It is very rare to hear from people saying that they do not like to eat. We all love to eat, but how much we know our food. Food is the main source of energy that sustains life and promotes growth of us, not only this you become what you eat. So why not to know more and understand the types of food, we love to eat.
The food that we eat can be classified into three types – Sattvic, Rajasic and Tamasic. Sattvic food is also known as yoga diet. Each type of food has some kind effect on our physical and mental well-being. Better understanding of food surely can lead you to a better life.
Sattvic food or Sattvic diet
Combination of light, fresh, pure and healthy food is considered as Sattvic diet. A Sattvic diet, simply, means light, healthy and easy digestible food. Sattvic diet includes all the taste and all the nutrients in required amounts in proper proportions. It avoids any extremes and follows the moderation.
For the yoga practices and healthy lifestyle Sattvic diet is must. Sattvic food has natural properties of purification which helps in purifying the body and the mind. Sattvic food (s) are rich in prana (vital life energy) and positive energy which energies the body and mind. Sattvic diet is very essential for superior moral and intellect discipline and Spirituality.
Examples of Sattvik food
- Non-stimulating food, like Vegetables (also boiled), salad, fruits, whole wheat flour, less polished rice, millets, lentils, sprouts, soups, coconut, legumes etc are sattvic types of food.
- Alkaline diet: Citrus fruits, fruit, green leafy vegetables, fresh vegetable juice, nuts, roti, milk, coconut water, jiggery etc.
Rajasic food and Rajasic diet.
A Rajasic diet is consisting of foods which are spicy, hot and stimulating in nature. Rajasik foods are poor in essential nutrients and are not very focused on health but rather on taste and satisfying the senses. These foods stimulate hyperactivity of body and mind.
In this modern life a big part of our diet includes Rajasic food. In the nature Rajasic foods are stimulating, irritating aggressive therefore there are some disadvantage such as it stimulates mind and body, creates irritation, leads to overeating and restlessness. A Rajasic diet can aggravate Pitta and Vata (types of doshas or constitutions of your body) levels in the body.
This kind of food can be consumed in moderate amount. Especially by those people whom have very active lifestyle. An active lifestyle requires some kind of stimulating food to support the active lifestyle.
Examples of Rajasic food
- Stimulating foods like spicy food, fried food, tea, coffee, tobacco, alcohol, gases forming food and sweet etc are Rajasic types of food.
- Acidic Food like preserved food, fermented foods, pickles, energy drinks, sauces, fast food etc.
Tamasic food and Tamasic diet
A Tajasic diet is consisting of foods which are heavy, dull, and toxic in nature. Most of the Tajasik foods are processed and their nutrients value is very poor. Any Sattvic food if prepared in Tamasic conditions (overcooked, stale, over consuming etc.), it becomes Tamasic. These foods increase dullness, heaviness and body and mind becomes depressing and lethargic.
As modern life is moving so fast, we are always looking for fast cooking food that people compromise with their food also. Now you know how indeed processed and artificial food has become in our common diet. Because of that most people suffer from poor digest and constipation. Tamasic foods are also responsible for increasing ignorance, confusion, disorientation and dullness of mind.
Tamasic food is advised to be avoided. But if it has to be eaten must consumed with awareness so you do not do over eating. If some Tamasic food is taken under the proper guidance can even help in treating some diseases.
Examples of Tamasic food
- Stimulating and dull food like fried food, processed food, cold and food, alcohol, white flour, excess eating, and non-vegetarian food etc Tamasic types of food.
- Other foods like jam, jelly, flavored drink, box food, sausages, ice cream, chocolates, cakes, meats etc.
