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Psychological Effects of Food - Sattva, Rajas, and Tamas Written by John Joseph Immel, Asheville, NC

Sattva

Sattvic foods promote spiritual growth. They nourish the body without taxing the digestive tract. Examples of sattvic foods include ghee, milk, almonds, rice, dates and saffron. Sattvic foods do not stimulate desire or nervous energy. They create clarity instead of drowsiness or heaviness.

Rajas

Rajasic foods stimulate desire or nervous energy. Red meat, high protein food, garlic and onions stimulate desire. Chili peppers, coffee, and cocaine stimulate movement.

Tamas

Tamasic foods create drowsiness, cloudiness, and heaviness. Examples are fermented or putrid foods including alcohol. Beef, prok, garlic, onion also create heaviness.