Three categories—Sattvic, Rajasic, and Tamasic—are used in Ayurveda to categorize foods. The highest Gunas, or attributes, are present in sattvic foods, which also aid in fostering harmony, boosting vitality, and fostering happiness.
Alternatively, rajasic meals are a symbol of movement and activity. Overstimulation, tension, envy, and rage can result from consuming a lot of Rajasic foods.
And finally, the Tamasic diet is connected to cynicism, fragility, and sloth. The Sattvic diet is therefore encouraged by Ayurveda as much as feasible.
What Is Ayurveda’s Position on the Satvik Diet?
Sattvic literally translates to “pure essence.” A Sattvic diet is said to assist promote long life, physical fitness, and mental wellness.
Foods that are abundant in prana, the life force of the universe, are part of a sattvic diet. Seasonal foods, milk, fruit, nuts, seeds, and so forth are typically included. The best possible amount of energy is provided to the body by sattvic foods, which are often fresh, juicy, light, and healthy.
A Sattvic diet is by definition vegetarian. The Tamasic diet includes any convenience, processed, overdone, and spicy meals. This does not, however, imply that a Sattvic diet is flavorless and boring. A Sattvic diet, on the other hand, must include all six Rasa, or tastes—sweet, salty, bitter, sour, pungent, and astringent.
Features of a Sattvic diet
- It encourages eating organic and seasonal foods because it is freshly prepared and does not contain complex meals.
- It contains all of the necessary nutrients from various sources.
- It limits the use of canned, processed, and packaged foods.
- It promotes attentive eating at the appropriate times.
Health Advantages of a Satvik Diet
1. Delivers Vital Nutrients
Vegetables, fruits, nuts, and other whole, nourishing foods are part of a sattvic diet. They contribute to the provision of an adequate amount of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, fibre, healthy fats, proteins, and other nutrients that support general health.
2. Lowers the risk of developing chronic diseases
Vegetables, fruits, nuts, and legumes are all crucial components of a sattvic diet since they boost health and lower the risk of chronic conditions including heart disease, diabetes, and colon cancer.
3. Promotes Loss of Weight
A Sattvic diet is high in vegetarian meals and nutritional fibres. This helps to stimulate weight loss in overweight people and lower their BMI, according to numerous research.
What Should I Consume on a Sattvic Diet?
- Fresh fruits and vegetables such as apples, bananas, papayas, mangoes, cherries, melons, peaches, and guavas;
- Whole grains such as barley, amaranth, millet, etc.;
- Nuts and seeds such as walnuts, almonds, peanuts, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, sesame seeds, unsweetened coconut, and flax seeds.
- Legumes and beans like moong beans, chickpeas, and lentils;
- Dairy and non-dairy products like cow milk, yoghurt, cheese, coconut milk, and cashew milk;
- Healthy fats like ghee, sesame oil, mustard oil, etc.
- Sweeteners like honey and jaggery
- Spices like coriander, basil, nutmeg, cumin, turmeric, and ginger
- Beverages like herbal teas, fresh fruit juices, and vegetable juices
What to avoid consuming on a Sattvic diet?
- Pickles, as well as meals and beverages that are very spicy, salty, and sour.
- Foods that are fried, frozen, processed, microwaved, stale, and quick;
- Foods that are not vegetarian, such as meat, eggs, chicken, and fish;
- Foods that are Rajasic in nature.
- White sugar, confectionery, and soda are examples of added sugar and sweeteners.
As a Final Thought
A vegetarian, whole-food diet known as a Sattvic diet tries to increase Prana in the body and enhance general wellness. It offers all the nutrients that are necessary, reduces the danger of developing chronic illnesses, and encourages a healthy body weight.