Why are onions and garlics considered inedible in some cultures?

Question

No disrespectful comments please.

Answer 1

The origin of this thought is in Ayurveda followed by Hindus in the ancient ages. Jainism evolved out of Hinduism and therefore abides to some of the tenets of Ayurveda.

There are three formats of food according to ayurveda:
Rajasik: Foods rich in fat and content
Tamasik: Foods rich in spices
Saatvik: Foods simple and wholesome in nature

Onion and garlic have sharp flavors and are considered to have arousing properties. Therefore, they fall under the "tamasik" category.

The theory is based on the fact that "tamasik" food tends to excite the negative feelings such a anger, violence, and deceit and therefore should be avoided. Jains follow this to a strict extent. Many Hindus avoid tamasik food during festivals and poojas(worships).

Answer 2

Some of the South Indian Brahmins do not eat Garlic,Onion etc as apart of their custom.Cetainly Hindu Religion does not prohibit anyone from eating staple foods.Of Couse Jains do not eat harlic or onion,That is a part of their religion.But garlic has got a good medicinal value if one can bear the smell.Onion of couse is the base used everywhere around the world.So there should be no religious bar for eating onion,radish or garlic

Answer 3

Stuff that smells bad is usually a warning, it is a defense thing. Most red plants are poison, and that is why the tomato wasn't even thought of as a staple food until some dude got real hungry and ate one. For all the knowledge that we think we have, we honestly are not certain of anything. Recent e-coli outbreaks had most of this country not eating Green Plants. Onions and Garlics may have had a bad illness in them a thousand years ago and some cultures listen to the oral traditions and follow them.

Answer 4

Only in India, that I've heard of - and not with everyone.

The Jains have very strict dietary rules, as mentioned above.
Not only they are vegetarian, but they do not eat anything with seeds (this would prevent the plant from renewing its life) or any bulb for the same reason.

Also, by the principles of Ayurveda (the ancient system of medecine in India), both onions and garlic are considered a "hot or heating" food - not healthy.

Answer 5

In some cultures it is believed that foods which have a strong stink are not fit to be eaten and hence along with meat of other animals and fish, the onions and garlics are also prohibited.
A part of the people belonging to Hindu religion are prohibited from eating onions and garlics along with meat.

Answer 6

It is true that certain religious groups and people of certain castes in India proscribe ( i.e.prohibit) eating onions and garlic and also many other types of food like non-veg food or certain types of roots like potatoes. This perhaps stems from the thinking that food does influence the actions and behaviour of men.
It is not to be forgotten that till only a hundred years ago, the human body was considered to be made up of earth, water, fire, air and sky. In that context food that goes to make the body was conjectured to influence the thoughts and actions of men. Accordingly, food was divided into three catagories, namely 'satvik' , 'rajas' and 'tamas'. It was believed that satvik food promotes tendencies of 'ahimsa' or non-violence, rajas food promotes tendencies of warriors or rulers, while tamas type of food (which includes meat, garlic, onions etc) encourage 'base' type of tendencies. Accordinly certain groups or catagory of people do not eat garlic or onions.
Food has been related to beliefs in many religions. For example devout catholics do not eat meat on fridays.

Answer 7

"raseema"'s
Answer is good and says which group.

The only thing I wish to add that, Jain's are not the only people who do not eat certain foods but there are other groups also.

The reason given sounds very good and reasonable. There are other reasons also and it is deeply rooted in their believe of "ahinsha" no killing.

The other is the fact that these foods are considered mild, character transforming food at one time ("aphrodisiac","Tam-chic and "zznuni"), it was believed that these food affects a person's temperament. Continuous use may cause them to become ill tempered.

some of these food can increase blood pressure and sweating.

Now as for the non violence Or no killing parts, the group does not believe in killing microbes(very stodge once) and their priests ware a very good surgical mask so that they may not swallow even the microbes, they are also stodge vegetarian.

The things that grow under ground needs good cleaning, this cleaning can kill insects and microbes. According to their faith they need to refrain from such activities.

And she also says they eat only during day light hours, this is so that they may not swallow light bugs and other insects in poor light of the special lantern, and use them sparingly.

Answer 8

I honestly don't know, and i don't understand, in the Mediterranean cuisine onions and garlics have a very important role, as well as olive oil, i use those 3 in almost every meal!!
The latest studies say they are very healthy ingredients, so i don't plan on stop using them..

Answer 9

Jains( a sect of Hindus in India) in their efforts to eat with the least amount of violence, won’t eat plants that grow underground, including potatoes, because animals may be harmed in their harvest. Foods like onions, garlic, and chilies produce strong smells that interfere with meditation, placing them off the bill of fare for many as well.

Answer 10

in the JAIN religion, it is forbidden. Not only that, but they do not eat potatoes, carrots, and raddish, or other tubular roots, like lotus root. In the Jain religion, the concept of not eating these is because it is considered unhealthy to eat anything that grows under the ground. They do not eat these things. They have some strict rules for eating. They do not eat before and after Sunset, as hard as these rules sound, perhaps the principles are with good values. Because under the ground there are worms, and insects that eat the vegetable.