Ancient Wisdom: How Our Ancestors Ate Wisely and Stayed Healthy
In a world overflowing with fast food and diet trends, it’s worth taking a step back to examine how our ancestors managed to eat wisely and stay healthy. The ancient texts, like Thirukkural, composed by the Tamil poet and philosopher Thiruvalluvar, offer timeless advice on virtuous living, including dietary habits.
Thirukkural: Lessons in Moderation
Thirukkural, an ancient Tamil text, consists of 1,330 couplets imparting wisdom on virtue, wealth, and love. Among its teachings, Thirukkural emphasizes eating in moderation and at regular intervals. Renowned motivational speaker and author, Bharathi Bhaskar, explores how these values apply even today.
One of the couplets from the Thirukkural stands out:
“Atraal Aravarindhu Unga Aghdhu Udambu
Petraan Nedidhyukkum Aaru”
“Eat with moderation when your previous meal is digested
That’s the way to prolong your life”
This ancient advice succinctly summarizes the importance of eating sparingly and allowing the body to properly digest food before consuming more.
The Last Supper: A Lesson from Da Vinci
Another fascinating historical insight comes from Leonardo da Vinci’s famous painting, “The Last Supper.” This depiction of Jesus Christ’s final meal with his disciples was scrutinized by food researchers who observed modest portions. While the painting includes bread, wine, and even Da Vinci’s favorite dish—eel in citrus sauce—what stands out is the small quantity of food served.
In today’s world, where large portions and frequent snacking are common, this scene reminds us of the importance of portion control.
Modern Challenges: The Temptation of Street Food
Modern eating habits often contradict the wisdom of our ancestors. For instance, in places like Arcot Road in Chennai, the abundance of street food stalls selling unhealthy options is alarming. Deep-fried snacks like samosas and noodles swimming in spicy gravy are high in bad fats, processed carbohydrates, and excessive salt.
These street foods contribute to health issues like obesity and cardiovascular diseases, further emphasizing the gap between past and present eating habits.
Why Home-Cooked Food Matters
Our ancestors mainly ate home-cooked meals made from grains and locally grown vegetables. Meals were prepared with care, keeping nutritional balance in mind. Fasting was a common religious practice, providing natural checks and balances against overeating.
One unique practice was serving meals on banana leaves. Items like pickles and salt, which needed to be consumed in moderation, were placed on the narrow portion of the leaf to signal smaller quantities.
Navigating Modern Diet Trends
Today, conflicting diet trends add to the confusion. From keto diets to intermittent fasting, it’s challenging to choose a sustainable and healthy eating plan.
So, what’s the simplest way to eat wisely and stay healthy? Let’s circle back to the timeless advice from Thirukkural: “Eat with moderation when your previous meal is digested.” This straightforward principle stands as a beacon of simplicity amidst the overwhelming dietary choices we face today.
Conclusion
While the modern world presents numerous food options and diet plans, the wisdom of our ancestors offers a timeless guide to healthy living. By embracing moderation, choosing home-cooked meals, and being mindful of portion sizes, we can navigate today’s dietary maze with ancient wisdom lighting the way.