What is a Rajasic Diet? Is it Good for Us?

Like we mentioned before, the food that we eat has a lot of say in how we feel and how we think - basically our mood, our thoughts and even our actions! While Sattvik foods are right at the top of the hierarchy thanks to all the benefits that they offer to our body and mind, let's now discuss the foods that come second in command - the foods that are Rajasic in nature and increase the Rajas in us.

If you go through the post on the explanation of Rajas, you will know that it is something that is associated with activity, motion and movement. Not only does Rajas make the mind more active, but it also stimulates and activates various functions of the body, especially the nervous system.

But an overdose of Rajasic foods can lead to restlessness and an overactive mind that becomes selfish and manipulative. Aggravated Rajas can force the mind and the body to push above the capacity and capability, which can also lead to injury and distress. This can also result in making the person aggressive and bothered. So basically, following an intensive Rajasic diet can disrupt the balance between the body and the mind.

So what is the nature of Rajasic food?

• Foods those are too spicy.
• Foods those are too bitter.
• Foods those are too sour.
• Foods those are too pungent.
• Foods those are not as digestible as Sattvik foods.

So what food items fall under this category?

• Spices like chillies and pepper.
• Broccoli and cauliflower.
• Spinach.
• Onion and garlic.
• Tea and coffee.
• Alcohol and soda.
• Chocolates.
• Pickles.
• Refined sugar.
• Red meat, fish, shrimp and chicken.
• Lentils those are red in colour.
• Black and green gram.
• Chickpeas.
• Sour apples, bananas and guavas.

Ayurvedic experts recommend that Rajasic foods should be had once in a while - not too often. Ayurveda also recommends that this sort of food, which is a bit heavy on the body, should be eaten preferably during noon - when the Agni or the metabolic fire in the body is at its maximum.

If one eats Rajasic food during dinner then it can lead to indigestion, as it is a little harsh on the digestive system. When Sattvik food is fried or made heavy, then that also starts falling into the Rajasic category.

So what does Rajasic food do to the body?

It's not like one meal that is Rajasic in nature will change your Guna completely - it takes time. When people tend to eat too much Rajasic food or tend to follow a Rajasic diet because they like the taste, then their mind starts to reflect the quality of Rajas… which means that they become hyperactive and restless.

So what can be done?

One can always revert to a Sattvik diet to make the body and the mind feel lighter and better.

Are there any benefits of a Rajasic diet?

Yes, when Rajasic foods are had in moderation, then they can balance the Rajas in the mind. Some amount of Rajas is important to make sure that a person remains determined and goal-oriented. They make good leaders who succeed at the workplace as well.

So make sure you're having Rajasic foods in control, for this can allow you to have the power to be the master of your own mind!