There are five basic flavors in the foods that we eat 

•  Sour 
•  Bitter 
•  Sweet 
•  Pungent  
• Salty 
• (Astringent in Ayurvedic nutrition) 
• (Umami -a flavor dimension in Japanese that means delicious) 

The foods we eat our body converts into energy, it is important to be conscious of the things that we put inside of our bodies as it is what fuels us and nourishes us, foods can also be used to boost/ reduce emotion Ayurveda, the oldest continuously practiced medicine in the world has the philosophy that all meals should be prepared with all six tastes to reinforce not only feeling satisfied and nourished but to assure all major food groups and nutrients are being consumed. 

Here are some flavor experience examples; 

Sour- Can be experienced naturally through; Citrus, berries, Nightshade, pickled foods, wine, vinegar 
Function- Sour foods stimulate the appetite and aids in digestion / energy conversion.  
Warnings- Can be irritating to stomach acids, cause heartburn, flatulence, indigestion and bloat 

Salty- Can be experienced naturally through; salt, fish, meat  (curing process) 
Function- enhances flavor, resulting in a more pleasurable flavor experience. 
Warnings- In excess, can cause dehydration, excessive thirst, inflammation and high blood pressure. 

Sweet- Can be experienced in; pasta, grains, sugar, honey, fish, starchy vegetables ,ripe fruits ,meat Dairy ,chicken ,fish ,nectar ,rice 
Function- builds tissues, emotional satisfaction, soothing, comforting,  (in the case of sugar alone- flavor enhancer. 
Warnings- can cause excess body mass, feeds growth of abnormal cells , can affect blood sugar thus drastically affecting mood, can cause diabetes and disease.  

Pungent- peppers, onions, garlic, black peppercorn, cloves, Ginger, mustard seeds, salsas, pica de gallo 
Function – can cause the body to perspire thus rids the body of toxins, clears nasal passages, improves Airway function, increases blood flow 
Warnings- Can be irritating to stomach acids, cause heartburn, flatulence, indigestion, runny nose and bloat.  

​Astringent- green apples grapes skins lentils dried beans teas 
Function- have tannins, Natural Energy boost 
Warnings- - Can be irritating to stomach acids, cause heartburn, flatulence, indigestion, and bloat.  
 
Bitter- leafy greens, unripe fruits, kale, celery, vegetables, Sprouts, broccoli 
Function- balancing, cleansing, decreases water retention  
Warnings- creates gas and constipation. 

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