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Yoga diet 101: Nosh on these 5 sattvic foods that can boost your immunity

Yoga is not just about exercise, it’s a way of life. And this life also includes eating a wholesome diet with sattvic foods. Here are five to begin with.
Sattvic diet
Believe it or not, food is an essential part of the yogic life. Image courtesy: Shutterstock
Team Health Shots Updated: 13 Oct 2023, 04:33 pm IST
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When we think of yoga, we rarely look at it beyond physical activity. Sure, we’re coming around to the idea that yoga has tremendous benefits for mind as well—but we’re still to embrace yoga as a way of life.

But what a yoga life even entail—apart from climbing atop that yoga mat and practicing asanas? Well, the answer lies in a yogic diet.

What does a yoga diet even look at it?
A yogic diet includes wholesome foods that promote lightness and clarity, thus promoting our physical well-being as well as emotions and thoughts.

Says Sheryl Salis, a registered dietician, naturopath and certified diabetes educator: “Yoga does not dissect food into proteins, carbohydrates, or fats; instead it classifies them according to the effect they have on the body and mind, into three types–satva, rajas, and tamas.”

Tamasic food is the kind of food which makes us lethargic or sluggish, while rajasic food brings about activity or restlessness. Sattvic food, on the other hand, makes you feel light, energetic and enthusiastic, explains Salis.

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“Not just the right kind of food, it is vital to eat the proper quantity of food at the right time. We might eat the right kind of food in the right quantity but if we are irregular with our timings then the whole system is disturbed, and the natural rhythm of the body is hampered,” she adds.

So what are the sattvic foods that you can include in your diet? Here are a few Salis suggests:

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1. Moringa tea
You might love your tea or coffee, but did you know that every beverage you sip into has its positives and negatives? Which is why it is important to make a switch to healthier alternatives like moringa tea.

yoga diet
It’s time to add this phenomenal superfood in your diet. Image Courtesy: Shutterstock

Moringa tea gives you all the benefits of green tea with the nourishment of moringa, which can boost your immunity, regulate metabolism, and help you manage your weight.

2. Dill leaves
Also known as savaa or soa, dill leaves are especially great for women as they stimulate and regulates menstrual flow. It also increases the production of breast milk, thus aiding lactation in new mother. On top of that, it also boosts immunity.

3. Cauliflower stems
A versatile veggie, you can’t help but love cauliflower. But this vegetable has more to offer than just its starch-rich florets. A part of the yoga diet, cauliflower stems or stalks are rich in fibre, calcium, and vitamin C. The best part? They taste amazing when sautéed.

yoga diet
Not just florets, it’s time to include cauliflower stems in your diet too. Image courtesy: Shutterstock.

4. Amla
Revered in Ayurveda, amla is a powerhouse of nutrients—especially vitamin C. In fact, it has the highest concentration of the vitamin, more than any citrus fruit, and can thus boost your immunity and help you fight infections.

yoga diet
Amla is a superfood that everyone should include in their diet. Shutterstock

You can eat it raw and fresh or dried, make a power or even a juice—in any case, amla will give you the nourishment you need.

5. Barley
An excellent source of dietary fibre, this grain contains roughage not just in its outer bran layer—but throughout its kernel. So whether you are consuming barley in its whole grain form or a processed barley product, its dietary fibres which include beta-glucan soluble fibre, will be available for you.

Thanks to its incredible fibre power, barley helps regulate glucose levels in the body and aids weight loss. It is even said that barley water can help with kidney stones.

So include these five sattvic foods in your life and embrace the yoga diet.

(With inputs from IANS)

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