Abstract

ASSOCIATION BETWEEN EATING HABITS AND MIZAJ AMONG APPARENTLY HEALTHY YOUNG ADULTS: AN ANALYTICAL OBSERVATIONAL STUDY

Ansari Farheena Firdaus, Mohammad Tariq, Mohd. Nadeem*, Nuzhat, Shaikh Nilofar Nazmeen

Abstract

Food plays an important role in maintaining health and preventing disease, and in the Unani system of medicine, dietary regulation (Ghiza) is a key component of the six essential factors (Asbab-e-Sitta Zarooriya). Health is maintained through a balance of humours (Akhlat), while imbalance leads to disease, and diet is prescribed according to an individual’s temperament (Mizaj). The present prospective observational study assessed variations in eating habits in relation to different Mizaj among apparently healthy individuals. A total of 64 participants aged 18–24 years were assessed for Mizaj using a standardised proforma and for eating habits using the Good Eating Habit Survey, and the data were analysed using one-way ANOVA followed by the Tukey HSD test. Safrawi Mizaj was most prevalent (44%), followed by Balghami (25%), Damvi (22%) and Saudawi (9%). A statistically significant difference in eating habit scores was observed among Mizaj groups (F = 2.91, p = 0.041), Saudawi individuals showed the highest negative eating habit scores, whereas Damvi individuals showed the lowest. The findings indicate a significant association between Mizaj and eating habits, suggesting that early identification of temperament-based dietary patterns may help in promoting healthier lifestyles and preventing future health complications.

Keywords: Unani medicine; Akhlat; Ghiza; mizaj; Eating habits.