Yogic Diet for Those Suffering from Heart Disease

Under the Yogic system, diets are classified as Satvik, Rajsik and Tamasik. The Satvik diet is best suited for people suffering from coronary heart diseases. The Satvik diet consists of cereals, pulses (dhal), fruits and vegetables. Milk and yoghurt are also part of the diet but consumed in minimum amounts. The use of soya milk is encouraged. The diet should be fat-free and have no bad cholesterol. Consumption of white sugar and salt should be minimized. Coffee and other caffeinated beverages are not included in the diet and should be abstained from as much as possible.

Typical Satvik Diet:

Breakfast: Breakfast consists of fruits, bowl of cereals with milk (preferably cow's milk) mixed with a teaspoon of pure honey, a cup of sprouted pulses and a cup of green tea.

Lunch: Lunch consist of Rotis made of whole wheat or whole wheat bread slices, a bowl of cooked vegetables, dhal (cooked pulses), green salad, vegetable soup and a cup of fresh buttermilk seasoned with coriander and dry ginger.

Afternoon: Fruits with herbal tea.

Dinner: A bowl of Khichdi( Brown rice cooked with pulses and vegetables), boiled leafy vegetables, a cup of kokum curry , sprouted and steamed gram such as chickpea, moong, beans, etc.

Before bed: A glass of Soya milk.

Along with this yogic diet, it is also recommended to practice Yogasanas like Suryanamaskaar, Tadasana, Shashankasana,, Ardha-matyendrasana, Bhujangasana, Pawan mukhtasana and besides these, Pranayama on daily basis. Total abstinence from alcohol is advised as also over-indulgence in sex.

With the combination of this Yogic diet, Yogasanas, daily exercise and the medications prescribed by your physician, you can keep the heart diseases at bay and live a long and healthy life.