Flavours aren't just about fun; they're the language our bodies use to understand the nourishment they receive. They communicate the nutritional and energetic essence of the food, guiding our bodies in preparing enzymes to break down, assimilate, and transform them into fuel for our vibrant lives. It's like a conversation between our food and our vitality.

Educating my clients about incorporating all six tastes into their diets is a cornerstone of every tailored program I create.

Flavour Fuel: The Six Tastes

Our bodies are incredibly smart. For centuries, they've been our guide through the realms of poison and nourishment. In ancient Ayurvedic Medicine, each of the six tastes associates with a specific nutritional value our bodies need for balance and survival. Understanding this dialogue is key to optimising ourselves.

1. Sweet - Rebuilding and Calming:

Sweet foods help rebuild tissues and calm our nerves. They're like a soothing balm after a day of challenges, whether physical or emotional. Think beyond desserts – fruits, grains, natural sugars, and certain vegetables like pumpkin and carrots hold the sweet essence. Our kitchari is the perfect meal to provide the sweet taste!

2. Salty - Restoring Balance:

Craving something salty? It's your body's way of asking for restoration. Salty foods help us taste our meals fully and aid in hydration. While chips and snacks come to mind, natural sources like flaky salt, sea veggies, and miso paste are excellent choices.

3. Sour - Detoxifying and Absorbing:

Sour flavours assist in detoxifying tissues and enhance mineral absorption. Fermented foods, yogurt, and fruits like lemon and lime are potent examples. A squeeze of lime not only refreshes but also vitalises your meals.

4. Pungent - Stimulating and Cleansing:

If spicy foods are your go-to, you're craving pungent flavours. They stimulate digestion, boost metabolism, and aid in waste elimination. Think chili peppers, garlic, and aromatic spices for a balanced body.

5. Bitter - Lightening and Detoxifying:

Bitter flavours reduce inflammation, detoxify, and keep tissues light. Leafy greens, herbs, and spices often carry this flavour. A well-composed salad packs a nutritional punch, supporting your system.

6. Astringent - Absorbing and Alleviating:

Astringent tastes help absorb water, aid in its removal from the body, and reduce inflammation. Legumes, raw fruits, vegetables, and herbs hold this valuable flavour.

As we plan my weekly meals, my aim is to weave together as many of these tastes as possible into each plate. This ensures we are providing our bodies with the comprehensive nourishment it craves, from calming to hydrating, detoxifying to digesting.

Next time you're drawn towards a particular flavour, remember, it's not just the ingredients; it's your body's way of communicating its needs. Flavours elevate our bodies, enabling us to perform at our best.

Which flavours resonate with you the most? 

Let us help you balance your meals and restore your health by booking your consultation with our Ayurvedic practitioner Karin.