Relation between food & mind:
When one eats the proper measure of the right kind of food, it is digested in a timely manner, thus promoting energy, healthy complexion, strength and health. However, the method by which we eat food determines its effect on our body. If we feel emotionally imbalanced while we eat, the food may disrupt the body order. If we eat too quickly or overeat, the poorly digested end product predisposes us to ill health.
Generally, a person should eat enough to satisfy the system without experiencing a feeling of heaviness after eating. The ideal portion of solid food recommended in Ayurveda is sufficient quantity to fill one-half of the stomach volume, one-quarter to be filled with liquid and the remaining quarter to remain empty to facilitate the digestive process.
The Jataragni (digestive fire) digests the food that we eat, and is divided into 3 parts.
This message of Ayurveda clearly indicates that ‘we are what we eat’. In addition, it infers that the food has a direct impact on our mind. The mental impressions of the farmer, seller and cook will be present in a subtle energy form in the food, which will affect the person who eats. Accordingly, the food may produce positive or negative energies in a person. We can personally feel the good energy, pleasure and happiness when we eat food from our house made by one’s mother. To avoid the effect of negative energies, Ayurveda suggests that we offer food to God before eating.
Ayurveda has classified food into three types according to its mental qualities. They are classified as follows-
1. Satvic diet:
‘Sattva’ is the good quality of mind. It represents clarity, happiness, knowledge and light in the mind.
A Satvic diet promotes all the above -said traits and has the following qualities-
When one eats the proper measure of the right kind of food, it is digested in a timely manner, thus promoting energy, healthy complexion, strength and health. However, the method by which we eat food determines its effect on our body. If we feel emotionally imbalanced while we eat, the food may disrupt the body order. If we eat too quickly or overeat, the poorly digested end product predisposes us to ill health.
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Generally, a person should eat enough to satisfy the system without experiencing a feeling of heaviness after eating. The ideal portion of solid food recommended in Ayurveda is sufficient quantity to fill one-half of the stomach volume, one-quarter to be filled with liquid and the remaining quarter to remain empty to facilitate the digestive process.
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The Jataragni (digestive fire) digests the food that we eat, and is divided into 3 parts.
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The ‘Sara bhaaga’ (essence) nourishes the dhatus (tissues) |
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The ‘mala bhaaga’ (the waste) nourishes the mala (the waste of our body). |
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The 'sukshma bhaaga' (subtle part) nourishes the mind. |
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This message of Ayurveda clearly indicates that ‘we are what we eat’. In addition, it infers that the food has a direct impact on our mind. The mental impressions of the farmer, seller and cook will be present in a subtle energy form in the food, which will affect the person who eats. Accordingly, the food may produce positive or negative energies in a person. We can personally feel the good energy, pleasure and happiness when we eat food from our house made by one’s mother. To avoid the effect of negative energies, Ayurveda suggests that we offer food to God before eating.
Ayurveda has classified food into three types according to its mental qualities. They are classified as follows-
1. Satvic diet:
‘Sattva’ is the good quality of mind. It represents clarity, happiness, knowledge and light in the mind.
A Satvic diet promotes all the above -said traits and has the following qualities-
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Slightly unctuous |
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Freshly prepared |
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Slightly warm |
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Balances the 6 tastes with a mild sweet taste predominating |
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Taken in appropriate quantity |
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Taken as if feeding the internal ‘Brahman’ or God |
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Leads to health and happiness |
