The 6 Tastes Diet comes to Exton & Malvern
For those who have grown up on a Western Diet, remember the 4 basic food groups and the food pyramid, the concept of 6 taste eating is sure to be intriguing. It might just turn everything you’ve learned about eating and nutrition upside down. For some cultures, 6 taste eating is a revered ancient protocol and the basis for balanced nutrition, whether it is applied to a vegetarian, vegan or meat-eating diet.
To Americans who are disenfranchised with the concept of dieting, who are looking to incorporate some healthy lifestyle changes without sacrificing flavor and variety, learning about The 6 Tastes can be enlightening to say the least.
Recently, Bonu Café & Catering in Malvern was invited to submit ideas for a weeklong menu to a local yoga center based on an Ayurvedic Diet. Providing yogi meals during their advanced teacher training, each meal had to be balanced with the six tastes and be vegan as well as vegetarian. Based on the beautiful dishes that emerged following this cooking challenge, the head chef at Bonu Café is excited to share what he’s learned about Ayurvedic nutrition and the essential 6 tastes.
What are the six tastes of food?
Who knew? The various tastes fall into 6 categories, none of them bland or boring!
- Sweet which comes from starch, carbohydrates like bread or rice, and natural sugars
- Sour tastes including citrus and vinegar
- Salty tastes from mineral salts found in soy sauce and salty meats
- Pungent tastes from the essential oils found in pepper, clove, onion or garlic
- Bitter tastes, not of lemon, but of leafy greens, sprouts or broccoli
- Astringent from tannins in foods like dried beans, tea and certain fruits
Why is balancing the six tastes considered important?
By preparing meals that contain all 6 essential tastes, you’ll feel satisfied, energized, and you’ll get a balanced group of foods for proper nutrition. Ayurveda, an ancient holistic system of healing from India, strives to create balance in body, mind and spirit. The Ayurvedic approach to eating and nutrition is all based to Tastes and gives the body essential nutrients, balance and purify the body of toxins, and aid digestion.
How would the six tastes benefit me?
According to the Ayurvedic diet, each of the 6 tastes has a purpose and an impact on your metabolism and digestion. People follow the 6 taste diet for the surge in energy it provides them, along with the mental clarity and digestive comfort. Although it is not designed for weight loss, it’s possible to shed excess weight when following a balanced, nutrient-dense diet.
Where can I try the 6 tastes in the Exton Malvern area?
The 6 tastes are coming to Bonu Café along with a new selection of vegan and vegetarian dishes as part of an all new menu for fall 2016! You will be able to order a completely balanced 6 taste meal for breakfast, lunch or dinner. or if you’re ready to jump in, ask us about ordering a special package for the entire day or week.
You will be delighted with the international flavors, unique ingredient combinations and the amount of flavor that can be packed into a meal, even without meat or egg products. And the improvements in your energy level, mental balance and digestive comfort? You be the judge. Share your feedback with us on Facebook (Bonu-Cafe-and-Catering) or Instagram. #bonucafe6tastes