AN INTEGRATIVE SCIENTIFIC EVALUATION OF GREEN GRAM (VIGNA RADIATA L.) CONSUMPTION ON BUDHAVAR (WEDNESDAY) IN GUJARATI TRADITION: AN AYURVEDIC AND NUTRITIONAL PERSPECTIVE

Background: Traditional Gujarati dietary practices include the consumption of green gram (Vigna radiata L.) on Budhavar (Wednesday), a day associated with Budha. This practice is believed to support intellect and metabolic balance yet lacks systematic scientific validation. Objective: To evaluate the traditional practice of green gram consumption on Wednesday through an integrative Ayurvedic and biomedical perspective. Materials and Methods: A narrative integrative review was conducted using classical Ayurvedic texts including Charaka Samhita and Sushruta Samhita, along with PubMed-indexed literature on nutrition, metabolism, and neuroscience. Results: Green gram exhibits laghu, pitta-kapha-shamaka, and agni-anukula properties. It is nutritionally rich in proteins, fiber, micronutrients, and antioxidants, and demonstrates low glycemic index and gut-modulating effects. These attributes support digestive efficiency, metabolic stability, and cognitive function. Conclusion: The practice of consuming green gram on Wednesday represents an evidence-aligned, culturally rooted preventive dietary strategy supporting Agni, reducing Ama, and enhancing Medhya functions.