Ancient Concepts of Nutrition and the Diet in Hunter-gatherers

ABSTRACT

Nutritional status has been implicated to be in the pathogenesis of noncommunicable diseases and long-term worldwide survival. In this relevance, the teachings of Bhagwatgita, Upanishads and Indian Vedas appear to be as old as ‘Human Civilization’. The dietary formulations concomitant with relevant prescriptions provided in these scriptures appear to be as scientific as observed in cohort studies and intervention trials. These studies confirm the ancient concept reflecting that fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and milk were quite protective. In this review, the traditional concepts of nutrition to western literature have been duly introduced.