Certain foods have subdued effects on people’s minds and moods. Ayurveda, the conventional Hindu system of medicine and sometimes called the “sister science of yoga” explains how various foods affect the mental, spiritual, and physical well-being of a person. Ayurveda is dependent on the balance in body systems. It makes use of diets, yogic breathing, and herbal treatments.
Based on Ayurveda, Sattva refers to “untainted quality of spiritual righteousness and self-control” revealed as intelligence, responsiveness, and happiness. Sattvic foods promote or support purity of mind and body. The Sattvic diet is meant to nurture a serene and compassionate intellect.
Healthy Living and Life Force
Sattvic diets focus not only on healthy living but ensure that our minds always remain at peace. Its original regimen was conceived to develop higher consciousness. The foods are rich in Prana, a Sanskrit term that means “vital or universal life force.” It provides life to all living beings. This diet is not limited to vegetarian meals but organic veggies and fruits acknowledged as abounding with Prana.
You should avoid processed and canned products that contain pesticides and chemical substances. Opt for fresh foods instead which have been prepared correctly. Ancient Aryuvedic standards dictated that Sattvic foods were grown through organic methods on abundant soil. These are produce full of enzymes or natural proteins and similar to their natural fresh condition.
Free from Harmful Chemicals
Sattvic foods are nurtured minus harmful insect killers, weed removers, chemical stimulants, hormones, and exposure to radiation. These unnatural products together with modern refinement techniques and chemical preservatives use up the Prana “Life Force” rendering the food we eat lifeless, ineffective, and heavy. On the contrary, nutritious vegetarian fare consisting of whole grains, fruits, green vegetables, seeds, and organic nuts help strengthen brain tissues.
Moreover, Sattvic foods develop the Ojas, vital energy for our minds and bodies obtained from consuming unpolluted and wholesome stuff. In Sanskrit, Ojas is translated as vigor. In Ayurveda, Ojas maintains potency, immunity, mental and emotional wellness, and longer life. People who choose the Sattvic regimen are blessed with a stable mind, sharp intelligence, and sense of compassion.
Sattvic Regime
The Sattvic Diet does not include meat from harmed animals, commercial stabilizers, and artificial flavors. It is usually made up of the following:
- Fresh and organic farm produce
- Whole nuts and grains
- Beans and lentils (edible seeds)
- Plant-based oils
- Natural and unrefined sugar, molasses, and honey
- Spices that include ginger, basil, turmeric, coriander, cinnamon, and ginger.
Food preparation entails cooking with love, awareness, and utmost care. These factors are responsible for producing vigorous vibrations absorbed by the food that enters our bodies during digestion. Quality is enhanced by the way vegetables are sliced, spices are crushed, and ingredients are added.
The diet must boost our minds. Ayurvedic practitioners will definitely suggest following a diet for Dosha imbalance. This refers to one of three essential substances in a human being’s body. Ayurvedic medicine states that a person is healthy if there is equilibrium between the three basic elements (Doshas) called Kapha, Pitta, and Vata.
Ayurveda differentiates the Sattvic from Rajasic and Tamasic diets. Rajasic is too spicy, sour, and salty. Tamasic, on the other hand, is oily, musty, heavy, and overheated. These products are preserved or canned.
Bhagavad Gita Guide
Bhagavad Gita or simply Gita, a 700-verse Hindu Scripture in Sanskrit language, proposes guidelines on diets and Gunas. The three Gunas (present in all beings) consist of Sativa (being), Rajas (activity), and Tamas (darkness). First, the food people eat shape their nature and thought processes and vice versa. Chhandogya Upanishad also underscores Sattvic foods because this type of food cleanses the mind and become part of chaste consciousness. In other words, person with clean minds opt for pure Sattvic foods. According to Krishna, choice of foods represents austerity, charity, and sacrifice.
All humans have Gunas. It is one of the three inclinations of the mind, soul, and body. The three Gunas describe and mirror our health, conduct, thoughts, and diets.
Sattvic connotes health, harmony, purity, and wellbeing.
Rajasic indicates anxiety, anger, restlessness, and activity.
Tamasic stands for lethargy, dullness, and lack of interest in positive things.