What is Sattvic Food? A Comprehensive Guide to This Pure Diet

Sattvik food or sattvic diet is a fiber-rich, low-fat vegetarian diet. As we have already said, there are 3 types of food - Sattvic, Tamasik and Rajasik. Sattvic means pure element, that is, which has the qualities of purity. Sattvic food is pure and balanced, which gives a feeling of peace, coolness, happiness and mental clarity. Rajasik food is considered to be very stimulating and Tamasik food is considered to increase weakness and laziness.

Among these three types of food, Satvik food is also considered to be the most nutritious and full of nutrients. According to Ayurveda, if you want to promote physical strength, mental health and longevity, then eat only Satvik food. This is because Satvik food includes fresh things like seasonal fruits and vegetables (except onion and garlic), milk and milk products, sprouted whole grains, fresh fruit juices, pulses, dry fruits, nuts and seeds, honey and tea rich in herbs. Ayurveda also suggests eating Satvik food instead of Rajasik and Tamasik food.

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While eating Satvik food, it is advisable not to consume animal protein, too much fried food, caffeine, sugar, such foods. Many people think that only raw and uncooked food is eaten in Satvik, but this is not true. Sattvic diet includes both raw and cooked food. All types of processed food, stale food, overcooked and overly spicy food are kept in the category of tamasic food.

Sattvik food or sattvic diet includes foods rich in nutrients and there is no place for processed foods in it. This is the reason why it is beneficial for health in many ways:

While consuming Sattvic food, you should completely stay away from Rajasik and Tamasik categories of foods. But many times we get confused about what is the source of which food item and whether we should eat it under Sattvic food or not. Here is what you can eat in a sattvic diet:

• Vegetables: spinach, carrots, potatoes, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, lettuce, peas, etc.
• Fruits and fruit juices: apples, bananas, papayas, mangoes, cherries, watermelon, cantaloupe, peaches, guava, fresh fruit juices, etc.
• Sprouted grains: rice, barley, amaranth (amaranth), coarsely ground wheat, oatmeal, barley, millet, quinoa, etc.
• Dried fruits and seeds: walnuts, Brazil nuts, almonds, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, sesame seeds, flaxseeds, etc.
• Oils and fats: ghee, sesame oil, olive oil, flaxseed oil, etc.
• Milk and non-dairy products: good quality milk, yogurt, cheese, almond milk, coconut milk, cashew milk, tofu, etc.
• Pulses and legumes: moong dal, chickpeas, sprouted grains, pulses, etc.
• Beverages: decaffeinated herbal teas, water, fruit juices Juice
• Sattvic spices: coriander, nutmeg, cumin, fenugreek, turmeric, ginger, cinnamon etc.
• Sweet: honey and jaggery

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All those things are prohibited in a Sattvic meal which comes under the category of Tamasik and Rajasic food. For this reason, all animal products, highly processed foods, white refined sugar and fried items are prohibited. Avoid the following things in a Satvik diet:

• Extra sugar and sweets: white sugar, fructose corn syrup, candy, soda, etc.
• Fried food: French fries, fried vegetables, pastries, cakes, etc.
• Processed food: chips, cornflakes, breakfast cereals, fast food, frozen food, etc.
• Meat, fish, eggs, etc.
• Onions, garlic, pickles, etc.
• Alcohol, sugar-containing beverages, caffeinated beverages, etc.

One should not consume too much sour, salty and spicy food. Apart from this, stale food or things that have to be left to ferment overnight before cooking also come under the Tamasik category.

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• Sattvik food should always be freshly prepared and pure.
• Preparing food and keeping it in the fridge and then consuming it later is prohibited in a Satvik diet.
• Sattvic food emphasizes on consuming chemical-free organic foods.
• The time of eating is also important in Sattvic food i.e. you should eat your food at the same time every day. For example, if you have breakfast at 8 am, then do the same every day.
• Under the Sattvic diet, you should eat your food 2 hours before sleeping or doing any kind of yoga or asana.

(Read more:Balanced Diet: Chart, Benefits)

Sattvik food refers to pure, nutritious and simple food, which provides peace to the body and mind. This type of diet includes fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, pulses, nuts and dairy products. Sattvic food provides energy and improves digestion, which benefits physical and mental health. This food promotes peace, balance, and positivity. Sattvic diet emphasizes on fresh, light and natural foods, which do not contain much oil, spices. People who follow yoga and meditation especially adopt it, as it helps in mental clarity and spiritual advancement.