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Introduction: Ayurveda accords central importance to Ahara (diet) as the foremost pillar of life (Trayopasthambha). The classical Samhitas (Charaka, Sushruta, Ashtanga Hridaya) describe detailed principles of Ahara Vidhi (dietary rules), highlighting the role of food in health, disease prevention, and therapy. These principles resonate with modern concepts of dietetics, nutraceuticals, and lifestyle medicine. Methods: A comprehensive literature review was conducted using classical Ayurvedic texts (Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, Ashtanga Hridaya, Kashyapa Samhita), commentaries, and modern scientific research indexed in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. Studies and reviews discussing Ahara Vidhi, food classification, digestion, dietary regimens, and their physiological impact were included. Results: Findings indicate that Samhitas provide a multidimensional view of food: (i) Ahara Vidhi Vidhan (dietary code of conduct), (ii) food classification by properties (guna, rasa, virya, vipaka), (iii) the concept of Pathya-Apathya (wholesome and unwholesome diet), (iv) seasonal and individual-specific dietary regimens, and (v) therapeutic use of food in disease management. Modern research supports these principles, correlating them with nutrition science, gut microbiome modulation, chrononutrition, and functional foods. Discussion: Ayurvedic concepts align with modern preventive nutrition and precision dietetics, though gaps remain in large-scale clinical validation and standardization. Integration of Ahara Vidhi into contemporary dietetics may provide novel insights into personalized nutrition.

KEYWORDS: Ahara Vidhi, Ayurveda, dietetics, food science, nutrition