Unfortunately, most cuisine in the U.S. is dominated by two flavors salty and sweet, and our cravings tend to follow the same trend. But according to Western researchers as well as Ayurvedic science, we need a five-flavor diet for real health. In addition, by focusing on the three flavors we tend to ignore, we are more likely to lose weight (sugar and salt tend to be more calorie-dense than their other flavor counterparts).
So the Five Flavors you need? Salt, Sour, Sweet, Bitter and the “fifth taste” of Umami, which is often associated with meaty, brothy and earthy tastes.
Read on for recommendations to add these flavors to your meals:
Salty: Most of us consume enough salt, but keep in mind that our bodies do need salt. It helps muscles contract and helps maintain our fluid balance within the body. For a health choice try: Nori, Miso or Smoked Salmon.
Miso Gazpacho
Sour: Sour foods help your body absorb iron and they also may have an association with a boost in metabolism.
Try: Sour cherries, kefir
Get Your Ferment On
Sweet: Another one that we tend to consume in surplus, we should aim for natural sugars from vegetables and fruit.
Try: Carrots, Strawberries and Watermelon
Watermelon Gapacho
Bitter: Bitter foods help aid digestion, which is why bitter herbs are often consumed in ethnic fare after a meal. In addition, bitter foods may help fight free radicals.
Try: Dandelion Greens, Arugula or Raw Cocoa Powder
Raw Chocolate Bomb
Umami: This flavor is a little more tricky to find, but look toward “earthy” foods like mushrooms.
Try: Shiitake, Crimini Mushrooms or Parmesan Cheese. Wild Rice & Mushroom Soup are an excellent option.
Mushroom and Asiago Soup
Melissa B. Williams is a freelance writer and editor based in Louisville, Colorado. She previously served as the Editorial Director for Healing Lifestyles & Spas for 10 years and remains a frequent contributor.
With her love of health and writing, Melissa has written for such publications as Shape, Natural Solutions, Yoga Journal, Self and Pilates Style, and has created recipes and food-oriented stories for such publications as Delicious Living and Cooking Light.
Melissa has a passion for travel, especially spa travel, and has visited spas around the world from Tasmania to Malaysia to Mexico and Tahiti. She’s always in search of indigenous therapies, ingredients, and healing modalities that will bring more balance to her life as well as her readers. And, she’s always looking for interesting people, experiences, and destinations to explore. Melissa primarily specializes in spa, travel, yoga, food and wellness writing, as well as writing about parenting topics and pregnancy. Aside from writing, Melissa is a yoga teacher and owns the Yoga Junction in Louisville. In addition to yoga and writing, Melissa enjoys spending time with her family, especially time outdoors.
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