Food Philosophy: Diet, Tradition, and Health in the Light of Indian Philosophical Thought

What do we mean by food philosophy? If we understand what philosophy is, then we can understand food philosophy. The word “philosophy” may be understood as foresight associated with knowledge. This knowledge is not limited to one dimension; rather, it includes the past, present, and future. Philosophy examines how knowledge from the past connects with the present and helps us understand or predict the future. When we analyze past experiences, observe present conditions, and conclude what may happen in the future, that reflective process is called philosophy. In that sense, food philosophy means understanding the past, present, and future of food. It includes knowledge of how people traditionally ate in ancient times, what kinds of food they consumed, what amounts were suitable for the body, and how well the body could absorb them. It also examines what we are eating now, how much our bodies can absorb, and how beneficial or harmful it is. By combining these two—past and present—we can determine what kind of food we should consume in the future.