Importance of Air, Water, and Food for a Healthy Life
➤ Introduction
Human life is impossible without air, water and food. According to Mahatma Gandhi, proper use of food, air and water keeps the body healthy.Therefore, it becomes really necessary to understand the importance of these natural components in life.
➤ Importance of Air
Air is referred to as “Prana,” Except for air, everything seems useless, as we breathe via nose and nitrogen comes out of the body, while oxygen reaches lungs. The lungs act as bellows to purify blood. That which we exhale is air that must be avoided for our health. There should be plenty of lighting and ventilation in homes allowing fresh air to circulate freely in homes.
➤ Mahatma Gandhi’s Advice on Proper Breathing
Gandhiji always emphasized that air is breathed in by nose and not mouth. There are natural filters like tiny hairs which purifies the air. Pranayama is essential for healthy lungs. Daily nose cleansing with lukewarm or cold water is beneficial, sleeping under an open sky or well-ventilated area improves lung health, and loose clothing and early morning walking exercise help in taking good amount of fresh air.
➤ Benefits of Fresh Air and Walking
It was recommended by Gandhiji to walk in fresh air to absorb that. He had made it a habit himself. It is told that skin pores do air bathing which is good for health. Walking without footwear on green grass improves the flow of blood as well as mind-peace.
➤ Importance of Water
Water after air refers to the next most important element for sustaining life. 70% of the body is water, which helps in digestion, circulation, production of energy through cellular respiration, flushing away wastes, and keeping the body hydrated.
Well water, pond water, or river water may not be always safe for drinking. Polluted water can lead to a disease. Drinking filtered or boiled water is essential for preventing health hazards.
➤ Mahatma Gandhi’s Recommendations on Water Consumption
According to Gandhiji, the human body needs 5 pounds or around 2.5 liters of water every day to remain healthy. Water should always be pure and stored in clean containers. Avoiding contaminated water sources close to human settlements and industrial areas should be avoided. While travelling, always make sure to carry clean drinking water.
➤ Importance of Food
While air and water are the essentials for life, food is required for energy and nourishment. Gandhi divided food into three classes: vegetarian, non-vegetarian, and mixed diet; He strongly advocated vegetarianism. Ayurveda classifies food into Rajasic, Tamasic, and Sattvic.To maintain overall well-being, it’s important to follow healthy habits that support a balanced lifestyle.”
➤ Characteristics of a Balanced Diet
The proper diet, therefore, must be a proper and full nutrient supply to use it for body’s functions like proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. Among them, whole grains such as wheat, millet, and rice are very important. They claim that, wheat is the king of grains.
➤ Importance of Vegetables and Fruits
According to Gandhiji, one should take fresh green vegetables daily. Good health requires some raw vegetables like cucumber, tomato, carrot, beetroot etc. Seasonal fruits like mango, guava, orange, grapes and lemon provide us vitamins and minerals. The best time to consume fruits is in the morning.
➤ The Role of Dairy, Fats, and Natural Sweeteners
Ghee and butter are good sources of healthy fats. Fresh oil from coconut, peanut, or sesame also beneficial when consumed fresh. One should prefer jaggery and honey to refined sugar. Three tolas (near 35 grams) of jaggery daily is beneficial.
➤ Mahatma Gandhi’s Recommended Daily Diet
- 2-3 cow milk pounds
- 15 tolas or 6 ounces of cereals
- 3 ounces of leafy vegetables and 5 ounces of the rest
- 1 ounce of raw vegetables
- 3 tolas of ghee or 4 tolas of butter
- 3 tolas of jaggery
- seasonal fruits and lemon juice
This diet is sufficiently nutritious without being overly processed. Salt should be used according to taste.
➤ Conclusion
To stay healthy, the body needs fresh air, clean water, and a balanced diet, which we should consume daily. Simple yet effective living recommendations by Mahatma Gandhi will aid making life healthy and happy. Natural habits adopted will help sustain physical and mental well-being.
