Why Home Cooked?

According to Vedas an ancient Indian scripture, “अन्नम्” Annam (food) is a form of the Supreme being himself “annam parabrahma swaroopam”. The word Annam is defined in the Vedas as: “adhyate atthi cha bhootaani, tasmaat annam taduchyathe“, meaning that all living beings are born and live by food; they finally get back to the earth and merge in it to become food.

Ayurveda, India’s ancient healing science accentuates utmost importance to food, according to Ayurveda, food is the supreme medicine and healer. Ayurveda teaches us that the food we eat has a direct influence and effect on the 3 qualities of sattva, rajas and tamas. This in turn influences the balance of our minds and bodies.

What we eat and how we eat has everything to do with how we feel. Ayurveda also give great emphasises on eating fresh home cooked melas. There are so many reasons to eat home cooked meals. Just as food absorbs the flavour of spices. It also absorbs the attitude of those who cook & serve it.

Researchers found that people who eat home-cooked meals on a regular basis tend to be happier and healthier and consume less sugar & preservatives than processed foods, which can result in higher energy levels and better mental health. Eating home-cooked meals five or more days a week is even associated with a longer life.

The shastras, or Indian ancient doctrines laid down by sages prescribe rules to be observed before, during and after eating food; like specifications on what kind of food to be eaten, in whose company and what dishes to be served. But these rules are not being practiced these days. However we can still say that different spices play an important role in the dishes; for example, carom seeds acts as a digestive aid,  cinnamon has multiple usages, lentils & beans act as nature’s tiny capsules of proteins, pepper is also used for colds and coughs, turmeric acts as a natural anti biotic, antiseptic & anti fungal healer. Thus each and every ingredient used in the Indian cuisines has a purpose that goes beyond taste and texture.