An old way of eating is gaining popularity among Indians. Taking a cue from Lord Krishna’s expostulations in the Hindu religious text, the Bhagavad Gita, its promises are great. Yoga teachers and alternative medicine practitioners claim that it can improve mental and physical health, boost immunity and promote longevity.
“The foods that promote longevity, virtue, strength, health, happiness, and joy are juicy, smooth, substantial, and nutritious. Persons in the mode of goodness like such foods. (Bhagavad Gita 17:8)
“Food that enhances longevity, mind, strength, health, happiness and joy, that which is juicy, oily, stable and pleasant, is dear to one who is satvic.”
It follows a rigid set of rules and regulations that even strictly vegetarian grandmothers can find a little restrictive—but many of its followers are younger millennials. There are scores of people who swear that it has changed lives, led to jaw-dropping weight loss, and singlehandedly reversed diseases like diabetes, psoriasis, and thyroid disorders in just months.
While much of this evidence is anecdotal, satvic eating is light on the stomach. It promotes whole, fresh, seasonal, nutrient-dense, and fiber-rich foods, forbids fried foods, stimulants like caffeine, and white sugar — all great rules to follow. When followed diligently, it truly brings out the flavors and vibrance of vegetables — if only one is alright with skipping meat.
