Vol. 2, Issue 1, Part A (2025)

Rasa Dhātu, the first and most essential tissue in the Ayurvedic concept of Dhātu formation, embodies the essence of post-digestive nourishment. It plays a crucial role in sustaining physiological functions, immune strength, and mental vitality. Ayurveda views the formation of Rasa as a vital transition from ingested food to tissue-level nutrition, governed by the strength of Agni and the quality of Āhāra. This paper explores the classical understanding of Rasa Dhātu in relation to modern concepts of nutritional bioavailability, which refers to the extent and efficiency with which nutrients are absorbed and utilized by the body. The paper also evaluates the influence of digestive health, food qualities, and Srotas integrity on nutrient assimilation, drawing clinical parallels and incorporating authentic Ayurvedic insights with contemporary nutritional research.