Hindus or the yogic philosophy have categorized food in three ways or 3 gunas of yoga which are broadly Tamasic, Rajasic, Sattvic, or at times a mix of them. Some people say it's nothing but a segmentation based on fertilized and unfertilized.
Some say it is generally based only on its gross material content like protein, fats, vitamins, carbohydrates, water, minerals, and fiber.
Ayurveda distinguishes these foods based on the total dimension of human existence.
The Wellness Corner experts have elaborated about Tamasic and Rajasic food. Here are relevant findings-
What is Rajasic Food?
Rajasic foods are the ones that have a stimulating effect on the mind and body. They stimulate motivation and create desires.
According to Ayurveda, it is believed that people who can't stay still or are always moving are more drawn to Rajasic food. This restlessness happens because either they are stuck in the past or think too much about the future.
Rajasic Food Effect on the body
They stimulate aggression, passion, fire, imbalance of emotion, energy, alter the consciousness, and create depression.
Example of Rajasic Foods
Fish, eggs, and chicken, all whole pulses and dals (not sprouted), hot spices like chilies and pepper, salt, brinjal (eggplant), onion, garlic, radish, tea, coffee, aerated drinks, and chocolate, etc. It contains more oil and spices compared to satvik food.
Suggested intake- Rajasic foods should not be consumed daily, they should be taken occasionally.
Taste-Rajasic foods are bitter, sour, salty, pungent, hot and dry.
These foods don’t harm you but they don’t benefit you either.
What Is Tamasic Food?
Tamasic foods give us the desire to stop, slow down, and rest. They put you in a phase where you want to do a particular task but something sucks your energy and you no more feel like doing it. For instance- You are willing to wake up early in the morning but you don’t because laziness hits.
According to Ayurveda, it is believed that Tamasic food slows down mind functionality. An individual consuming Tamasic food is likely to be lazy. This generates emotions like insecurity, jealousy and will regularly have mood swings. A Tamasic person loses calmness and may have longer sleeping cycles than usual.
Tamasic Food Effect on the body
Tamasic foods have a dulling effect on the mind, lower our resistance to disease, cloud the mind, and promote negative emotions. They block the flow of energy and produce harmful toxins.
Suggested intake- If you wish to stay light, these foods should be limited.
Example of Tamasic foods
Fast food, fried foods, frozen and canned foods, microwaved foods, processed foods, stale food, alcohol, drugs, chemicals, mushrooms, margarine, red meat, beef, sausages, bacon, and ham.
These foods are considered to be highly harmful to the body, mind, and soul.
Emotions/Feelings associated with Rajasic and Tamasic foods
In addition to the information provided above, here are emotions that get stimulated on consuming Rajasic and Tamasic food. Clearly, Tamasic food should be kept minimum in the diet.
| Rajasic | Tamasic |
| Passion | Depression |
| Restlessness | Inertia |
| Anxiety | Dark feeling |
| Active energy | Delusion |
| Egoism | Dullness |
| Movement | Ignorance |
| Excitement | Laziness |
| Desire | Apathy |
| Agitation | Inactivity |
FAQ's
What is the Sattvic diet and which foods come under it?
Sattva is the third guna which means 'essence'. Sattva is the attribute of goodness, purity, balance, harmony, positivity, radiance, serenity, and peace. Sattvic diet (also called yoga diet) is the one based on 'ahimsa'. Sattvic food keeps your soul clean and the body healthy.
| Examples of Sattvic Food | ||
| Fresh fruits | Fresh vegetables | Nuts and seeds |
| Sprouts | Butter | Coconut oil |
| Olive oil | Sesame oil | Ghee |