In Ayurveda, food has a major role to play in our health and well-being. The three words are used to describe the properties of foods according to the Vedic principle of nature explained by these three words: Sattva (virtue), Rajas (passion), and Tamas (ignorance).
These properties have been attributed to different foods based on their effects on our mind, body, and soul.
Let’s take a quick look at what these words mean:
Sattvic food
Sattvic foods are those that make us feel calm and composed. They are light and easy to digest. They are also low in fat and sodium. Sattvic foods are distinguished by their ease of digestion. This means that they don’t make the body work hard to digest them. This is a great way to start the day. You will have more energy and clarity to focus on your work. Sattvic foods are also beneficial to people with high blood pressure because they do not raise it.
Here are some examples of such foods:
• Vegetables, rice, wheat, oats, beans, moong dal, and other grains (whole green gram)
• Spinach, green beans, and other fresh green vegetables steamed with mild spices
• Pomegranates, apples, bananas, oranges, and grapes, all fresh from the tree
• Juices made from fresh fruits and vegetables
• Raw or lightly toasted seed and nut mixture
• Freshly-made yoghurt (curd), butter, ghee, and buttermilk (pasteurized milk is more toxic than fresh milk)
• Oils from coconuts, sesame seeds, and olives
• Ginger, cardamom, cinnamon, fennel seed, coriander, dhaniya, and haldi
• Raw sugar, honey, and jaggery
Rajasic food
Rajasic food is fiery, hot, and heavy, rich in spices, and also high in sodium and fat. The digestion of this food is slow, which makes it difficult for the body to process it. Consuming rajasic food is a bad idea because it takes away your energy, makes you lethargic, and eventually takes a toll on your health. It is also not easy on the blood pressure and can increase it significantly.
Here are some examples of such foods:
• Foods that are overly salty, sour, spicy, or fatty
• Vegetables high in Sulphur, including potatoes, cabbage, broccoli, and cauliflower, which are consumed in large quantities.
• Preserved and flavored foods such as jams and jellies
• Coffee, tea, colas, sodas, and alcoholic beverages
• Mustard, ketchup, and fried and roasted foods
• Cream and sour milk
• Hot peppers or chilies, garlic, onions, pickles, and vinegar
• Chocolate that's brown or black
Tamasic food
Tamasic food is damp, heavy, and difficult to digest. It has a tendency to accumulate fat in the body, which can lead to a lot of diseases. It can also raise blood pressure. It is not easy on the mind either. It can make you feel lethargic and dull.
Here are some examples of such foods:
• White flour, preservative-laden foods, fish and meat, and leftovers
• Starchy foods, as well as canned and tinned goods.
• Preserved foods, flavors, and condiments
• High-proof spirits, such as whisky and rum
• Salted snacks, French fries, and other salt-preserved foods
• Milk, curds, and cheese are either too cold or have been pasteurized
• Sweets, fried foods, and other fatty foods
• Pure whites: sugar and flour
Based on your unique dosha, or body type, the ayurvedic diet prescribes specific times of day, preparation methods, and food choices.
To help you figure out which dosha is right for you, here are some of the most prominent characteristics of each:
1. The Pitta element combines fire and water and is characterized by superb brainpower, diligence, and resolve. This dosha is characterized by a moderate build, a temper that can flare up quickly, and susceptibility to conditions like indigestion, cardiovascular disease, and high blood pressure.
2. Vata (space plus air) is alive, dynamic, and innovative. When out of whack, those who have a Vata dosha tend to have a delicate frame and suffer from digestive problems, exhaustion, and anxiety.
3. (Earth and Water) Kapha: Naturally steady, reliable, and dependable. Kapha dosha people tend to be stockier in build and more likely to struggle with conditions like obesity, asthma, depression, and diabetes.
This diet tells you to eat certain foods based on your dosha to help you feel in balance.
• The pitta dosha, for instance, favors cooling, energizing foods and restricts foods high in spices, nuts, and seeds.
• In contrast, foods that are warm, moist, and grounding are preferred by the vata dosha, while dried fruits, bitter herbs, and raw vegetables are avoided.
• Finally, fruits, vegetables, and legumes are recommended over heavier foods like nuts, seeds, and oils for the kapha dosha.
All three doshas should limit the amount of red meat, artificial sweeteners, and processed foods they eat.
