Unhealthy Food: 5 Types Of Food Ayurvedic Experts Would Never Eat

• 1. Junk Food
• 2. Artificial sweeteners
• 3. Meat
• 4. Frozen & Stale Meals
• 5. Alcohol & Carbonated Drinks

In Ayurveda, the ancient science of life, healthy food is considered medicine while unhealthy food is poison. Eating unhealthy food causes imbalances in the elements that make us: earth, water, air, ether, and fire. This leads to further imbalance of the Vata, Pitta, and Kapha doshas (humours) – ultimately causing mental as well as physical illness. Our easy unhealthy food list tells you what foods to avoid, and why.

Sattva, Rajas, And Tamas

Ayurveda classifies food into three categories, namely satvik, rajasic, and tamasic. Of these satvik is the healthiest and rajasic can be eaten in moderate amounts. Tamasic food is the worst and is therefore best left untouched. Tamasic food increases negative emotions like anger and sadness, while reducing strength, clarity, and life force energy. A diet dominated by such food leads to a life of disease. This list contains the 5 worst kinds of tamasic food.

Unhealthy Food List: 5 Types Ayurvedic Experts Never Eat

1. Junk Food

What is junk food? Anything with very little nutrients like vitamins and minerals but high amounts of sugar, sodium, artificial additives, and trans fat. Junk food classifies as tamasic in Ayurveda. Such foods cause a range of diseases like obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, and cholesterol. Examples of junk food are: pop corn, doughtnuts, burgers, hot dogs, and fried chicken.

2. Artificial sweeteners

The worst foods to eat contain loads of artificial sweeteners. They the immune system, increase inflammation, mess with hormonal balance, and put you at risk of diseases like cancer and diabetes. Examples are white sugar, aspartame, high fructose corn syrup, and sucralose. But there are healthier alternatives to white sugar you can choose from.

3. Meat

As per Ayurveda, meat is generally among the unhealthy foods to avoid. It has tamasic qualities – meaning it disturbs the purity of the mind. It also contains loads of saturated fat and cholesterol. This means meat increases your chances of problems like cholesterol, weight gain, heart attacks, and diabetes. Meat also disturbs the acid-alkaline balance of the body since it’s quite acidic. Moreover, modern-day meat is packed with unhealthy hormones and has harmful bacteria. If you still choose to eat meat, make sure it’s organic.

4. Frozen & Stale Meals

Last on our unhealthy foods list is stale food. Frozen meals are considered stale in Ayurveda. While they are super-convenient, they’re not worth the health risk! These foods generally have oodles of trans fats, sodium, and chemicals like xanthan gum. You’d benefit much more from eating fresh fruits and a handful of nuts. In general, it’s good to avoid food that is canned, frozen, or left over from the previous night.

5. Alcohol & Carbonated Drinks

Alcohol and carbonated beverages are among the top foods to avoid. It is the complete opposite of satvik food – it depletes life energy, has depressive effects on the mind, and damages the organs. Carbonated drinks like sodas and energy drinks do you no good either! They’re packed with artificial ingredients. Instead, drink herbal teas and fresh fruit juices.

Note: Posts on Ayurvedum are solely for the purpose of sharing the goodness of Ayurveda and bringing awareness about natural and healthy living. Please do not substitute it for professional medical advice. Ingredients discussed can interfere with certain medications. So, before using anything to treat yourself, always consult an Ayurveda doctor or practitioner.