Dispelling Myth: Is a vegetarian diet always sattvic?

Whether a meal is vegetarian (obtained from plant sources) or non-vegetarian (obtained from animal products), its quality is often affected by its nature. This gives rise to the idea of sattvic, which further classifies food according to its goodness and purity. This leads to the emergence of the sattvic lifestyle, an old method of living that is making a resurgence and becoming popular among today’s youth.

However, what precisely is sattvic? When we refer to sattvic food, what do we mean? Does it resemble vegetarian cuisine? Let’s go over this in more depth.
Ancient Indian philosophy is where the idea of a “sattvic” diet first emerged, especially in relation to Ayurveda and yoga. One of the three gunas, or characteristics of nature, sattva stands for harmony, balance, and purity.

Karmasu yuktachestasya yuktaviharasya. Yoga bhavati duhkhaha yuktasvapnavabodhasya
As recounted in the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna discusses with Arjuna the significance of nutrition. The meaning of this Sanskrit passage is: “For one who is moderate in eating and recreation, balanced in work, balanced in sleep and awake, yoga becomes the destroyer of pain.”

It highlights how crucial balance and moderation are in many facets of life. Moderation in eating, sleeping, working, and leisure fosters a balance that results in inner serenity and satisfaction. Yoga, which here refers to both physical and spiritual practices aimed at achieving peace and reducing suffering, is best practiced in a balanced manner. People may overcome pain and suffering and achieve a condition of well-being and spiritual satisfaction by adopting moderation and balance. It is said that a sattvic diet fosters these attributes in the body and mind, resulting in peace, clarity, and spiritual development.
Because it heightens our sattva, or awareness, it is termed sattvic.
Fresh, light, nutritious, and readily digested foods, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, and dairy products, are usually part of a vegetarian diet.
But the idea that a vegetarian diet is inherently vegetarian is untrue. Although many vegetarian dishes follow sattvic principles, a diet’s designation as sattvic is dependent on more than just avoiding animal products. Vegetarian diets are sattvic, although they are not necessarily sattvic.
Eating foods that are fresh, organic, and minimally processed is emphasized in a vegetarian diet. However, because of their deleterious impact on health and vitality, processed and refined foods like sugar, white flour, and processed snacks are not regarded as sattvic and may be included in vegetarian diets.
In order to retain the inherent properties of food, sattvic cooking techniques call for little preparation and cooking at moderate temperatures. But meals that are overdone, highly spicy, or deep-fried may be a part of vegetarian diets, which might throw off the sattvic properties of the food and throw the body’s equilibrium off.
The goal of a vegetarian diet is to provide a balance of all the key elements needed for maximum health and energy. However, several elements that are essential for general health, such as vitamin B12, iron, zinc, omega-3 fatty acids, and complete proteins, may be absent from vegetarian diets, especially if they are not well planned. These nutrients may need to be supplemented or carefully acquired from plant-based sources.
The Sattvic diet has several health advantages, such as:
Fresh, light, and easily digested meals are often associated with satiation, supporting proper digestion and nutrient absorption while lowering the risk of digestive problems such as indigestion, gas, and bloating.
It is said that sattvic meals nourish the mind and encourage concentration, serenity, and clarity. They provide a consistent and long-lasting energy supply, avoiding blood sugar swings that may impair mental performance.
Eating meals that are considered sattvic is said to have a soothing influence on the mind and emotions, hence fostering emotional stability, inner peace, and overall wellbeing. This may lessen anxiety, tension, and mood fluctuations.
Rich in vital elements like vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber, satiating meals improve physical well-being overall, strengthen immunity, and guard against chronic illnesses.
Sattvic foods are said to feed the body deeply and support the normal functioning of body systems, therefore promoting vigor, strength, and longevity.
What, then, are meals that are not vegetarian?
Foods classified as tamasic or rajasic are not regarded as sattvic. Meat, fish, and wine are examples of tamasic foods, which are sedatives, while rajasic meals are spicy, acidic, and stimulating foods.