Role of Yava (Hordeum vulgare Linn.) as a Swastyahita Aahara Dravya

Swasthya Rakshan i.e. maintaining well being of a person is the foremost aim of Ayurveda. It can be achieved by following Dincharya, Rituchrya mentioned in Ayurvedic samhitas. Now a day's risk of lifestyle diseases like Diabetes mellitus, Obesity, Heart disease, Hypertension, Cancer etc. is increasing day by day. It is the commonest problem world population is facing right now. This is a result of unhealthy diet and lack of physical activity. To control these; healthy changes in lifestyle and food habits is the need of time. Yava (Hordeum vulgare Linn.) is herbal drug belonging to Gramineae/ Poaceae family mentioned as Swasthahita Dravya in Samhitas. It is also used as a dietary supplement specifically in Vasant, Varsha and Sharad Ritu. Yava is in possession of Kashay, Madhur Rasa, Katu Vipaka, Sheet Veerya and Ruksha Guna. It is mentioned as Lekhaniya Dravya. Yava which is also known as Barley is rich with essential nutrients like protein, dietary fiber and other micronutrients. It is having low amount of fat which is beneficial to decrease chances of lifestyle diseases. Use of Yava in daily diet would be beneficial to maintain good health. It is cost effective and easily available worldwide. This review shows the role of Yava in daily food habits for healthy life