […]

More than 30 years ago, an idea was put forward that high colonic pH promoted colorectal cancer. A high colonic pH may promote the creation of carcinogens from bile acids, a process that is inhibited once you get below a pH of about 6.5. This is supported by data, showing those at higher risk for […]

“Dinacharyā Hitāyushyaṁ”Translation: “Daily routines ensure long life.”Source: Charaka Samhita This ancient wisdom from the Charaka Samhita highlights the importance of establishing a disciplined daily routine (dinacharya) for maintaining health, vitality, and longevity. Ayurveda, India’s ancient system of medicine, recognises that health is not just about curing diseases but about fostering a harmonious balance between the […]

“Sātvikāharaḥ śāntiṁ pradadāti” Translation: “Sattvic food brings peace.” Source: Bhagavad Gita, Chapter 17, Verse 8 The ancient wisdom of the Bhagavad Gita is a timeless guide to holistic living, encompassing spiritual, mental, and physical well-being. The verse “Sātvikāharaḥ śāntiṁ pradadāti” highlights the importance of consuming sattvic food—pure, wholesome, and balanced nutrition that promotes inner peace […]

“Adhyashanam cha arogasya mūlam” translates as “Overeating is the root cause of disease.” This saying is a profound teaching from the Charaka Samhita, one of the primary texts of Ayurveda. The essence of this statement revolves around the idea that consuming more food than the body can properly digest leads to various health problems. The […]

The verse “अन्नदानं परं पुण्यम् आरोग्यस्य प्रदायकम्” (Annadānam param puṇyam arogyasya pradāyakam) from the Padma Purana (5.27.6) translates to: “The offering of food is the greatest virtue, for it bestows health.” This profound statement encapsulates the spiritual, moral, and health-related significance of sharing food. In Indian philosophy and culture, food is seen not only as […]

The phrase “Kāla-anuguṇaṁ ahāram sevitavyam” from the Garuda Purana (1.91.5) translates to:“Food should be consumed in accordance with time.” This simple yet profound statement emphasises the importance of aligning one’s diet with the cycles of nature, time of day, season, and individual body needs. It reflects the holistic approach of Ayurveda and Indian philosophy toward […]

The phrase “पक्वान्नं शुष्कं रोगाय” (Pakvānnaṁ śuṣkam rogāya) from the Garuda Purana (1.92.13) translates to “Overcooked or dry food causes disease.” This succinct verse provides profound guidance on dietary practices and emphasises the impact of food preparation on health. Let us delve deeply into its meaning, context, and relevance in both ancient and modern times. […]

The phrase “Madyam niṣiddham ārogyārtham” (Madyam Nishiddham Arogyarthsm) from the Agni Purana (272.15) translates to:“Alcohol is prohibited for health.” This concise yet powerful statement reflects the timeless wisdom of ancient Indian scriptures, which often highlighted the negative effects of intoxicants like alcohol on physical, mental, and spiritual health. The Agni Purana, a classical Hindu text […]

The verse “फलं औषधं भवति” (Phalam auṣadham bhavati) from the Rigveda (10.43.7) which means “The fruit becomes medicine” or “The fruit is transformed into a medicinal remedy” conveys a profound understanding of the healing potential inherent in nature, particularly the role of fruits in promoting health and well-being. The Vedic worldview, with its deep connection […]

Eggs are often praised for their protein and nutrient content, but they also come with several health risks, especially when consumed in excess. Below are some of the key concerns, along with references from studies and expert opinions. Eggs, especially the yolks, are high in cholesterol, which may contribute to cardiovascular problems. Scientific Evidence• Harvard […]

The Vedic wisdom, conveyed through profound and timeless hymns, offers deep insights into the essential elements of life, health, and well-being. One such verse is Apah Shuddha Bhavantu or “आपः शुद्धा भवन्तु” (Rigveda, 10.9.4), which can be translated as “Let the waters be pure.” This short but powerful statement holds a multitude of meanings, reflecting […]

The verse “नक्तं दिवसं च आरोग्यं भवति” (Nakhtam Divasam cha Arogyam Bhabati) from the Atharvaveda (7.116.1) provides profound insights into the Vedic perspective on health, emphasising the natural rhythms of the day and night cycle as integral to maintaining health and well-being. This verse suggests that health, represented by the term “आरोग्यं” (Arogya), is intricately […]

The verse “शांतिः आरोग्यम् आयुष्यं” (Shantih Arogyam Ayusham) from the Rigveda (10.90.7) is a profound expression of the ancient Vedic understanding of the interconnectedness between peace, health, and longevity. This verse is part of the Purusha Sukta, one of the most well-known hymns in the Rigveda, which discusses the cosmic order and the divine essence […]

The verse “मनोबुद्धिः च आरोग्यं” (Mano Buddhi Aarogyam) from the Rigveda (1.7.3) encapsulates the profound idea that true health and well-being are deeply rooted in the mind (manas) and intellect (buddhi). This perspective reflects the Vedic understanding of health as a harmonious integration of mental, intellectual, and physical dimensions. By emphasising the connection between the […]

