SHORES UP YOUR HEALTHVegetarian diets are also a rich source of active constituents such as phytochemicals and carotenoids which have various health benefits," says Bhatte-Paralkar. Disease fighting phytochemicals such as carotenoids and anthocyanins give fruits and vegetables their rich, varied hues. The fruits and vegetables come in two main classes of active components: carotenoids and anthocyanins. Fruits and vegetables that are yellow or orange in colour, like carrots, oranges, sweet potatoes, mangoes, pumpkins, owe their colour to carotenoids. Green leafy vegetables are also rich in carotenoids. Red, blue and purple fruits and vegetables like plums, cherries, aubergines, red bell peppers, contain anthocyanins.ENCOURAGES COMPASSIONYou are what you eat. The types of food we choose to eat reflect the level of our conscious development.Food is said to be the creator of prana (life force) that aids in sustaining our bodies and brings us vitality and health. Yoga recommends a pure (ethical) vegetarian diet. Ayurveda classifies food not as proteins or carbohydrates and so on, but according to its effect on the body and mind. It classifies food based on three qualities or gunas that govern human life -sattva, rajas and tamas. While Tamasic food leads to lethargy or sluggishness, Rajasic food makes one active or restlessness and Sattvic food, comprising a health vegetarian fare, promotes lightness, energy and positivity. Dr Patel explains, "A vegetarian diet rich in milk and milk products facilitates in one, sattvaguna (a quality of love, awareness, deep connection and peace with all living beings) and helps maintain the harmony of the mind." Yoga expert, Lamya Arsiwala, adds, "Eating vegetarian food, preferably grown harmoniously with nature, promotes the concept of ahimsa (non-harming) and harnesses the prana shakti."If you are at an early stage of vegetarianism, you will notice a significant shift in your mood and emotions. "And if you're a yoga practitioner, you'll experience a general sense of lightness when moving on the mat," continues Arsiwala. "In yoga, we strive to find union and connectedness with the `source' and it starts with a sense of connectedness to your environment and the planet. As a yoga practitioner, one tries to be in union with all things. This also applies to the food you eat."For more stories, follow us on Twitter and Facebook