The coronavirus pandemic is a global pandemic that the world is currently suffering from. While the world is still grappling with the imminent dangers posed by the coronavirus to humanity, we are going to talk about the importance of following a sattvic food regimen during this pandemic. A sattvic diet is a wholesome diet based on ayurvedic culture, which focuses on improving mental health, physical health, and promoting longevity.
According to the sattvic diet, foods that decrease the energy of our body are known as ‘tamasic‘, while foods that increase the energy of our body are known as ‘rajasic.’ The diet we eat plays a crucial role in maintaining our overall health. We can’t build a vaccine for the coronavirus, but we sure can protect ourselves by building our immunity. So if you too want to take the healthier road, and boost your immunity, then the sattvic diet is consummate for you!
What are Sattvic Foods?
Indian diet typically consists of three kinds of food regimens; rajasic, tamasic, and sattvic. Rajasic foods such as fish, spicy pickles, chutneys, etc. are overstimulating, and can irritate your body lining. This kind of diet will make your mind more agitated. The second kind of diet is the ‘tamasic diet’. Tamasic foods such as cheese, beef, pork, etc. are heavy and depressing in mature. This kind of diet can suppress your nervous system. Last but not the least, is the sattvic diet, which has got the best of both worlds!
Sattvic foods are super light and breezy and can be digested easily. A sattvic diet is the best source of superfoods in India. It is a low carb and high fiber vegetarian diet, that is followed by yoga enthusiasts all over the world! The word ‘sattvic‘ literally means ‘pure essence’. This kind of diet detoxifies your body and leaves you feeling more energized and calm. It generates a feeling of mental clarity, happiness, and calmness within you. A sattvic diet consists of food items such as fresh fruits like mango, pomegranate, fish, coconut, peaches, organic milk, mung dal, fresh creamy yogurt, etc.
5 Sattvic Foods that Can Boost Your Immunity:
1. Ghee
Ghee is something that we’ve all grown up eating. Remember how our grandma used to dump a dollop of ghee on our paratha? Remember that inebriating aroma of halwa with ghee floating on top of it? Ah, those were the memories! But now it’s time to overcome your ‘ghee nostalgia’ in a healthy way! Ghee is basically clarified butter enriched with essential nutrients.
So there’s no reason to shy away from it! You’d be surprised to know, that ghee is one of the healthiest fats that you can include in your diet. Ghee is packed with essential vitamins like vitamin A, B, D, and K. It is also rich in antioxidants, which prevent oxygen stress in your body from damaging healthy cells. It is anti-inflammatory in nature and prevents toxins from building up in your body. If you’re suffering from cold, then try a magical concoction of lukewarm ghee, rock sugar, and jaggery. This is a popular ayurvedic concoction that will surely relieve your sinuses.
2. Barley
The importance of including whole grains in your daily diet is not unknown. A sattvic diet lays special emphasis on the consumption of whole sprouted grains. One such grain is barley. This versatile little grain has a chewy texture and a slightly nutty flavor that can complement any dish that you have in mind. Barley is packed with a class of antioxidants known as ‘lignans’, which reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases and cancer.
It is also a rich source of fibers, copper, vitamin B1, chromium, Niacin, magnesium, phosphorus, and manganese. Barley is loaded with a mineral named Selenium, which will improve the elasticity of your skin and give you that healthy glow! An added benefit of eating barley is, that it aids in weight loss, and helps you stay full for a longer period of time. Now, who doesn’t want food to be their personal gym trainer! Am I right ladies?
3. Dry fruits and Nuts
Who doesn’t love munching on these crunchy goodies? Dry fruits such as walnuts, dates, almonds, pistachios, etc. are rife with vitamins and minerals. Nuts are enriched with vitamin E, which helps your immune system to ward off bacteria, and is especially useful to fight cold. They’re also rich in dietary fiber, and oils which keep you looking young forever! Mix your favorite nuts in your salads, or munch on them during snack time! Who knew staying healthy could taste this good!
4. Honey
Having a sweet tooth can be a curse for your body. Processed sugar not only helps you gain weight but also harms your immune system by causing inflammation in your body. But not anymore! According to Ayurveda, honey helps purify your blood, and prevent anemia. It is also anti-inflammatory in nature and helps your immune system stay healthy.
It is rich in antioxidants, and is also antibacterial in nature thereby, helping your body to ward off infections. So switch your daily dose of processed sugar with honey, and feel the difference in your body! But beware to not consume more than 2 tablespoons of honey a day if that’s the ONLY sugar you’re consuming!
5. Amla
Indian gooseberry or Amla is your perfect health partner. Amla is enriched with vitamin C which is a potent immunity stimulator. Patients who are suffering from coronavirus are advised to intake their daily dose of Vitamin C so as to boost their immune system. It’s also enriched with dietary fibers which aid in digestion and weight loss. Its anti-inflammatory property protects your immune system and promotes longevity.
Amla is loaded with an essential mineral named chromium which reduces your risk of heart diseases. It’s antibacterial in nature and is rich in antioxidants which prevent free radicals from inflicting harm to your body. Amla might not taste great, but its taste is indubitably tempered by its nutritional qualities.
As living with coronavirus becomes the ‘new normal’, it is important to change our perception of our health. Following a sattvic diet can help safeguard you and your family against the coronavirus by building a healthier immune system. So let’s be more health-conscious and defeat the coronavirus pandemic together!
