Many of us perceive yoga as a mere physical exercise that helps people to stay fit and active. However, the truth is there is so much more to the practice; in fact, yoga is the universal path to Health and happiness. The ancient practice of yoga is a profound unification of diverse holistic approaches that include several postures, movements, meditation, breathing techniques as well as the right kind of diet yogis follow to enhance the overall practice.

We all are well aware that our diet is as vital as the physical activities we perform on a regular basis to stay active and fit. Similarly, most yogis follow a specific lifestyle that incorporates certain habits, foods, and disciplines that help boost and nurture their yogic life and practice. In truth, yogis are extremely particular about their Food habits and ensure they do not consume anything that tampers with their lifestyle and practice.

Philosophy

Yogis usually follow the philosophy of Sattva, which means purity, harmony, and balance in Sanskrit. So people who seriously practice yoga consume only Sattvic foods, which include vegetables, fruits, dairy products, legumes, nuts, seeds, sprouts, herbal tea and whole grains. Yogis believe Sattvic diet is the purest as it calms the mind and senses helping one to stay more grounded and balanced in life. This particular diet has been tried and tested by many yogis as well as non- yogis and they have found it to be a highly effective diet to stay healthy, fit as well as happy. Moreover, yogis avoid Rajasic foods, which are hot, spicy, bitter and flavourful foods as well as tamasic foods including meat, onions, garlic, alcohol and fermented foods as they believe these foods bring about negative emotions such as anger, lust, fear and distraction.

So whether you are a yogi or a non-yogi these foods are sure to lead you to true health and wellness. Check out ten super-healthy Foods Yogis Eat for lasting health and happiness:

1. Green Leafy Vegetables

Vegetables especially green leafy such as kale, mustard, lettuce etc. are always recommended by all Nutrition and Diet experts as well as doctors as these plant foods are loaded with vitamins, iron, fiber, calcium and antioxidants. Green vegetables are also easy to digest and help reduce the risk of several diseases like cancer, diabetes, obesity, heart-related problems and hypertension. Eating greens on a daily basis will help boost your immune system, metabolism and energy level. You will also notice your mind becoming calmer and clearer once you start to incorporate greens into your daily diet.

2. Lentils

Lentils are great sources of protein, iron and fiber. They are also low in calories and help reduce cholesterol levels. They are also high in folate and magnesium. Lentils promote heart health as well as help boost the immune system. Some common examples of lentils are chickpeas, peas, kidney beans, mung beans and so on.

3. Fresh Fruits

All fruits including pineapple, apple, watermelon, grapes and many others are extremely beneficial for our body. They are excellent sources of vitamin C, potassium, fiber and folate. Fruits are also rich in antioxidants and contain natural sugars  Eating fruits daily will help you maintain your health as well as prevent diseases such as cancer, diabetes, heart diseases, skin disorders and chronic illness. Following a fruit-diet will also help you lose weight faster and relieve stress and anxiety.

4. Nuts and Seeds

Nuts and Seeds including walnuts, hazelnuts, almonds, pistachios, cashew nuts etc. are important foods that are vital to maintaining our overall health. They are loaded with lots of vitamins, minerals and healthy fats. They also serve as healthy snacks which you can nosh on whenever you feel hungry between meals. Incorporating nuts and seeds into your diet will help reduce the risk of coronary artery disease. They are also rich in dietary fiber, which will help you maintain a healthy digestive system. Eating nuts and seeds regularly will help promote brain health, nourish blood circulation and reduce inflammation.

5. Tofu

Tofu is a soybean product which is highly rich in protein and contains all nine essential amino acids. Tofus are also great sources of copper, zinc, iron, magnesium, selenium, phosphorus and vitamin b1. Eating tofu frequently will help reduce the risk of heart diseases and osteoporosis, promote kidney health and lower cholesterol levels.

6. Yogurt

Yogurt is an extremely healthy dairy-product that has several health benefits. It is an excellent source of protein and is rich in calcium as well. It contains probiotics, which are healthy bacteria that help improve health. Consuming yogurt frequently helps boost the immune system, control blood pressure, aid weightless and promote bone health.

7. Rainbow-diet

Vegetables come in diverse colors for example carrots are orangish red, beetroots are purplish red while radishes are white and eggplants are deep purple. These vibrant veggies are packed with a powerful punch of vital nutrients such as protein, minerals, carbohydrates, healthy fats, vitamins and water. They are also good sources of fiber and antioxidants. The different colours in vegetables contain varied nutrients. So having a rainbow diet on a regular basis will ensure you get enough different nutrients that are essential to your body.

8. Whole grains

Whole grains contain a lot of dietary fiber that helps aid digestion reducing constipation and encouraging regular bowel movements. It is also rich in protein, vitamins, minerals and a variety of phytochemicals that are essential to the body.  Adopting a healthy diet that includes whole grains will help control cholesterol levels, lower blood pressure, control weight, fight inflammation, reduce cancer risk and may help you to live longer.

9. Honey

Honey is rich in antioxidants and contains flavonoids. Hon is traditionally used in Ayurvedic health care, which dates back thousands of years.  It is used to treat and prevent certain health problems. Consuming the right amount of honey regularly will help boost memory, nourish skin and face, aid weight loss, strengthen the immune system, and lower blood sugar. It also acts as a natural remedy for coughs and colds as well as helps prevent cancers, heart diseases, ulcers and other gastrointestinal disorders

10. Lemon and Water

Drinking lemon and water in empty stomach every morning is a very common health hack for many to heal and prevent them from several health issues. Lemon is rich in vitamin C, which is extremely important for our body. Consuming this natural tonic will help aid weight loss, improve skin quality, promote hydration, maintain digestive health and prevent kidney stones.

Related Article: 10 Ayurveda Healing Foods That Can Help You Look Younger

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