To get the most out of the food that is ingested, there are a few things that should be taken into account before eating. There are eight of these variables, which are collectively referred to in Ayurved as Ashta Aahar Vidhi Visheshayatanani.

What the phrase "Ashta Aahar Vidhi Visheshayatanani" means?

आहारस्य विधिः प्रकारः विधानं वा इति आहारविधिः

तस्य विशेषः हितत्वम् अहितत्वं च तस्य आयतनानि हेतून्

इति आहारविधि-विशेष-आयतनानि।

आहार-प्रकारस्य हितत्वम् अहितत्वं च प्रकृत्यादिहेतुकम् इति अर्थः|

उपयोक्ता अष्टमः येषां तानि उपयोक्तृ-अष्टमानि॥ च.वि.१.२१॥ (आयुर्वेददीपिका)

They can be divided into the following 5 sections:

1. Ashta ( अष्ट)- Denotes the number 8
2. Ahara (आहार)-The Food
3. Vidhi (विधी)- method or approach
4. Vishesha's (विशेष) - Particular effect, whether favourable or unfavourable 
5. Ayatanani(आयतनानि)- Place, surroundings, and factors at fault.

When taken as a whole, it can be described as "the way of eating based on 8 specific reasons." Therefore, it is essential to take into account these 8 factors in order to comprehend or choose the proper method of food consumption for any individual. When food is consumed with consideration for these variables, one can receive all desired benefits from properly selected foods without experiencing any negative consequences.
This covers details like how much food should be ingested, what to eat with it, when to eat it, and so forth. This offers recommendations for good eating habits. It is considered that food consumed after taking these elements into account and applying these guidelines offers all benefits and does not cause illnesses. On the other hand, when food is consumed without taking into account these elements, it can lead to a variety of ailments.

The 8 factors are as follows :

1. Prakruti (Innate Nature)

2. Karan (Processing of Food)

3. Sanyog (Mixing of Food)

4. Rashi ( Food Portions)

5. Desh (Food Habitat)

6. Kaal (Timings of Food)

7. Upayog Sanstha (Rule of Eating)

8. Upayokta (The Persona consuming the Food)

1. Prakruti (Innate Nature): 

When it comes to eating, Prakruti should always be taken into account. Each food has its own distinct innate nature. It is a defining quality of the food. There are 20 traits and attributes of dravyas that are discussed in Ayurved. Snigdha, Sheet, Ushna, Laghu, Guru, Ruksha, etc. Similar to how each person has a unique personality, each food has a unique "Prakruti" that depends on the characteristics of the food. For instance, the properties of curd are Ushna (hot), Moong is Laghu, and urad is Guru. Therefore, the Prakruti of the food denotes the innate qualities of the diet. Therefore, one should evaluate these aspects of the food before consuming it in order to gain from it as well as to prevent illnesses.

To be Continued...

To read previous article of the same thread click here