By Tanya Gupta
In the times of increasing non communicable disorders like diabetes, hypertension and other cardiovascular diseases and rising health care cost, the Medical system of India is shifting towards a holistic approach which not only includes medication in the form of pill, but also focuses on diet, physical activity, sleep schedule and lifestyle. The concept of “Food as Medicine” is gaining sight and is becoming a key strategy for disease prevention and management.
Yoga Professional and Head of the department at AAFT SCHOOL OF HEALTH AND WELLNESS
Nutrition as a science is more of a preventive health approach, i.e, with a healthy diet we can prevent lifestyle disorders. While the idea of Food as Medicine is ancient in India, modern nutrition also reaffirms its crucial role in promoting health and longevity. Both contemporary nutrition science and traditional healing systems like naturopathy and Ayurveda also play a role in healthcare standards to recognize the therapeutic potential of food.
A healthy diet is essential for good health and nutrition. It protects you against many chronic non-communicable diseases, such as heart disease, diabetes and cancer. Eating a variety of foods and consuming less salt, sugars and saturated and industrially-produced trans-fats are essential for a healthy diet.
A healthy diet comprises a combination of different foods. These include:
- Staples like cereals (wheat, barley, rye, maize or rice) or starchy tubers or roots (potato, yam, taro or cassava).
- Legumes (lentils and beans).
- Fruit and vegetables.
- Foods from animal sources (meat, fish, eggs and milk).
Also, food influences the functioning of the body at cellular level, including metabolism, immunity and disease conditions. Traditional Indian diets, rich in spices, fermented foods, and lentils , have shown to prevent and sometimes reverse the Non communicable diseases like Diabetes, cardiovascular disease and other hormonal conditions.
Traditional Indian fermented drinks like Kaanji, improves gut health and there is a famous saying: All diseases begin in the gut, Hippocrates, which actually states all diseases begin with gut Health. Recent research shows gut health is related to brain health, skin condition, immunity and disease condition.
Herbs and spices are also used to prevent and manage disease condition for, turmeric, ashwagandha, ginger, garlic etc. reduces inflammation, increases wound healing, helps in management of non-communicable diseases and boots immunity.
Talking about the millets, 2023 was the year of millets. Millets like bajra, ragi, jowar, proso, amaranth etc are really rich in antioxidants, vitamins and minerals which helps with management of various lifestyle disorders like diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and helps with weight management.
Naturopathy follows the principle that food is nature’s medicine, advocating for fresh, organic, and plant-based diets to detoxify the body and restore balance. Raw foods, herbal infusions, and therapeutic fasting are common naturopathic approaches to healing.
However, modern nutrition and other traditional healing systems like Ayurveda and Naturopathy discourage the use of processed and packaged food which are high in fat, sugar and salt. (HFSS foods).
We can say where lifestyle diseases like diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular issues are on the rise, the concept of “Food as Medicine” is emerging as a powerful tool for disease prevention and management.
Both modern nutrition science and traditional healing systems like Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy amplify the therapeutic power of food in fostering overall well-being. By adopting healthy, balanced diets and minimizing the intake of processed foods, individuals can significantly enhance their health, immunity, and longevity.
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By Tanya Gupta
(The above article is authored by Tanya Gupta views are her personal.)
Last Updated on: Thursday, April 10, 2025 2:30 pm by Admin | Published by: News Centre24 Team on April 10, 2025 2:18 pm | News Categories: GENERAL
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