Ayurveda Certification Practice Exam

An excess intake of astringent foods is associated with certain effects on the body, but moisture retention is not one of them. Astringent foods, which are typically high in tannins and include items like unripe fruits, legumes, and certain vegetables, tend to have a drying effect on the tissues. This property can lead to symptoms such as dryness in the mouth or other mucous membranes, flatulence due to digestive disturbances, and constipation as a result of their ability to reduce moisture in the intestines.

Moisture retention runs counter to the characteristics of astringent foods, which generally create a more contracted and dry environment, rather than promoting the retention of moisture. Instead, they are likely to exacerbate conditions that involve excessive dryness or tension in the body.