Onion and garlic, both are considered superfoods due to their numerous proven health benefits. They add distinct flavours to the food and are inseparable parts of Indian cuisine. Whether you are preparing curry, stew or soup, onion and garlic are important ingredients in it. However, Ayurveda does not support the usage of these two ingredients in your diet. But what is the reason behind this?
The real reason
It is not that Ayurveda does not acknowledge the health benefits of onion and garlic.
Ayurveda recognizes onions and garlic as blood purifiers. Moreover, garlic is used to prepare various ayurvedic medicines. But Ayurveda does not support their excessive usage as it considers onion as tamasic in nature (makes people irritable) and garlic to be rajsic (disturbed sleep and drained energy) in nature. As per Ayurveda, both these ingredients produce excessive heat in the body.
It is true that our body needs some heat, but excessive heat may increase the risk of other health problems. Ayurveda recommends having onion and garlic in low quantity. Ayurveda principles are mostly confused with spirituality and yoga that recommends avoiding both the ingredient as both are believed to distract a person’s focus and attention. These two ingredients are even avoided by people practicing meditation or following a spiritual path, as consumptions of onion and garlic are known to increase anger, aggression, ignorance, anxiety, and increase in sexual desire.
Health benefits of onion and garlic
Due to its anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-viral properties, garlic is known to reduce inflammation and lower high blood pressure. It is even recommended for people trying to lose weight. Onions, on the other hand, remove toxins from the body, normalise digestion and are excellent to treat cold and cough.
FAQs
Ayurveda recommends having onion and garlic in low quantity. Ayurveda principles are mostly confused with spirituality and yoga that recommends avoiding both the ingredient as both are believed to distract a person's focus and attention.
Why no onion and garlic in Ayurveda? ›
Garlic and onions are believed to increase the Rajas and Tamas qualities, which are associated with passion and ignorance respectively, according to Ayurveda. Avoiding them can promote a more balanced state of mind.
Why can't Indians eat onion and garlic? ›
For certain rituals and ceremonies, purity is highly emphasized in Hindu traditions. Garlic and onion are believed to produce strong odors, which might be considered unclean or impure in specific contexts. Avoiding them during sacred occasions or religious rituals is a way to maintain ritual purity.
Why do yogis not eat garlic and onions? ›
Garlic and onions as food in the Ayurvedic diet
Rajasic foods are believed to distract our focus, over stimulate the mind, and cause an imbalance in intellect.
Why is onion and garlic not satvic? ›
In the Sattvic diet followed in Hinduism, cooked onions and garlic are generally not allowed. Both onions and garlic are considered Rajasic, which means they are believed to stimulate the body and mind, making it harder to maintain a peaceful and balanced state.
Why Krishna devotees don t eat onion and garlic? ›
One of the most common questions asked to me is this: “Why don't you eat garlic and onions?” Here's my short answer: As a devotee of Krishna and a practicing Bhakti-yogi, I don't eat garlic and onions because they cannot be offered to Krishna.
Why do Buddhists not eat onion garlic? ›
Aside from alcohol, some Buddhists avoid consuming strong-smelling plants, specifically garlic, onion, chives, leeks, and shallots, as these vegetables are thought to increase sexual desire when eaten cooked and anger when eaten raw ( 3 ).
What is the Indian alternative to onion and garlic? ›
Ginger and galangal have distinctive flavors but may be useful in stir-fries as aromatics. Asafoetida is a spice from India with a very strong smell that, when added to warm oil, tastes much like garlic and onions.
Why is onion bad in Hinduism? ›
Hindu devotees believe that onions and garlic make it difficult to differentiate between desires and priorities since garlic is known as Rajogini - a substance believed to make one lose grip over their instincts while onions produce heat in the body.
Why do jains avoid onions and garlic? ›
The Jain cuisine is completely lacto-vegetarian and also excludes root and underground vegetables such as potato, garlic, onion etc., to prevent injuring small insects and microorganisms; and also to prevent the entire plant getting uprooted and killed. It is practised by Jain ascetics and lay Jains.
Ayurveda recognizes onions and garlic as blood purifiers. Moreover, garlic is used to prepare various ayurvedic medicines. But Ayurveda does not support their excessive usage as it considers onion as tamasic in nature (makes people irritable) and garlic to be rajsic (disturbed sleep and drained energy) in nature.
Do Shiva devotees eat onion and garlic? ›
During worshiping Lord Shiva, avoid using ketki flowers and turmeric. 2. On this day, the consumption of onions, garlic, and spices should be avoided.
Why don't pilots eat onions and garlic? ›
Myth #1: Pilots are told to avoid onion and garlic during flights to increase their response time. No study demonstrates this or any official statement from any airline that confirms this.
Why can't Hindus eat garlic? ›
So what's up? Here's one explanation from an ISKON-related website. In short, it's based in a traditional belief that alliums, the plant family that includes garlic and onions, adversely stimulate emotional and sexual excitement. Some Jains, Buddhists and Taoists also follow this.
Why can't some Indian vegetarians eat onions and garlic? ›
The Buddhist "pure vegan" diet is also practiced by Mahayana Buddhist monastics in Korea, Vietnam, and Japan. In India, practitioners of Jainism and Hinduism may also abstain from garlic and onions, as well as other plants which are associated with impurity.
Do onions and garlic cause inflammation? ›
Research suggests that phytochemicals, including those in allium vegetables, may improve immune health and reduce the risk of developing cancer by preventing inflammation, cell damage and DNA damage, according to the American Institute of Cancer Research.
Why onion and garlic are not eaten during puja? ›
Onion and garlic are considered tamasic in nature, as per Hindu mythology, and eating them during Navratri increases lust and ignorance. Some believe that onion and garlic are grown underground and while harvesting and cleaning them some creature dies, which is considered inauspicious.
Why I can never eat onions or garlic again? ›
Onions and garlic are high in fructan, a carbohydrate found in many fruits and vegetables that many people cannot digest well and can cause bloating or diarrhea. The Cleveland Clinic estimates that 10% to 15% U.S. adults have IBS, so that's a lot of folks who may have issues with onion and garlic.
Is onion good for health according to Ayurveda? ›
Incorporating raw Onions in your diet during the summer season is the best way to protect yourself from heat stroke. Onions also help ease bowel movements thereby managing various digestive disorders. According to Ayurveda, Onion may help improve erection time due to its aphrodisiac property.
