Why Is An Ayurveda Diet So Healthy Anyway?

---

---

Ayurveda is an ancient holistic science. The focus is to center one’s life between the emotional and physical self. Within this science, there is an Ayurveda diet which many yogis and sages have used for centuries. It is believed that the food we consume can help us with our emotions.

This is why a lot of dedicated yogis in the West focus on an Ayurvedic, also known as the Sattvic diet. It, of course, fuels the body, but it also gives clarity of the mind and compassion in the heart. The Sattvic diet offers harmony in the body and the mind which allows calmness throughout. For example, meat has been found to create tension or anger. It also invokes desires that aren’t the healthiest. Rajasic foods are heavy on the body and creates a restless mind.

The Sattvic diet is vegetarian and creates a lightness in the body. You get all the necessary nutrients you need without being weighed down. You’ll probably notice an increase in physical energy with a sense of clarity in the mind.

SEE ALSO: Buddhism And Hinduism: The Similarities And Differences

What is Sattvic?

Sattvic means pure essence in Sanskrit. It is the purest diet on the planet and feeds all the aspects of your being — the mind, body, and soul. The body as a whole is supported to be in a more peaceful state.

Ayurveda science says this is the best diet to achieve:

• Increased physical strength.
• A healthy mind with more positive thoughts.
• Good health at a cellular level.
• Long life with healthy organs.

A Sattvic diet leads to true health. The mind becomes purified through these basic foods that grow from the earth. When the mind is purified, it tells the body it has a greater potential. This leads to you wanting to go outside for a walk or start running on your treadmill. These workouts have a cleansing effect on your body down to the cells.

The Foods in the Sattvic Diet

Foods in the Sattvic diet should ideally be from the area you live in. Seasonal foods like fruits, nuts, seeds, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes. Non-meat proteins may not grow in your area but there are healthy powders and supplements that you can get from a health food store.

Fruits

Apples, Prunes, Apricots, Loquat, Tangerines, Bananas, Cantaloupe, Mango, Papaya, Cherries, Melons, Nectarines, Cranberry, Oranges, Grapefruits, Watermelon, Pineapples, Grapes, Peaches, Plums, Pears

Vegetables

Artichokes, Eggplant, Lettuce, Beets, Mustard, Greens, Asparagus, Onions, Endive, Fennel, , Parsnips, Peas, Broccoli, Green Beans, Potatoes, Brussels Sprouts, Kale, Radishes, Cabbage, Leeks, Lima Beans, Shallots, Carrots, Celery, Spinach, Cauliflower, Sprouts, Corn, Squash, Mushrooms, Turnips, Yams

Sprouted Whole Grains

Barley, Buckwheat, Bulgur, Millet, Quinoa

Rice

Basmati, Brown and Wild Rice.

Oils

Olive, Safflower, Sesame, Sunflower, Garbanzo

Spices

Coriander, Basil, Cumin, Nutmeg, Black Pepper, Fennel seed, Parsley, Cardamom, Fenugreek, Turmeric, Cinnamon, Cloves, Ginger

Nuts/Seeds

---

---

Brazil nuts, Pumpkin seeds, Sunflower seeds, Almonds, Walnuts

Milk & Cheese

Seed milk, Hemp milk, Almond

Sweeteners

Cane juice, Raw honey, Stevia, Fruit Juices, Maple Syrup

Recipes

Here are some really easy recipes you can try that fall into the Sattvic diet.

Super Smoothie with Broccoli Sprouts

Smoothies are a great and tasty alternative. You can throw in any multitude of things that will be easily digested. So many nutrients in just one glass. Add some broccoli sprouts in your smoothie to make it super beneficial to your health.

As one of the new super foods, it is between 10 to 100 times more potent than all other fruits and vegetables. It increases vitality and energy because of a large amount of enzymes.

Ingredients:

• ½ cup Frozen Strawberries
• ½ Banana
• 1 cup Kale
• ½  cup Almond Milk
• 2 ounces Broccoli Sprouts

Almond Butter+Banana+Greens Smoothie

This is a more filling meal than other smoothies. The great thing is it will give you a fast dose of energy thanks to the vitamin B-complex from the banana. The almond butter also give you a high level of energy. If you’re going out for a run or a yoga flow class, drink one of these smoothies 30 minutes beforehand.

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon Almond Butter
• 1 Banana
• 1 cup Kale

Hot Oatmeal with Spices and Apple

Based on the Ayurveda philosophy, we have “digestive fires.” When metabolic energy burns hot, it gives us energy throughout the day. We eliminate waste more easily and transform food into energy that is needed by the body.

When you wake up in the morning, eat some warm spicy foods. This gets the digestive fires ignited, giving you immediate energy for the day. This recipe is warming and the ingredients help warm up the digestive fire, cinnamon in particular.

Ingredients:

• ¼ cup hot oatmeal
• 1 pinch cinnamon
• 1 tsp ghee
• 2 tsp honey

If you’re tired of feeling exhausted and stressed out, just try out the Sattvic diet for a month. It does take some time to start influencing the body and mind fully.

As the toxins begin to leave the body and the body absorbs all the nutrients you’re giving it, you’ll begin to notice the changes.

---

---