What Is the Rastafarian Diet Called? An Introduction to Ital Food

Originating in Jamaica in the 1930s, the Rastafari faith developed a specific dietary practice rooted in the belief that the body is a temple. This approach, focused on eating natural and pure foods, is known as Ital, a term derived from the word 'vital'.

Quick Summary

The Rastafarian diet, known as Ital, is a natural, plant-based way of eating that emphasizes purity, unprocessed foods, and spiritual vitality, grounded in the Rastafari faith and its interpretation of biblical texts.

Key Points

• Ital is Vital: The Rastafarian diet is called Ital, a word derived from "vital," reflecting the belief in consuming pure, natural foods for a healthy life force, or Livity.

• Primarily Plant-Based: Adherents follow a diet that is strictly vegetarian, and often vegan, avoiding all animal products including meat, dairy, and eggs.

• Emphasis on Natural Purity: Ital rejects processed foods, refined sugars, artificial additives, and often restricts salt, preferring fresh, organic, and homegrown ingredients.

• Mindful Preparation: Cooking practices can involve avoiding metal utensils, with traditional Rastas favoring clay pots and wooden spoons for preparing food.

• Holistic Lifestyle: Beyond a diet, Ital is a spiritual practice that connects individuals to nature, promotes consciousness, and resists the consumerist values of the modern world.

The Meaning and Origins of the Ital Diet

The term "Ital" is a phonetic spelling of the word "vital," reflecting the belief that food should be natural and pure to enhance one's life energy, or "Livity". The practice emerged as part of the wider Rastafari movement in Jamaica during the early 20th century, drawing inspiration from biblical passages, particularly those in Genesis and Leviticus, which emphasize a connection to nature and a natural way of living. For Rastas, food is more than just sustenance; it is a spiritual tool for maintaining physical health and elevating consciousness. Early adherents were influenced by the vegetarianism of Indian indentured servants in Jamaica and the teachings of Rastafari's founder, Leonard Howell. This holistic approach to food rejects the exploitative practices of the "Babylon" (Western capitalist) system, favoring sustainable, homegrown, and community-sourced foods.

Core Principles and Practices of Ital

Plant-Based Living

At the heart of the Ital diet is a primarily plant-based approach. The strictest adherents are vegan, abstaining from all animal products, including meat, dairy, and eggs. The consumption of meat is often seen as eating "dead flesh," which goes against the promotion of Livity and spiritual purity. Some variations allow for certain types of fish, typically those no longer than 12 inches and with scales, although this is not universally accepted.

Unprocessed and Natural Foods

Ital places a strong emphasis on consuming foods in their most natural state, free from additives, preservatives, artificial flavors, and colors. This includes avoiding refined sugars, heavily processed flour products, and even certain types of salt, with some preferring pure sea salt or no added salt at all. The philosophy promotes eating organic, locally sourced, and seasonal produce whenever possible, believing that these foods retain their natural life force and offer the most nourishment.

Mindful Cooking and Preparation

The act of preparing Ital food is a mindful and respectful process. The strictest interpretations even prohibit the use of metal cooking utensils, believing that aluminum can contaminate the food. Instead, clay pots, wooden spoons, and traditional cooking methods are preferred. Common cooking techniques involve steaming, stewing, and blending, with coconut oil frequently used as a base.

Prohibited and Permitted Foods in Ital

Forbidden Foods

• Red meat (beef, pork, goat)
• Poultry (chicken, turkey)
• Pork
• Fish without scales or fish larger than 12 inches (in some interpretations)
• Dairy products (milk, cheese, eggs)
• Processed foods (canned goods, pre-packaged snacks)
• Refined sugars and white flour
• Alcohol and often coffee

Permitted Foods

• Fruits: Mangoes, bananas, papaya, starfruit
• Vegetables: Callaloo, okra, sweet potato, pumpkin, root vegetables
• Legumes: Lentils, beans, peas, chickpeas
• Grains: Brown rice, quinoa, corn, oats
• Herbs and Spices: Thyme, garlic, ginger, allspice, scotch bonnet peppers
• Healthy Fats: Avocado, coconut oil
• Natural Sweeteners: Fruit, honey, molasses
• Beverages: Water, herbal teas, coconut water

