DIET
We are what we eat. Out of the food we consume, our body manufactures everything required for survival. Our food is not only concerned with physical growth, but it profoundly affects our mind. We depend on the food we eat for prana too. This vital energy plays a crucial role in maintaining homeostasis, for us to enjoy optimum health.
The aim in planning a proper balanced diet is to provide the body with maximum energy for strength, protection and longevity. It should also provide us with mental strength and spiritual energy. We should only choose such food that keeps the body healthy and light, the mind calm, alert and pure, and enhance our immune system.
A proper diet should cater for body and mind efficiency through such food that will provide us with an abundance of prana. Natural fresh foods contain by far the maximum of prana. Fruits, vegetables, seeds, nuts and grains are those that will bring us the most prana, besides other essential nutrients.
The physiological meaning of food is assimilation of energy from the sun. The sun supplies energy to all life on earth. Solar energy is full of prana. By eating fruits and vegetables we ensure ourselves of direct sun energy in them. Plants grow by taking in energy direct from the sun. Herbivorous animals feed on plants. Carnivorous animals prey on the latter. As we move higher in the food chain, the lesser the prana there is. Animal flesh is a secondary source of prana.
Balanced diet cautions us to moderate our intake of food, whether in terms of size or number of meals. Rather than taking a few heavy meals we should take light meals more often. We should adjust our food according to our health needs. Whatever existing excess, should be eliminated gradually. The yogic method recommends one to proceed in a slow systematic manner. One should not try to drastically alter anything. Any sudden cut may cause an imbalance because the body cannot readjust fast enough. It may cause unnecessary stress to the system.
Many diseases are caused by irregularity of meals, overeating or taking unwholesome food. We should develop the habit of eating only when hungry, at set times. We should not stuff ourselves but rather end a meal with a feeling of some empty space in our stomach. Sometimes stress, some mental or bodily upset incite us to nibble at anything we can lay hands upon, a way to bridge over the gnawing hollowness. There is no enjoyment. It is mechanical. Worse, we are not even aware how much stuff has been ingested. It is certainly a bad habit. The earlier we put an end to it, the better.
Food plays a vital part in keeping up perfect health. The best choice is to take food that is nutritious, filling and easily digested. We should choose such food that in small amount offers the best nutrient. They are fast digested and assimilated using the minimum energy. Too much energy wasted in digestion will leave less for the other functions of the body. Overeating will produce a feeling of lethargy. Simple meals do not excite or over stimulate either our body or mind. There is easier digestion and assimilation.
A proper and balanced diet consists of adequate supply of proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, minerals, trace elements, water and roughage. Fruits and vegetables, preferably raw or half cooked, whole grains, nuts, germinated seeds, dairy products, honey, dry fruits are among the best. Vegetables should never be overcooked as they lose most of their nutritive value. Fruits should be eaten fresh and as far as possible, raw.
Because of the rise in environmental pollution, we all need a diet rich in antioxidants to neutralize all the toxins present in the environment. Vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, and nuts are of prime importance because of their high antioxidant content. Certain complex antioxidants like flavonoids are only present in vegetables and plants. Eating a variety of fruits and vegetables will protect us and help us fight the adverse effects of modern life. Recent research has shown that vegetarians enjoy better health than non vegetarians.
Proteins from nuts, dairy products and legumes are generally of a healthier quality. Mixed pulses make an excellent source of proteins. Whole wheat flour, rice, barley, milk, sugar, honey are good staple foods. White flour, highly processed, has fewer nutrients. It may be mixed with gram flour, whole wheat flour, oats or semolina.
A surplus of proteins, carbohydrates and fats are risk factors for disease. Modern busy lifestyles makes many turn to fast foods which usually contain these in excess. This explains the epidemic of non communicable diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, cardiac problems etc. Recent research has shown that communities who are giving up traditional eating habits and relinquishing homemade food for fast food are increasingly at risk of so called ‘life style’ diseases. Non communicable diseases are fast growing in these communities as diet habits are changing.
Food should be freshly cooked, not stale nor re-warmed. Commercially prepared food from restaurants, hotels, take away, junk or fast food usually cause disease. The food may be stale or polluted. Food sold in the open, by the roadside, collect dirt and dust and is exposed to flies and pests. Many illnesses result from buying impure food from the market.
One should shun exciting food such that are highly spiced, sharp, sour, pungent; hot foods, like mustard, liquors, fish and meat. One should avoid any artificial stimulants, alcoholic drinks, excess of salt and acid or anything difficult to digest. Excessive coffee drinking is a serious hazard to health and may give rise to nervous problems.
A sound mind in a sound body is man’s greatest wealth. Food has great influence not only over our physical well being, but also over our thoughts, our emotional and spiritual well being. A poor unbalanced diet weakens the body and adversely affects the mind through lack of prana. Wholesome and nourishing food with an abundance of prana is essential to maintain health, vigour, strength and vitality. One should eat to live a long life, rather than live to eat one’s life away!