Sattvic foods are basically based on Ayurveda that suggests diet with Sattvic gunas (qualities) which are pure or meant to include pure, natural, essential, clean eating practice. In Ayurveda, Sattvic diet has great importance. They keep our body clean and healthy, which helps us to stay happy and in peace.
Basically, there are 3 types of foods gifted by nature. Tamasic, which are dark, processed one and non beneficial. They as are harmful and destructive to the body. The body’s resistance power is decreased by consuming tamasic food. So, these should be avoided as far as possible. They include meat, alcohol, tobacco, fermented items.
Rajasic foods are spicy, sour, pungent which include chillies, pickles, red meat, soda, red color lentils. That is why, experts suggest consuming such foods occasionally, as they are hard for digestive system.
Sattvic foods are hence considered as purest of all. They are unprocessed; hence benefit us with adding nutritious values to our diet. If we put ourselves on Sattvic food diet, pure energy flows throughout our body. There is no negativity like Tamasic ones. Some of the Sattvic categories of foods are listed below.
FRUITS AND VEGETABLES:
Mostly all the fruits and vegetables are included in the Sattvic diet. Some Ayurvedic experts exclude garlic and onion as they are bit pungent and cause digestive problems. It is good to consume freshly prepared juices from fruits and vegetables.
WHOLE GRAINS:
They are very nutritious of all. Chapatis, multigrain breads, rice are the best examples which can be consumed daily. Sprouts are very rich in proteins. They can be mixed with whole grains.
DAIRY PRODUCTS:
Milk and milk products are healthier when consumed freshly. They must be strictly refrigerated when not in use. Milk, yogurt, cheese, butter are best in this category.
DRY FRUITS AND OILS:
This category includes all the available dry fruits plus the seeds like pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, and flax seeds etc. which have excellent Sattvic qualities. Olive, sesame, sunflower etc. oils are best in this type.
SPICES AND HERBS:
Coriander, cumin, fenugreek, fennel, turmeric are best when used in small amounts. Medical herbs like tulsi, saffron are believed to be more useful.
One should keep Sattvic food in mind as the best source of healthy life and peaceful mind. It is bit tough to completely shift from your existing diet to Sattvic diet but with baby steps you can gradually transform your food habits to more healthy and pure diet.