Satvic food is one that can be digested easily and brings balance ton one's mind. It helps in building immunity and improving the healing response in those who are unwell. Satvic food all food closest to the natural form and includes milk, milk products, fruits, most fresh vegetable except garlic, onion, scallions, and chives.

While grain cereals like most lentils, sprouts and natural sweeteners like jaggery, honey are also included in Satvic diet. Also included in this category are the natural oils like ghee, butter and vegetable oils.

Satvic food is moderately cooked with few spices and less fat. Chillies and black pepper are not used in cooking. Common spices like turmeric, ginger, cinnamon, coriander, aniseed and cardamom are, however, used in Satvic cooking. Eating raw foods is not considered Satvic as they harbour a lot of parasites and microbes. According to ayurveda, raw foods are known to weaken the digestive system and reduce ojas, which is synonymous with vital energy also known as prana. Prana is also known as `Chi' (and `Q1') or `jing'. Simplified, it means the life force.

The proper functioning of the mind and spiritual development depend on ojas. A person who follows the Satvic food habits is known to possess a clear mind, is balanced, moderate in habits and focused. One usually avoids intoxicants like alcohol, stimulants like tea, coffee, tobacco and non-vegetarian food. A Satvic person is also supposed to be spiritually aware.

Rajasic food is one that is fresh but heavy to digest. Those who indulge in heavy physical activity should eat such food. This includes non-vegetarian food like meat, fish eggs, chicken, all whole pulses and dals, which are not sprouted. Food prepared from sour, salty, spicy ingredients increase Rajasic qualities. Hot spices like chilies, pepper, vegetables, including onions and garlic, are all included under this category.

Rajastic food is cooked fresh and is of high quality and nutrient density. It also contains more spices and oil than Satvic cooking.

This kind of food is known to make a person long for sensual stimulation. He is usually aggressive in nature in a positive way and is an energetic disposition. He is interested in power, prestige, position and prosperity. But he is in control of his life and not obsessed by the power and position. A Rajasic personality loves to enjoy life.

Tamasic food includes all kinds that are not fresh and are unnatural, overcooked, stale and processed. All foods made from refined flour, pastries, pizzas, burgers, chocolates, soft drinks, stimulants like tea, coffee, tobacco, intoxicants like alcohol and wines fall under the Tamasic category. Even canned and preserved foods like jams, jellies, pickles and fermented food come under this group. Fried foods, sweets made from sugar, ice creams, pudding and most modern day junk foods, spicy, salty, sweet, and fatty foods are also included in this list.

Tamas means darkness, implying stagnation in a person and degeneration in health. The Tamasic personality suffers from intense mood swings, insecurities, desires, cravings and is unable to deal with others in a balanced manner. They have little regard for the welfare of others and tend to be very self-centered. Their nervous systems and heart do not function optimally; such individuals age very fast and usually suffer from degenerative conditions like cancer, heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, chronic fatigue etc.

Tamasic people usually lead a sedentary lifestyle and enjoy packaged and processed foods, which are rich in calories. They have no control over their appetites and indulge in mindless eating. Such individuals would benefit from switching from a Tamasic diet to a Satvic one.