What is Sattvic Food (Sattvic Diet)
Sattvic food considered as one of the safe, organic and energetic food. Due to change in schedule and lifestyle our food habit disturbed a lot. Organic refers to the pure agricultural product which is grown and processed without using any chemicals. Include food ingredients as per the body requirements, and to obtain maximum energy from food one has to have knowledge about the commodities.
Sattvic foods are soothing, nourishing and promote and maintain a quiet, steady mind as well as help to sharpen your intellect and give you a greater sense of empathy. Sattvic foods are vegetarian and do not include foods derived from animals that have been harmed in any way. It is important that foods are grown naturally and do not contain preservatives, artificial flavour's, or additives.
Three Types of Food
Food is also classified in these three ways, depending on the effect it creates in us.
1.Sattvic Food
2.Rajasic Food
3.Tamasic Food
Sattvic Food :
Sattvic is a synonym for purity, harmony, and well-being. This is the purest diet for a consciously spiritual and healthy life. It nourishes the body and maintains it in a peaceful state. According to Ayurveda, this is the best diet for physical strength, a sound mind, good health, and longevity. And it calms and purifies the mind, enabling it to function at its maximum potential. A Sattvic diet thus leads to proper health: a peaceful mind in control of a fit body, with a balanced flow of energy between them. A Sattvic diet is excellent for those individuals who desire to live a quiet, peaceful and meditative life. Sattvic foods comprise the diet of many sages, yogis, and spiritual teachers. These foods are supposed to produce calmness and nobility among men. Eating fruits and vegetables increases one’s magnetism. From what we understand today about diets, we are sure that ancient Essenes and Rishis masters had a very good idea about food in general and its effect on the body and the thinking patterns of man.
Examples of Sattvic (High Prana) foods
Fruits: mango, pomegranate, coconut, figs, peaches, pears
Grains: rice, tapioca, blue corn
Vegetables: sweet potato, lettuce, parsley, sprouts, yellow squash
Beans: mung, yellow lentils, kidney, lima
Dairy: organic milk, fresh homemade yoghurt
Rajasic Food:
Rajasic is stress, anger and activity. Rajas signify a “can do” kind of energy. We need this energy to accomplish, create, and achieve. It represents worldly power and the sex drive. A Rajasic diet is good for “householders” who aspire to maintain a meditative mind but need to live and work in the world. It has been recommended by the ancient Rishis teachers that a combination of Sattvic and Rajasic foods for those who practise demanding disciplines such as endurance athletics, martial arts, and Kundalini Yoga. They destroy the mind-body equilibrium, feeding the body at the expense of the mind. Foods that are very hot, bitter, sour, dry, or salty are rajasic. Too much rajasic food will overstimulate the body and excite strong emotional qualities and passions, making the mind restless and uncontrollable. Rajasic foods include hot substances, such as sharp spices or potent herbs, or stimulants, like coffee and tea, the meat of animals and fish, eggs, salt, and chocolate. Many of the ground foods are Rajasic. Eating in a hurry is also considered Rajasic.
Examples of Rajasic (Stimulating) foods
Fruits: sour apples, apples, banana, guava
Grains: millet, corn, buckwheat
Vegetables: potato, nightshades, cauliflower, broccoli, spinach, tamarind, pickles, winter squash
Beans: red lentils, toordal, adzuki
Dairy: old sour milk, sour cream
Meat: fish, shrimp, chicken
Tamasic Food
Tamasic is a combination of laziness, dullness, and lethargy. A tamasic diet benefits neither the mind nor the body. Prana, or energy, is withdrawn, reasoning powers become clouded and a sense of inertia sets in. The body’s resistance to disease is destroyed, and the mind is filled with dark emotions, such as anger, jealousy, and greed. Tamasic foods include meat, poultry, fish, eggs, alcohol and other intoxicants, including drugs. Foods that are over-processed, no longer fresh, and challenging to digest are Tamasic. Foods prepared unconsciously or while the preparer is angry or in a negative mood are also considered Tamasic. If you are interested in vital health and spiritual growth, it is best to avoid these foods. Tamasic items include meat, alcohol, tobacco, onions, garlic, fermented foods like vinegar, stale leftover food, and contaminated or overripe substances. Overeating is also regarded as Tamasic. Tamasic is the unhealthiest food of all.
