The concept “As the food, so the mind” from ancient Indian scriptures highlights the deep connection between diet and mental well-being. It suggests that the quality and type of food influence one’s thoughts, emotions, and mental state. In Indian philosophy, foods are categorized into three types – Sattva (~pure), Rajas (~passion), and Tamas (~delusion) which also correspond to different personality types. This framework highlights how dietary habits impact health by influencing genes, proteins, and metabolism. Ayurveda introduces the concepts of Pathya (~wholesome practices) and Apathya (~unwholesome practices), relating to diet, lifestyle, and behaviours that either support or harm overall well-being. Following Pathya is essential for maintaining balance and preventing disease. The term "Nutri-Ayur," introduced by the authors, integrates Ayurvedic wisdom with modern nutrition and pharmaceutical science. It promotes a combinatorial approach to healing through the development of innovative products such as nutraceuticals, functional foods, medical foods, and herbal remedies. This approach underscores the importance of understanding the biological impact of nutrition on health and disease prevention.
Kumar et al. (Tue,) studied this question.