Abstract

A REVIEW ON DIETARY PRACTICES OF MILLETS (SHRIDHANYAM) WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO PRAKRITI AND RITU

Jaikrishna Chhangani*, Sakshi S. Patil, Pramod Garje and Ashish Gotmare

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Abstract

Objectives: As the recent years have paved the way for many new diseases, mankind has started moving towards being fit and healthy. Among various measures adopted for this purpose, dietary changes play a vital role. These altered dietary practices have incorporated the use of millets in our diet by highlighting their nutritional richness and health benefits. There are many varieties of millets available and are being used in different conditions. But whether these millets happen to be the right choice of diet for everyone is the subject to be analysed. Ayurveda tells, Ahar must be taken as per the Agni of the individual. Agni of individuals varies with the Prakriti and seasons i.e., Ritu. This study will help to inculcate good dietary practices of millets. Methods: All literature reviewed and compiled from Ayurvedic classic texts (Samhitas, Nighantus), textbooks, magazines, journals, research papers, data available on internet for this review article. Result: Ayurveda never recommends Millets in Nitya Sevaniya Ahara (Foods to be consumed regularly). Assessing Agni (Digestive capacity) of an individual and Ritu (Season) before advising Millets is very much necessary. Conclusion: Proper knowledge of food item according to one’s Prakriti, need, time of consumption and Ritu are crucial rather than just following the trendy food.

Keywords: Agni, Dietary Practices, Millets, Prakriti, Ritu.