Examples of Tamasic (Heavy) foods
Fruits: avocado, watermelon, plums, apricots
Grains: wheat, brown rice,
Vegetables: mushrooms, garlic, onion, pumpkin
Beans: urad dal, black, pinto, pink
Dairy: cheese
Meat: beef, lamb, pork
No garlic, onions, or green chilies
Difference between Sattva, Rajas and Tamas
Key Principles of the Sattvic Diet:
Fresh, whole, and organic foods: Preferably locally grown, seasonal, and free from pesticides and chemicals.
Vegetarian: The diet excludes meat, fish, and eggs, as these are thought to carry negative energy or "tamasic" qualities.
Minimal processed foods: Processed, refined, or artificially flavoured foods are avoided in favour of natural foods.
Light, easily digestible foods: Foods should be light on the stomach and not heavy, greasy, or overly spicy.
Balanced meals: A focus on meals that are balanced in the six tastes (sweet, sour, salty, bitter, pungent, and astringent) and offer a variety of nutrients.
7 Benefits of Being on a Sattvic Diet :
1. Improves the immune system and acts as an immune booster:
Sattvic diet is extremely nutritious as 40% of Sattvic diet includes raw vegetables and fruits in the form of salads. Consuming natural fresh foods provides all the necessary nutrients, dietary fiber , antioxidants, proteins, minerals and monounsaturated fats. If this diet is followed regularly, it boosts your immunity, allowing a healthier immune system.
2. Helps in weight loss:
If our everyday meal includes sattvic foods like a fresh salad made from seasonal vegetables and fruits, lentils and sprouts greatly promote weight loss. These foods have low carbs and calories which is loaded with the goodness of protein, vitamins and minerals. It gives a satiate feeling which will prevent you from sinful snacking before the next meal. Slow chewing of food is proven to reduce fat absorption and instantly boosts metabolism. Sattvic food is rich in fiber , which helps in reducing calories.
3. Maintain balance in body and mind:
The sattvic diet is greatly popular among people who practice yoga and exercise. This food brings flexibility to the body. Food is considered to be healthy if after consumption brings energy and freshness to the body and mind. On the other hand, if you feel sleepy and lethargic after having the food, then it means that food is not compatible with your body. Scientists have proved that a good diet brings energy, peacefulness and happiness to the mind and body. The sattvic diet is loaded with goodness that maintains the balance in body and mind. With a healthy body and mind, we are sure to increase our life expectancy. People who are seeking spiritual growth should follow the sattvic diet.
4. Improves digestive system:
Being on a sattvic diet means eating only fresh foods. Our everyday meal should have 40% of raw vegetables, sprouts, nuts and fruits. This means salad should be a part of our everyday meal. Vegetables and fruits have the maximum nutrients, minerals and fiber when eaten in the raw form which is usually lost when cooked. This promotes easy digestion due to fiber rich food. According to Ayurveda, each morsel of food has to be chewed 24 times before swallowing. This helps complete the absorption of nutrients from food and improves digestion.
5. Prevent chronic diseases
The sattvic diet is rich in fiber, nutrients and antioxidants, which prevents certain chronic diseases. A small change in the diet can make a big impact in the long run. Being on a sattvic diet means you stay out of fried foods, processed foods, canned foods, etc. This keeps the cholesterol level in control and prevents heart diseases. Diabetes and certain cancers are also kept at bay since sattvic food keeps our stomach happy with easy digestion and absorption. Eating nuts increases the good cholesterol or monounsaturated fats in your body that keeps the blood pressure in control. These foods also prevent stomach ulcers.
6. Detoxes the body:
Toxicity in the body can be measured if you feel a sense of bloating, headache, skin rashes, fatigue, acne or nausea. If you are regularly experiencing these symptoms, change the diet and detox your body. Having a sattvic diet will help detox your body. Having a sattvic diet will help detox your body. Practice fasting once every month. Having a glass of warm water mixed with a pinch of turmeric and honey every morning removes toxicity in your body. Practising yoga or meditation along with a healthy diet will help cleanse your body.
7. Stay Energetic:
A visible change in the body can be noticed within a month of having a sattvic diet. You will wake up fresh in the morning without feeling tired and sleepy. Our body feels light and energetic with more flexibility than before. Your mood is elevated bringing in a significant change in the productivity of your work. The sattvic diet helps you to stay energetic.
Overall, the sattvic diet is not just about food; it’s a lifestyle choice that promotes harmony between the body, mind, and spirit, fostering holistic well-being.
