The six tastes should be included in meals from "summary" of Ayurvedic Cooking for Self-healing by Usha Lad,Vasant Lad
According to Ayurveda, the six tastes should be included in every meal to maintain balance in the body and promote overall health. The six tastes include sweet, sour, salty, pungent, bitter, and astringent. Each taste has a specific effect on the body, and when all six tastes are present in a meal, they work together to create a harmonious balance. Sweet taste is nourishing and grounding, providing energy and stability to the body. Sour taste stimulates digestion and helps to cleanse the tissues. Salty taste helps to balance water and mineral levels in the body. Pungent taste stimulates digestion and metabolism, and also helps to clear congestion in the body. Bitter taste detoxifies and purifies the body, while astringent taste helps to tone and tighten tissues. When all six tastes are present in a meal, they work together to create a complete and balanced experience for the body. Each taste has its own unique qualities and benefits, and by including all six tastes in meals, we can ensure that we are nourishing our bodies in a holistic way.- We can become more in tune with our bodies and their needs. We can learn to listen to what our bodies are telling us and provide them with the nourishment they need to thrive. In this way, we can support our overall health and well-being through the simple act of eating a balanced diet that includes all six tastes.