Mahatma Gandhi on Diet and Health
Most people know Gandhi as the leading Indian freedom fighter and the man responsible for securing Indian independence. However, Gandhi was also a prolific writer and thinker. He expressed his views in many fields.
One of Gandhi’s favorite subjects was diet and nutrition. Throughout his lifetime he experimented with a variety of diets. He tried meat-eating, vegetarianism, fasting, restricting salt, and yes…even a raw food diet.
While he was imprisoned for two years by the British, Gandhi spent time laying out his views on diet and traditional remedies in a short book called “Key to Health.” This book went on to become Gandhi’s most popular and widely read work. It was translated into English under close supervision by Gandhi himself.
The full version of this text is available online for free here. Below, I have outlined some of the principles and lessons that Gandhi stressed:
- Disease is an attempt by the body to get rid of the toxins. These toxins can be eliminated by fasting, eating and drinking natural food, and cleansing of the bowels by enemas.
- Fresh green and leafy vegetables should be eaten everyday.
- Fresh fruits and vegetables should be eaten when they are in season and preferably raw.
- A certain amount of fat is necessary and nourishing to the body. Oil is not as nourishing as ghee (clarified butter).
- Starchy foods should be eaten when dry so as to allow for more chewing and flow of saliva.
Many of the principles that are at the core of the vegan and raw food diets today were laid out in this text by Gandhi. In the second half of the book he includes information about various health remedies which use earth, air, water, and sun. He swears by the effectiveness of his remedies. Although I have not tried these, I definitely will be looking into them.
Please check out our new blog covering the local food movement, a subject highly related with health:
–Ro
Such a beautiful and wise soul. I would have loved to sit with him and talk about anything and everything.
Thanks for sharing!
Lots of love to you,
Wendi
XOXOXO
what are ghandi's views on vitamins? how should they play a part of a diet like this?
Great to find the pdf, of the book I am looking forward to reading about his comments.
I have started taking ghee since about 4months now, I make it myself, and love the taste, daily I think I am consuming about 4 tablespoons, and don't find I have gained any weight from it. I also apply it to my skin and hands if I accidentally spill any on the counter, it is very soothing.
If you're referring to the concept of taking dietary supplements, that concept wasn't around during Gandhi's time. I think you'll find that if you focus on eating a diversity whole unprocessed fruits, vegetables, and grains, you won't have to worry about getting your vitamins.
The concept of taking dietary supplements to get your vitamins, e.g. vitamin C pills, has been proven to be ineffective. The best way for your body to absorb a vitamin is for it to receive in a natural food. It has been found that less than 10% of the vitamin is actually absorbed into your body when using a dietary supplement.
Yes! My grandfather is always referring to Gandhi's views on diet. Being a Nutrition major, I agree with most of his ideas–especially the fruit and vegetable part. I'm not entirely sure on ghee vs. oil yet, but I'll definitely be looking into it. I'm excited that you posted this for everyone to read!
nice website very informative!!
Diet will always come out on top as a good health issue.
Dr.David Black
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MAHATMA GANDHI Books direct from India. A great teacher appears once in a while. … both in laboratories and in homes, on matters pertaining to Diet. …. a few articles under the heading Guide to Health in or about the year 1906. …
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he is a greatest person, he like healthy life
thank you for sharing. Gandhi's views on nutrition and health look a lot like Dr. Shelton's view on the same opics. I am refering to Natural Hygiene. I have been doing it for over a year and a half now and have had great reasults (more energy, great weight-loss, better sleep and on and on…). Thank you to this website for all your great information and receipes!!! Best Nadege (from Switzerland)
I think people need a more personal approach when it comes to doctors. I know i have a doctor which takes care of my problems(vimax) and he is so nice. He always knows me by name, he's friendly and i gladly attent every meeting.
I have tried some of the principles Gandhi mentioned in this entry and I've must agreed it's great!
Especially this..
“Starchy foods should be eaten when dry so as to allow for more chewing and flow of saliva.”
Although we have so much information on how to keep a diet, there are many, many people who still have weight problems. My opinion is that although we have all the information we need, we do not have the necessary state of mind to help us reach the end and finalize the objective.
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I have gained so much info of the great man but I never know diet is also one of his subject in which Gandhi ji was involved..
Ghandi is such a good example , even he got in prison he still continue his ambition and works. Hope that every people in prison will do the same thing like he did..
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I love this blog! Will come again next time for sure,
I’m really trying to focus on my weight for multiple reasons, but the biggest one is because I don’t feel attractive. I know that I am, but sometimes it feels like I can’t get a boyfriend because of my weight, and it severely lowers my self-esteem.html to pdf
You are so right about thos fact: we don't have the power to fight back, not even when we have all the most powerful “weapons” on our side.
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I don't think this information should be taken as a weight loss issue, but a healthly lifestyle issue. His tips will lead to weight loss. Ones health should be the primary goal the weight loss secondary, ie: Asthma, diabetes, high BP, high cholesterol…
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I love Mahatma Gandhi. He is one of the greatest people in the wold.
Mahatma Gandhi has really made some changes to her diet and he's keep it off. He monitors her healthy low calorie healthy diet by keeping a food diary.Carrie, as many of us do, tends to diet by day and binge by night. With a food diary he can check her notes and see how many calories consumed during the day to see how much leeway he has to munch on at night. normal skin care
i love matama dieting tips which are very useful in today's world.
If education in school would help youngsters with learning and promoting a healthy life style maybe what Ghandi says, would become a reality for many of us.
Maybe Obama should think about investing more money in education and actually teaching people what a healthy life style is. Many people today just know about potato chips, couch and TV, and probably a beer. We need to change that image.
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Very interesting read, thank you for sharing. It brings up many important elements to consider how we look at health
More vegetables and less meat:P
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a great man, i saw the movie in high school and i remember he did the fasting protest against British regime..,i just remember it since this one talks about diet.lol http://www.esteemstudio.com.au
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Natural fruits and vegetables creates the healthy body and sound mind. As Bapu was the great freedom fighter, he knows all the essential aspects of a mankind.
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Always eat green and fresh vegetables/fruits which really impact on our weight. First we have to make one diet schedule which consider organic and nutritious foods/fruits like apples , grapes , spinach , bitter guard , orange etc.
leading an inspiring life set by sir Mahatma Gandhi is one of few in the world, and part of having that life, includes a healthy lifestyle and eating habit.
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