Do tastes have different attributes? What are the effects of taste in human body? What does Ayurveda say about this? This is what Ayurveda has to say about the different attributes of taste and its action at physical and psychological level.

1. Sweet: Sweetness is predominantly related to Earth and Water elements. It produces strength and is good for the aged, children, and the diseased. It gives pleasure to mind and body when consumed; it lightens complexion, improves hair and the sense organs, increases breast milk, and boosts vigor or the life energy. However, when taken in excess it gives rise to obesity, dyspepsia, unconsciousness, diabetes, tumors, and enlargement of glands.
2. Sour: This is related to Earth and Fire elements. Sourness aids digestion by promoting digestive fire, it is good for heart, it helps relieves bloating, and increases salivation. However, if used in excess it causes flabbiness, loss of strength, giddiness, itching, irritation, whitish yellow discolouration, swelling, thirst, fever, and skin diseases.
3. Salt: It originated from Water and Fire elements that help in clearing the channels and pores, increases digestive activity and salivation. It promotes lubrication and sweating. Excess salt causes baldness, premature graying of hair, wrinkles, thirst, skin diseases, disorders of blood, and weakness of the body and mind.
4. Pungent: Originating from Fire and Air elements, the pungent taste increases appetite and digestion, causes irritation, makes the eyes water and the nose run, and causes burning sensation. Excess of pungency causes thirst, depletion of semen, loss of strength, fainting, tremors, pain in the waist and back, and skin disorders.
5. Bitter: Created from the union of Air and Space elements, the bitter taste helps in drying up excess moisture from the body and cleans the mouth, although, it is known to destroy the natural taste of the mouth. It also tends to reduce urine production. Bitter foods help improve anorexia, curb excessive thirst, relieve skin diseases, and may cause fever, nausea, and burning sensation. When used in excess it increases dryness of the body and causes neurological and neuro-physical disorders.
6. Astringent: It originated from Air and Earth elements, and helps cleanse the blood and improve healing process. It is also known to reduce moisture and fat. If used in excess, it may cause impaired digestion, flatulence, discomfort in chest, emaciation, loss of sexual desire, obstruction of channels, and constipation.

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