Ayurveda Aahar and its future prospects

Nutrition is a critical part of health and development. Better nutrition is related to improved infant, child, and maternal health; stronger immune systems; safer pregnancy and childbirth; lower risk of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), such as hypertension, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease; and longevity.[1] The rapid growth of nonessential food and beverages combined with diminished consumption of local nutritious food due to changing food habits, limited access to nutritious food, and poverty are the main causes of undernutrition, which can have a significant effect on the health of individuals, leading to increased health care costs, reduced productivity and economic growth, and ill-health. To overcome this burden of malnutrition and promote positive dietary changes, regulatory provisions are required to curb the production and consumption of highly processed food and beverages.[2] Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) plays a lead role in ensuring safe food and healthy diets through the Eat Right campaign and awareness programs, thus addressing India's high burden of under-nutrition, micronutrient deficiencies, and growing incidence of NCDs. Special focus has been given to school children to develop healthy food habits in an early stage of life.[3] In Ayurveda, food is considered vital to body and mind if taken in prescribed manner as mentioned in authoritative texts.[4] In the authoritative Ayurveda text, food is regarded as best medicine and plays an instrumental role in maintaining health.[5] Ayurveda dietetics principles like seasonal and daily variations in food, compatible food combinations, the code of conduct for food intake, and food safety, have been vividly described in authoritative texts. Various methods and processes involved in the preparation of food resulting in the transformation of its attributes, making it individualized as per personal need is the essence of Ayurveda. These principles can be used effectively to address the need to change the nutritional requirements of the country and to provide safe and wholesome food to its citizens. Enforcement of regulations for Ayurveda Aahara by the FSSAI in consultation with the Ministry of Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy (Ayush) can aid in promoting and creating awareness regarding Ayurveda Aahara as a significant factor in bridging the gaps existing between different forms of malnutrition and maintenance of health. Regulating and monitoring the manufacturing, processing, and distribution of Ayurveda Aahara can have a widespread public benefit in terms of providing safe and wholesome food to the consumer. Prioritizing Ayurveda aahar can act as a means to open new avenues in the food sector and, thereby, improve the nutrition as well as the health status of the country. Moreover, the standardization of processes and unit operations of authentic Ayurveda Aahara will safeguard the age-old principles of Ayurveda. Recognition and awareness of Ayurveda Aahara will significantly strengthen the Ayush sector in startups and entrepreneurship leading to the further growth of Ayush market at the national and international level. Innovative approaches in Ayurveda Aaharaby integration of Ayurveda dietetic principles and modern food technologies can add new dimensions to this area. I hope this special edition on Ayurveda Aahara will provide a comprehensive outlook to the research fraternity of Ayurveda Aahara with its future prospects. Financial support and sponsorship Nil. Conflicts of interest There are no conflicts of interest.