What is sāttvic, rājasic and tāmasic food?

the Gītā sorts food by its effect on body and mind — sāttvic is fresh and calming, rājasic is sharp and stimulating, tāmasic is stale and dulling.

In the Bhagavad Gītā (17.8–10) Kṛṣṇa describes three kinds of food according to the three guṇas. Sāttvic food promotes life, strength, health and cheerfulness; it is fresh, juicy, wholesome and pleasing. Rājasic food is too bitter, sour, salty, hot, pungent or dry, and brings restlessness and discomfort. Tāmasic food is stale, tasteless, left over for long or impure, and makes one dull.

In practice, a sāttvic diet usually means freshly cooked grains, vegetables, fruit, milk, ghee and moderate spices, eaten in a calm mood. Many households and spiritual practitioners also count onion, garlic, meat, alcohol and very spicy or fried food as rājasic or tāmasic.

The teaching is about awareness, not guilt: notice how food affects your mind, eat fresh and in moderation, and offer it to God first.

Source: Bhagavad Gītā 17.8–10 · Sattva · Rajas · Tamas

Dharma Q&A — worship at home · Ask a Jyotishi your own question