Introduction: Ahara is explained extensively through all dimensions in Ayurveda. Food epidemiology may sound relatively new topic but traces of these is vastly found in Ayurveda. Ahara is not only responsible for nourishment of the body and maintenance of health but also the prime cause behind most of the disease if it is not utilized properly. Satmya (conduciveness) plays an important role in a healthy diet. Food based epidemiology can be the study of the dietary diversities found among population of a particular region and its health impact on them. As any of the states, Karnataka also has unique culture, tradition, art and food diversities.
Material and Method: A compilation and critical analysis of Ayurvedic literature, national and international journal, online search engine, contemporary textbook book of medicine and other sources that contributes to the compilation of study and comparing the food regional diversities in Karnataka with food epidemiology
Results: Ayurveda has well explained about regional food diversity and its influence on health. There is a greater impact of land on the food on which it is grown. The marshy land (Anupa) has more moisture (Kledata) in food articles; where as the food grown in dry arid land (Jangala desha) will be light for digestion. Similarly, the aquatic food of river and sea origin will have different health impact. Karnataka with its wide geographical diversity and biodiversity has varieties of food culture.
Conclusion: Food based epidemiology that is, the food varieties with specific to region and health related events are well explained in Ayurveda. The explanations on the multiple dimensions of food aspects such as its consumption, procurement, quality of food based on the origin and the other factors affecting health can be found in great extent.
Key words: Ahara, Desha, Food epidemiology, Regional food, Ayurveda dietetics
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