Medicinal properties of foodgrains, pulses, vegetables, fruits and spices

Ayurveda accords an equal or rather a greater importance to diet than medication in ailments; hence, a Vaidya advises
observance of dietary restrictions to maintain good health in every individual and to cure the patient. It emphasises that a
patient may not take medication but he should certainly observe dietary restrictions. The reason is that one takes medicines in small doses of a teaspoonful or a tablet; however, food is consumed in a large quantity.

Ayurveda has classified food items and has stated the most beneficial and most harmful food item in each class.