The verse Santosha Paramam Aushadham (“संतोषः परमं औषधम्”) from the Atharvaveda (6.45.9) translates to “Contentment is the highest medicine.” This profound statement carries immense significance in Vedic philosophy, emphasising the importance of mental peace and satisfaction in achieving physical and emotional well-being. The Vedas, particularly the Atharvaveda, offer a comprehensive understanding of health, and this […]

The phrase Vayu Swasthyam Janayati (वायुः स्वास्थ्यं जनयति)  meaning “Air gives rise to health,” from the Yajurveda (34.51), encapsulates the significance of air (vayu) as a fundamental element for sustaining life and promoting well-being. In the Vedic tradition, air is not merely a physical entity but also carries deep spiritual, physiological, and environmental importance. It […]

The phrase “योगेन्द्रं बलं मनः” (Yogendram Balam Manah)  from the Atharvaveda (9.9.3) translates as: “In yoga resides strength and mental resilience.” This profound statement underscores the Vedic understanding of yoga as a unifying force that integrates the mind, body, and spirit, serving as the ultimate source of strength (balam) and mental clarity (manas). The verse […]

Traditional cancer treatment (surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation) does its part to help patients survive cancer. Unfortunately, they don’t address the root cause of cancer. They treat the tumours that result. They kill the cancer cells and a lot of healthy cells along the way. Conventional cancer modalities treat the disease…not the patient. Even oncologists who […]

The phrase “आयुष्मान् सर्वे भवन्तु” (Ayushman Sarve Bhavantu) from the Rigveda (10.66.3) is a profound and auspicious Vedic blessing that translates to: “May all be endowed with longevity” or “May all live long and prosperous lives.” This simple yet powerful expression encapsulates a universal wish for well-being and longevity, invoking blessings for health, vitality, and […]

Fructose is a natural sugar found in fruits, honey, and some vegetables. It’s also added to many processed foods in the form of high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS), a sweetener linked to obesity, diabetes, and fatty liver disease when consumed in large amounts. Because of this, some people avoid fruits, fearing their fructose content. However, this […]

Chandogya Upanishad 6.5.4 says “Annamayam hi manah” (“The mind is made of food”). This profound statement encapsulates the ancient Vedic understanding of the intimate connection between diet, physical health, and mental well-being. It signifies that the quality of food we consume directly impacts not only our physical body but also the mind’s clarity, focus, and […]

Vayu Purana says “Prātaḥ snānaṁ arogyam” (56.12) which means “Morning bathing promotes good health.” Let’s delve into the historical, cultural, scientific, and practical aspects of this concept. 1. Historical and Cultural Context • In ancient Indian traditions, bathing (snāna) was not merely a hygienic practice but a spiritual and holistic ritual. • Morning bathing, particularly […]

Happy New Year. Here are 10 things to strictly guard against during New Year celebrations from a health perspective, along with alternatives: 1. Overeating Rich and Processed Foods Why to avoid: New Year parties often feature calorie-dense, processed, and sugary foods that can lead to indigestion, bloating, and long-term weight gain. These foods may spike […]

In Hindu philosophy, the Guru is regarded as one of the most exalted and revered figures, often considered as important as God, or even more so in some contexts. This stems from the Guru’s role as the spiritual guide who leads the disciple from ignorance (avidya) to knowledge (vidya), thereby facilitating liberation (moksha). The Guru […]

Agni Purana (276.9) says: “Nishi bhojanam pāpam arogyasya vināśanam” (“Eating at night is sinful and destroys good health.”) This profound teaching addresses how such common habits disturb physical health, mental clarity, and spiritual well-being, integrating ancient wisdom with modern health science. 1. The Context of the Verse in the Agni Purana The Agni Purana is […]

The Sanskrit verse “Himsā na kurvataḥ svasthyam śivāya cha vidhīyate” (Padma Purana 1.31.27) can be translated as: “Non-violence leads to health and contributes to universal well-being.” This profound teaching emphasises the principle of Ahimsa (non-violence) as a cornerstone for personal health (svasthyam) and collective harmony (shivāya). The verse aligns with the Vedic worldview, which sees […]

The Sanskrit verse “Prakritim anuvartante sarve rogāḥ sukha-pradāḥ” (Agni Purana 276.5) translates to: “All diseases can be overcome and bring happiness by following nature.” This underlines the importance of aligning with Prakriti (nature) to maintain health, prevent disease, and achieve holistic well-being. It suggests that by living in harmony with natural laws, individuals can not […]

Frequent consumption of sugary drinks—including soda, fruit mixes, and sweetened iced tea—has been linked with an early start to menstruation in girls, according to new research. A study done by Oxford University followed 5,583 girls and found that those who drank more than 1.5 servings of sugary drinks a day had their first period at [...]

There are times when it becomes unavoidable to take antibiotics. While these may cure you of your diseases, they leave you with nasty side effects of antibiotics like bloating, belching, gas, constipation and diarrhea. As the very name antibiotics suggests, it kills bacteria. Unfortunately, it also kills friendly bacteria which are so very valuable for […]