Studies suggest that people who are on a vegetarian diet or those of us who eat a diet full of fruits and veggies can reduce the risk of developing certain types of cancer. Furthermore, there is also evidence that vegetarians have a lower chance of cancer than non-vegetarians.
This is why adopting a more vegetarian diet will be a fantastic entry into experiencing better health. For instance, a vegetarian diet is associated with higher consumption of a lot of fiber, folic acid, vitamins C and E, magnesium, unsaturated fat, and countless phytochemicals. And we all know all these nutrients are not only good for our bodies, but for our skin’s beauty as well.
And this is why vegetarians have lower cholesterol, have a healthy weight, have lower blood pressure, and have reduced risk of heart disease.
So, with this in mind, I had a chat with some folks over at Govinda’s Vegetarian restaurant. By the way, if you are living on this side of the Sahara, you should know this is the only restaurant in Dubai that serves Sattvic style food. This means food without garlic and onion! Actually, I never knew you could eat/cook food sans onions; but here I am telling you about it.
Anyway, there are also lots of vegetarian restaurants and eateries that offer healthy food but not really Sattvic. So the folk at Govinda’s decided to make it their mission to introduce people like you and me living in the UAE to a Sattvic diet and all its benefits.
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Introducing People to Vegetarian Diet
According to one Manisha Advani, the Executive Chef at Govinda’s, the restaurant has begun a health campaign and are introducing more people to a vegetarian diet. “Food is an integral source of energy for both the body and mind. In addition, consumption of properly balanced wholesome meals has a direct effect on the vitality of the human body and mind. And a yogic diet should ideally follow a pure food (Sattvic) diet.”
Thali Food
Stepping away from the Sattvic diet for a moment, this ‘pure’ restaurant has also crafted a special Thali menu. Manisha explains that this is food designed to cater to people watching their calorie intake or are diagnosed with diabetes. A ‘Thali’, she notes, is typically served on a round plate, with small bowls including vegetables, curries, and curd lining the periphery. In the center of the plate is a place for rice, chutneys, and salads.
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Oil-Free Option
And if Sattvic and Thali do not entice you to join in on the table, there is also what she calls the ‘oil-free’ option. This is one of a kind with regards to Indian cuisine, which gives the eatery another healthy twist. But all these aside, the focus remains on promoting good health through eating the right food and enjoying a wholesome meal.
The Perks of a Vegetarian Diet
All in all, a vegetarian diet, which is naturally low in saturated fat, high in fiber, and replete with cancer-protective phytochemicals – helps to prevent cancer. Consuming Sattvic food has the ability to alter the body chemistry, and revive and rejuvenate the digestive system. Furthermore, suitable and nutritious Sattvic food is known to provide lightness, happiness, and joy to the human body in addition to an increase in intelligence – now this is enough reason for me to cut down on the onions. And for these reasons, one should be very mindful about the types, quality and quantity of food consumed.
Remember, you are what you eat, and eating healthy, even if it’s not a 100% vegetarian diet, is good enough.
About the Author
- Esther Lackie
- Aesthetics enthusiast, in love with running; marketing and PR pro during the day, an amateur chef and wine taster behind closed doors.
