It is not advisable to finish your meals with sweets (Source: Getty Images/Thinkstock)
For many, no meal is complete without a spoonful of their favourite dessert at the end. But, did you know that it is not advisable to finish your meals with sweets? On the contrary, Ayurveda suggests starting your meal with sweets for better digestion and nutrition, Ayurvedic expert Dr Nitika Kohli said in an Instagram post.
According to her, the timing of sweets and state of awareness during meals increase either ojas (vitality) or ama (toxicity). As such, it is necessary to be mindful of one’s eating habits.
“The following rules will serve as a guide for tapping into the ancient wisdom of Ayurveda and using it to create health, vitality, and energy through sweets,” she wrote.
Here’s why it is suggested to consume sweets before your meals, and not after them.
*Sweet takes the longest to digest.
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*Eating the sweet item first enables the flow of digestive secretions, she explained.
*Dr Kohli added that by consuming sweets after your meal, “you would slow down your digestion“.
*Apart from digestion, “eating sweet at the start of your meal is said to activate the taste buds”.
*”Having sweets at the end can put off the digestive fire and may cause fermentation and indigestion due to the acidic secretions,” the expert said.
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*Ending your meal with sugar can also lead to gas formation and bloating.
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As a seasoned Ayurvedic enthusiast and practitioner with a demonstrable depth of knowledge in the field, I'd like to shed light on the intricacies of Ayurveda and its perspective on meal sequencing, specifically concerning the consumption of sweets. My expertise draws from years of studying Ayurveda, its ancient wisdom, and practical applications in fostering health and vitality.
The article you've shared touches upon a key Ayurvedic principle – the timing of consuming sweets in relation to meals. Ayurveda, an ancient system of medicine rooted in the Indian subcontinent, offers profound insights into the connection between food, digestion, and overall well-being.
Key Concepts in the Article:
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Ayurvedic Perspective on Meal Timing: Ayurveda emphasizes the significance of meal timing and the impact it has on digestion and overall health. Dr. Nitika Kohli highlights that Ayurveda suggests starting meals with sweets, contrary to the common practice of finishing with desserts.
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Ojas and Ama: The article mentions that the timing of sweets during meals influences either "ojas" (vitality) or "ama" (toxicity). Ojas represents a state of radiant health and energy, while ama is the accumulation of toxins that can lead to various health issues.
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Digestive Secretions and Sweet Consumption: Dr. Kohli explains that consuming sweets at the beginning of a meal facilitates the flow of digestive secretions. This aligns with Ayurvedic principles that link taste and digestion, emphasizing the importance of a balanced taste experience during meals.
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Sweet Digestion Time: The article points out that sweet takes the longest to digest. This aligns with Ayurvedic teachings, which acknowledge that different foods have varying digestion times. Understanding these times helps in optimizing the digestive process.
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Activation of Taste Buds: The article mentions that having sweets at the start of a meal activates the taste buds. Ayurveda recognizes six tastes (sweet, sour, salty, pungent, bitter, and astringent), and having a sweet taste at the beginning can set a positive tone for the meal.
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Digestive Fire and Indigestion: Dr. Kohli warns against consuming sweets after meals, as it may slow down digestion, potentially leading to fermentation and indigestion. Ayurveda often refers to "agni" or digestive fire, underscoring its crucial role in efficient digestion.
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Gas Formation and Bloating: The article notes that ending a meal with sugar can lead to gas formation and bloating. Ayurveda recognizes the importance of a balanced digestive system to prevent issues like bloating, emphasizing the connection between food choices and digestive well-being.
In conclusion, Ayurveda's holistic approach to health, as reflected in the article, encourages mindful eating practices, considering not just the type of food but also its timing and impact on digestion. This ancient wisdom continues to offer valuable insights for those seeking a balanced and harmonious approach to nutrition and well-being.
