Types of Food in Ayurveda
Diet is considered vital for the human body, as it provides the essential nutrients required to carry out fundamental processes such as digestion and metabolism. Ayurveda classifies food into three categories based on its inherent qualities: Sattvic (spiritual quality), Rajasic (active quality), and Tamasic (material quality).
It is believed that the food we consume influences our mind according to its intrinsic nature. Sattvic food is pure, enriching, and uplifting, promoting clarity and calmness. Rajasic food tends to stimulate activity and restlessness, often encouraging materialistic and self-centred behaviour. Tamasic food, on the other hand, is said to dull the mind and promote negativity or lethargy.
Understand Your Diet
Although Ayurveda recommends various types of diet, there is no single diet that can be considered ideal for everyone. This is because each individual has a unique body structure and digestive system. Several factors must be taken into account when determining the ideal diet for a person, as it will vary according to one’s specific constitutional characteristics. However, the following points should be kept in mind when consuming any kind of food:
- Nutritional quality of the food and the benefits of consuming it.
- Awareness of changes that may occur in its nutritional value over time.
- Effects of food combinations — both proper and improper — as described in Ayurveda.
- Appropriate quantity of each food item for healthy consumption.
- Timing and intervals between the consumption of different types of food.
- Place and climatic conditions where the food is grown, prepared, and eaten.
- Seasonal influences on the suitability and effect of the food.
- Avoidance of artificial flavours, chemicals, preservatives, and colourings.
Good Food Habits
Apart from what you eat, there are several other factors that must be incorporated into your eating habits if you wish to remain healthy and active for a long time. Some of these are listed below:
- Avoid skipping meals, as it puts unnecessary strain on your digestive system. If done regularly, it may lead to chronic hyperacidity, gastritis, or even duodenal ulcers.
- Refrain from overeating or eating before the usual time or interval, as it can result in indigestion, obesity, or loss of appetite.
- Do not consume less fluid than required, as insufficient hydration can also cause indigestion and acidity.
- Avoid drinking water during meals, as it may interfere with the digestive process.