Food as medicine: The power of mindful eating

Recently I viewed a Tamil talk show in one of the channels that highlighted a few important aspects of life that cannot be ignored. The one that I liked most was on Food. Today science talks so much about food and there is an increasing awareness on mindful eating, intermittent fasting, dietary restrictions, wastage of food and so on.

Thousands of years back, our scriptures have dealt with Food very elaborately and from multiple angles. The renowned speaker on the channel mostly resonated all that was written in those scriptures but with scientific explanations wherever possible. In the earlier days, advice/order was never questioned and accepted in good faith. But today one needs to give evidence!

Many spiritual texts talk about food. It could run into several articles if I start covering them. Today, let me share a few from Taittiriya Upanishad. It is a key text from the Yajur Veda, that profoundly explains Food is not merely seen as sustenance for the body, but as the very foundation of existence.

The Upanishad declares, “Annam Brahma”—which translates to “Food is Brahman”, or “Food is God.” It places food on a divine pedestal, emphasizing that food is the primary source of all life.

It further highlights that “From food, indeed, are produced all creatures—whatsoever dwell on the earth. By food alone, furthermore, do they live. And having departed, into food they enter again.” This vividly explains the cyclical nature of life, sustained by food.

The concept of five sheaths (Pancha Koshas) that envelop the soul is explained in the Upanishad. The outermost sheath is the Annamaya Kosha—the “food sheath.” It conveys the physical body is being made of food, sustained by food, and eventually returning to the earth as food.

In Brighu Valli, third part of the Upanishad, four principles are laid down which holds good even today.

Annam na nindhyat (????? ? ??????????). One should not hate or criticize food. Everything in the universe, including our bodies and minds, is supported by food, it should be treated with respect and reverence. Criticizing food is akin to disrespecting the source of life itself.

Annam na parichaksheeta (????? ? ?????????). One should not reject food. Food should never be wasted or rejected. Today, the wastage occurs at various stages. It is estimated that 40% of the food produced in the country is wasted. According to the United Nations Environment Program(UNEP), India’s annual food wastage is a staggering 68.7 million tons.

Annam bahu kurveet (????? ??? ???????). One should produce or accumulate plenty of food. There should be no shortage and food is abundant for everyone and it’s the responsibility of the rulers. This should not be mistaken for hoarding.

Na ka?cana vasatau pari?ak?īt (? ????? ???? ?????????). One should not turn away from food or deny others food when they are in need. It carries a profound teaching on hospitality and kindness. It stresses the importance of Anna Dhan, the act of giving food to others.

The phrase in the Upanishad adhyate’ati ca bhūtāni (????????? ? ??????) means the food that one consumes to live, if not moderated, will consume the person. It has a deeper spiritual meaning that Brahman, the ultimate reality, is both that which “consumes” (i.e., sustains, nourishes) all beings and also transcends them.

If we follow mindfulness and care, food truly becomes a powerful form of medicine. Cultivating awareness of what we eat, how we eat, and the impact it has on our body and mind, we can harness the healing potential of food and cultivate lasting health. Mindful eating also brings in mental and spiritual balance.

Are we ready to practice mindfulness in eating and avoid getting trapped in health issues?