Sattvic Foods

Gita Bhagavad Gita 17.7 mentions the importance of diet:

आहारस्त्वपि सर्वस्य त्रिविधो भवति प्रियः।
यज्ञस्तपस्तथा दानं तेषां भेदमिमं श्रृणु।।17.7।।

It means - Food, which is dear to all, is of three kinds; and so also are sacrifices, austerity, and charity.

So, food is such an important aspect of life that Bhagwan Krishn has mentioned it in His discourse to Arjun. The food is classified into three categories according to Ayurved. 

1. Satvik - A sattvic diet includes "pure, essential, natural, vital, energy-giving, clean, conscious, true, honest, and wise" food and eating habits.

2. Tamasik - It means sedative foods. Their consumption is harmful to both body and mind. It leads to a duller, less refined state of mind and may cause detrimental stress to any organ. they are however needed during huge physical stress and pain.

3. Rajasik - Also called stimulant food, they often provoke mental restlessness. they are neither beneficial nor harmful to the body and mind. 

Image Courtesy - YogaInstitute

In Ayurved, a sattvic diet is vegetarian, fresh, nutritious, and tasty. It includes foods that are healthy and light on the stomach. It increases energy, happiness, calmness, and mental clarity. It is based on the principle of not causing harm to other living beings, hence vegetarian. It consists of fresh seasonal fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, oils, legumes, and whole grains. Dairy products are recommended when the cow is fed properly. The milk may only be collected after the mother's calf has its share. 

now we know what comes under sattvic food, but why should we prefer eating them. What are the advantages to us?

1. Improves immunity.

2. Boosts weight loss.

3. Creates balance in body and mind.

4. Improves digestion. 

5. Detoxes body.

6. Heals chronic ailments.

7. Keeps energetic.

Sattvic diet as we have seen is consisted of fresh fruits and vegetables, milk, legumes, etc, and each of these is loaded with everything healthy. Move on to a sattvic diet in the interest of having a healthy body that will also look good and beautiful!  

I am participating in #BlogchatterA2Z .

My other posts on this challenge can be read here.