​How Some Foods Influence Human Character

Traditionally, yoga divides food into three major categories corresponding with the three qualities, or gunas of nature (Prakriti). The three gunas are: Tamas, Rajas and Sattwa. These three types of energy are present in food as well. Consequently, as we consume certain foods, they influence our personality in distinctive ways, making us either balanced or imbalanced.
 
Each of the types of food has a related state of consciousness:

• Gross  Tamasic
• Intermediate Rajasic
• Spiritual  Sattvic

 
Tamasic food promotes apathy and inactivity. This diet includes:

•  Anything stale
• Anything processed, packaged, frozen or preserved
• Over processed or canned food
• Fermented foods like aged cheeses
• Chemical-filled foods
• Alcohol
• Any sources of caffeine

Those foods should be avoided, as Tamasic food deprives your body of nutrition and energy, and makes you feel tired.
 
Rajasic food promotes agitation, excessive energy, and discontentment. This diet includes:

• All meat, fish and eggs
• Most strong spices
• Caffeine drinks

Those foods should be avoided, or limited.
 
Sattvic food promotes health, vitality, strength, and tranquility. This diet includes:

• Fresh, unprocessed, organic fruits
• Vegetables and grains
• Close to their natural state
• Free of additives, preservatives and other chemicals
• Nuts and seeds (especially almonds and sesame seeds)
• Dried peas, beans and lentils
• Honey
• Milk and its products, including butter

These foods should constitute the yogic diet. Sattvic foods are those that help balance the body and mind, making us feel peaceful and energised.

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