Every food brings with it karmic reactions. When we offer food to God, the food becomes sanctified and becomes “prasad”, which literally means the mercy of God.
In Chandogya Upanishad 7.26.2, it is stated:
“Ahara suddhau sattva-suddhih, sattva-suddhau dhruva smrtih,
smrti-lambhe sarva-granthinam vipra-moksah.“
It means: “From purity of food comes purity of mind, from purity of mind comes constant memory. From constant remembrance, one becomes free from all knots – one becomes liberated.”
In Bhagavad Gita, Chapter 3 (Karma-yoga), Verse 13, it is stated:
“yajna-sistasinah santo, mucyante sarva-kilbisaih
bhunjate te tv agham papa, ye pacanty atma-karanat.”
It means: “Virtuous people are released from all kinds of sins, because they eat food which is offered first for sacrifice to God. Others, who prepare food for personal sense enjoyment, verily eat only sin.”
As per Ayurveda and Yoga, there are three types of foods [Ref: Bhagavad Gita, Chapter 17, Verses 8-10].
- Saattwik, i.e., in the mode of goodness: they are nourishing, fresh, tasty and full of prana (energy). They increase the duration of life, purify one’s existence and give strength, health, happiness and satisfaction. Examples: milk, fruits, nuts, grains, and freshly cooked vegetarian food without onion and garlic.
- Raajasik, i.e, in the mode of passion: foods that are too bitter, too sour, salty, pungent, dry and hot. They appear good and tasty when consumed, but in the long run cause pain, distress, and disease. Examples: foods cooked with excessive spice, onion and garlic.
- Taamasik, i.e., in the mode of ignorance: foods that are cooked more than three hours before being eaten, and foods that are poisonous to the human system, that are stale, putrid, decomposed and unclean. Examples: intoxicants (alcohol, tea, coffee, opium etc.), meat, fish, eggs, seafood etc. (according to some texts, non-vegetarian foods are both Raajasik and Taamasik).
We can offer only Saattwik food to God. After offering, it becomes further sanctified. This is called Prasad, the “Mercy” of God.