The Sattvic Diet for Body and Soul

The Sattvic Diet, widely known as the Yoga Diet, is based on the Hindi philosophical view of the balance between Sattva and Rajas. Sattva is the quality of purity, while Rajas is the quality of action and metamorphoses. The process of withering and decaying is known as Tamas. Together, from sheer Sattva state, through the ever-changing state of Rajas and up to the inevitable Tamas, the process expresses the existence and nature of Prana, the force of life.

All corporeal things have aspects of both Sattvic and Rajasic nature; however, only one of the two can be dominant. For instance, as a bud, a flower expresses its facets that are predominantly Sattvic; the process of blooming and growing is led by the flower’s Rajasic facets. Of course, as part of the realm of living things, humans also abide by these terms. This is true both on the physical plain, as well as on the psychological one.

What Does the Sattvic Diet Consist of ?

These grounds and ideas give birth to a life form that starts with Prana-enhancing-exercises in the morning, and ends with a Sattvic prayer at night. The forces of Prana can be nurtured, as well as abused and squandered. In these terms, the Sattvic diet, containing only foods rich and abundant in Prana, is considered crucial for a healthy, well-balanced life.

The nutritional principles of the yoga diet are those of lacto-ovo-vegetarianism: avoiding all kinds of meat, and enjoying various fruits and vegetables, grains, eggs and milk products, including butter. Such a diet would consist of raw and cooked vegetables, such as artichokes, beets, cauliflower and many more. Grains and cereals include rice, tapioca, whole wheat and oatmeal. All dairy products are incorporated in the yoga diet.

Are There Nutritional Deficiencies ?

Deficiencies considered to be caused by the Sattvic diet are similar to those of a regular lacto-ovo-vegetarian diet:

Vitamin B12

Meat products are abundant in B12, but it can also be found in dairy products. Vegetarianism is commonly considered related to Vitamin B12 deficiencies, even though studies show that most B12 deficiencies are caused by indigestion, which can also be a normal effect of aging.

Iron

Although anemia and iron deficiency are considered related to the yoga diet and lacto-ovo-vegetarianism, studies show no substantial difference between the levels of iron in people who practice the Sattvic Diet, versus people who do not.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Fish and sea food are supplemented in the yoga diet with nuts, soy products and various fruits, vegetables and grains.

Nourishing Your Body

The sole purpose of the Sattvic Diet is to nourish the body with Prana-abundant-foods, and avoid possible deficiencies. Nowadays, it is scientifically known world-wide that the Sattvic diet is not lacking in nutrition, but rather is abundant in all the vitamins and minerals nature can provide.

Read the full post The Sattvic Diet for Body and Soul on YOME.

via YOME More READ