Ital vs. Modern Veganism: A Comparative Look

Feature	Ital Diet	Modern Veganism
Core Motivation	Spiritual purity, Livity, and reverence for nature.	Ethical opposition to animal cruelty and environmental impact.
Primary Goal	To consume food that is vital, natural, and unprocessed.	To exclude all animal products from one's diet for ethical reasons.
Processing	Strictly avoids processed foods, additives, and refined sugars.	Does not inherently prohibit processed foods (e.g., vegan junk food is common).
Cookware	Traditional Rastas prefer using clay pots and wood instead of metal.	No restrictions on cooking methods or materials.
Cooked vs. Raw	Emphasizes fresh, often raw foods to maximize nutrients.	No specific preference for raw or cooked food.
Food Sourcing	Prioritizes organic, homegrown, or local, seasonal foods.	While many prefer it, organic and local sourcing is not a core tenet.
Added Salt	Often avoids or restricts the use of added salt.	No general restrictions on salt usage.

Health Benefits and Spiritual Significance

The Ital diet's emphasis on fresh, unprocessed, and nutrient-dense plant foods offers numerous health benefits, including being naturally low in saturated fats and cholesterol and rich in fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, which can contribute to improved heart health, better digestion, and weight management. Spiritually, adhering to Ital purifies the body and mind, fostering a connection with nature and the divine. It's seen as an act of respect for life and a rejection of materialism. Mindful eating is considered a path to higher consciousness.

Conclusion: More Than Just a Diet

In conclusion, the answer to "what is the Rastafarian diet called?" is the Ital diet. However, understanding this dietary practice means appreciating that it is far more than a set of food rules. It is a holistic lifestyle that intertwines spiritual beliefs, cultural practices, and a deep respect for the natural world. The principles of purity, vitality, and respect for nature guide every aspect of the Ital philosophy, from the foods chosen to the way they are prepared. It is a powerful example of how diet can be a spiritual practice and a political statement, rejecting commercialized food in favor of what is truly vital. This deep connection to the earth and one's body underscores the enduring legacy of Ital within the Rastafari faith.

Common Ital Dishes

Learn more about common Ital dishes including Ital Stew, Ackee and Jackfruit Ital Bowl, Callaloo, Lentil Potato Curry, Jerk Jackfruit, and Jamaican Peanut Porridge. For additional information and recipes, explore {Link: Forks Over Knives https://www.forksoverknives.com/wellness/what-is-ital-food-chef-troy-levy-on-plant-based-rasta-tradition/} featuring interviews with Rastafarian chefs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does 'Ital' mean in Rastafarian culture?

The word "Ital" is a phonetic derivation of "vital" and signifies a natural, holistic way of life. In the context of food, it means eating pure, clean, and vital foods to maintain one's life energy, or Livity.

Is the Ital diet the same as a vegan diet?

While the Ital diet is primarily vegan, it is not the same. Ital encompasses deeper spiritual and cultural principles, emphasizing unprocessed, natural, and locally sourced foods, and often restricts cooking methods and ingredients like salt.

Why is meat forbidden in the Rastafarian diet?

Rastafarians believe that eating dead animals, or "dead flesh," goes against the promotion of Livity and spiritual purity. This principle is rooted in biblical interpretations emphasizing a connection to the earth and all living things.

Do Rastafarians eat fish?

The rules vary, with stricter adherents avoiding all animal flesh, including fish. However, some interpretations permit fish as long as it is smaller than twelve inches and has scales, following certain biblical interpretations.

Why is salt sometimes avoided in Ital cuisine?

Some Rastafarians avoid or restrict the use of added salt, especially iodized salt, viewing it as unnatural and a killer of the food's natural flavors. Instead, herbs and natural spices are used for seasoning.

What kind of cooking utensils are used for Ital food?

For the most traditional Ital cooking, clay pots and wooden utensils are preferred. Some Rastafarians avoid cooking with metal, particularly aluminum, due to concerns about it contaminating the food.

What are some common foods in the Ital diet?

Common Ital foods include fresh, organic fruits and vegetables, whole grains like brown rice, legumes, and traditional Jamaican ingredients such as callaloo, breadfruit, sweet potato, and coconut.