Food and its influence on our mind, body and lives-what the ancestral text Gita speaks about it

It gives me great pleasure to place Vol 6 issue (1-4) of RJPS in front of esteemed readers. In this editorial I have tried to highlight the correlation between food and health aspects as described in Gita.

The influence of food on our mind, body and our lives is a well appreciated concept that is accepted all over the world. It is a well versed principle in Indian way of life which is widely accepted, acknowledged and imbibed.

Interestingly various religious texts speak about them at length with reference to type of food/dairy products to be consumed/not to be consumed, type of vegetables to be consumed/not to be consumed, right time of consumption/right season, seasonal variation in food, importance of fasting, etc. Our sages have explored its benefits to their fullest extent and have led a natural, healthy and long life with contentment. They had attained the coveted knowledge they longed for besides astrology, literature, arts, science, mathematics, engineering, weaponry, etc.

Let us look in to what the widely acclaimed text Gita spelled by Lord Sri Krsna reveals about food keeping in view not only the limitations of the length of editorial but laying stress on what is of concern to a health care professional i.e., sound body, sound mind and sound quality of life.

Lord Sri Krsna categorized the food into 3 categories Viz., Satvika, Rajasika and Tamasika. Even though they are Sanskrit terms, we can very well decipher them in modern day language. Satvika indicates the gentle and finer qualities/skills Viz., art, literature, nobility and other soft skills. This involves more activity on a mental plane compared to the physical plane. The food that is conducive to these activities has been described in the following verse (18:8).

This food promotes longevity, nobility, strength, health, happiness and cheerfulness. The foods that are juicy in nature, consistent like Ghee (clarified butter), staple in nature, naturally pleasing to tongue and sense perceptions are dear to people of Satvika disposition. This food is conducive to the stomach and gives comfort while eating as well after eating.

The word Rajasika indicates lavishness and this kind of food drives the subject more into worldly activities. This food can cause disturbance in health due to its spicy and pungent nature both while eating as well as after eating and can disturb the mental calm or makes one vulnerable for reaction after slight provocation.

These foods are (sometimes excessively) bitter, sour, salty, excessively hot, pungent, dry and thirst inducing (excessively roasted/deep fried), and cause agony, anguish, and diseases (17:9).

The Tamasika nature indicates high temperament, anger, revengeful attitude, temptation to indulge in socially unacceptable acts, and is not good for mind and body. Lord Krsna says, only the freshly cooked food has to be consumed within 3 hours after cooking (17:10). 

The food that has been cooked before 1 yama (1 yama = 3 hours), the food that was juicy when cooked and now has lost its juiciness or taste, foul smelling foods, stale foods, contaminated food and which is impure too falls in this category.

This is a broad classification of nature of subject and foods because, ‘Satvika’ may consume ‘Rajasika’ foods and vice versa and one may adopt any type of food, as all the principles of taste are needed for us but the quantity, consistently consuming it or inclination towards them makes the difference. A simple practical tip to test the concept is, if your guest feels that the food that you are eating regularly is less sour or less salty or the sweet is not sweet enough and adds more sugar indicates you are consuming ‘Satvika’ food and same is applicable when we visit other’s house/eatery, etc.

Shri Krsna says, one should strive to become a ‘yogi’ as a fruition of life and a productive person. He further cautions, one should not consume excessively (even if it is Satvika), one should not fast excessively too. Right food at right time of the day, in right quantity and disciplined lifestyle can make a person, a ‘yogi’. One should not sleep excessively and one should not remain awake excessively as they can create hindrance in the health status.

Yoga is neither for him who overeats and nor for him who doesn’t eat at all; it is neither for him who sleeps too much, and nor for him who remains ceaselessly awake (6:16).

The yogi who has regulated the diet, regulated recreation, regulated in performing actions, regulated in sleep and wakefulness-will rid off from all the woes (6:17).

Shri Krsna glorifies the ‘Satvika’ quality and its benefits. The Satva (Satvika) quality drives one to joy; the Rajasika quality compels one into action (mundane), and the Tamasika quality causes clouding of wisdom, incites folly, sleep and laziness (14:9).

Sarve janah sukhino bhavantu.