The food we eat daily has direct effect on our mind. Nutrition influences our overall health. Yet, we are ignorant about the connection between what we eat and how it influences functioning of our body and mind. Key to a healthy brain is good food, more specifically vitamins. Nourishing food actually helps you learn things faster and react more quickly. Healthy food is great for school children as they need to be more alert and active because there are new skills to be learnt every day.

Studies have shown how a lack of vitamins in the diet can alter the size of brain cells and the growth of neurotransmitters, the brain’s communication network, resulting in depressive mood and pessimistic outlook in life. Vitamin B complex, for example affects the cognitive processes of the brain. Vitamins are abundantly found in fruits and vegetables. Eating lot of fruits, vegetables, nuts, sprouts, honey result in healthy mind in a healthy body.

Saturated fats interfere with the brain’s efficiency. Saturated fats injure brain cells and hamper the ability of neurotransmitters to carry messages, and if you really want to help your brain, there’s nothing like a good healthy diet. Many studies have shown that antioxidants such as vitamins A, E and C reduce the cell damage in the brain caused by free radicals. Vitamins from natural sources such as carrots, broccoli, nuts, and green leafy vegetables are extremely good for the body. Anthocyanins found in strawberries, grapes, red cabbage and plums protect the neurons ability to respond the chemical messages. They also prevent the formation of blood clots, which keeps the brain supplied with ample amounts of oxygenated blood. 20 percent of oxygenated blood from the heart goes to the brain. Lack of blood can cause forgetfulness resulting in anger and depression.

According the Bhagvad Gita, mind is made of the subtle particles of the food we eat (Jaisa ann vaisa mann) Wrong food, which includes mind altering alcohol, tobacco, caffeine and junk food eaten with preservatives and chemicals can cause long term harms. A deranged and polluted mind is a breeding ground for hatred, anger, jealousy competition, violence, crime in personal life and is responsible for wars among nations. Foods are distinguished by three categories as per Hindu books:
1. Sattvic(Foods that are conducive to longevity, strength and purity of mind and body),
2.  Rajasic(Such foods create jealousy, anger, delusion, fantasies, ego and non religious feelings.) and
3. Tamasic.(They increase ignorance, pessimism, greed and laziness.)

Satvic foods are fresh, light, juicy, sweet and nourishing. It enhances energy of the mind and produces cheerfulness and mental clarity. Milk, ghee, butter, fresh fruits, whole grain cereals, pulses etc are sattvic foods.

Rajasic foods are sour, bitter, salty, pungent and hot. Condiments, non vegetarian foods, fried foods, sweets, tea, coffee etc are rajasic foods.

Tamsic foods are stale, dry, bad smelling and unpalatable. Processed, canned or frozen foods,
Onions, tobacco and non vegetarian foods are tamasic in nature.