Energetic Properties
of the food we eat.
The concept of pranic food is based on the ancient Indian yogic diet, consisting of consuming foods to nurture the mind, body, soul, and even the energy field beyond our physical body.
To understand how these foods function within the body, it's essential to understand what Prana is.
The Sanskrit word Prana is "Life Force" or "Vital Energy." It is the essence of life and the universe, regulating conscious and unconscious bodily functions like breathing, digestion, and healing. While invisible and intangible, this subtle energy flows through us—vital for keeping the body alive and healthy.
Prana comes from the food we eat, the air we breathe, and the energies of the earth and heavens. The Chinese refer to this energy as Chi. The Japanese call it Ki, as in Reiki.
Pranic foods are classified into positive, negative, and neutral categories based on how they affect our vital energy. Ayurveda recommends cooking foods without overcooking to preserve this precious energy.
Here are some examples of positive pranic foods.
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Honey, coconut, milk, yogurt, and ghee; organic, cruelty-free, grass-fed, and hormone-free.
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Gluten-free whole grains like rice, buckwheat, barley, millet, and oats.
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Nuts, seeds, and oils like almonds, walnuts, sunflower seeds, and chia.
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Fruits, vegetables, and berries: vibrant in color, seasonal, and organic.
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Legumes like mung beans, lentils, chickpeas, and beans.
Incorporating these foods into a balanced daily diet, particularly a whole food plant-based diet, offers numerous health benefits, including weight management, lower cholesterol, reduced hypertension risk, and decreased chances of Type 2 diabetes.
A healthy diet fuels the body, calms the mind, and opens pathways for spiritual growth.
Understanding our foods' energetic properties helps us make better choices and improve our nutritional habits.
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I thought I would start featuring a book of the month as part of my Connections newsletter. My personal must-have on my wellness bookshelf.
As always, I graciously welcome your thoughts and ideas since this content is for you, my friend.
Here is my top pick for February!
Everyday Ayurveda Cooking by Kate O'Donnell
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