Balanced Diet Concepts in Sangam Literature

Dr. Nalini V

Abstract: Sangam literature serves as a vivid historical mirror reflecting the holistic lifestyle and scientific wisdom of ancient Tamils. Food was revered not merely as a means to satisfy hunger, but as the fundamental core of physical health, longevity, and vitality. This research paper explores the balanced diet concepts (Samacheer Unavu) embedded within Sangam poetry. It analyzes how ancient Tamils categorized food based on eco-regions (Ainthinai), maintained nutritional balance through a combination of millets, proteins, healthy fats, and green leafy vegetables, and practiced gut-health awareness using probiotic digestive aids like buttermilk and fermented rice water. Furthermore, the paper highlights their understanding of taste equilibrium (Arusuvai) and seasonal dietary adaptations (Kala Unavu). The study demonstrates that the dietary practices depicted in Sangam literature closely align with modern nutritional science and preventive medicine.

Keywords: Sangam Literature, Balanced Diet, Eco-regional Food System (Ainthinai), Nutrition, Taste Equilibrium, Millets, Food as Medicine, Probiotics

How to Cite?: Dr. Nalini V, "Balanced Diet Concepts in Sangam Literature", Volume 15 Issue 9, September 2026, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 845-847, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=SR26912171740, DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21275/SR26912171740

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