Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia recently made headlines after he advised people to carry a raw onion in their pockets to protect against extreme heatwaves affecting major parts of the country. While speaking at an event in Chambal in the north-central region, he said, "I look a little young, but my soul is very old. Keep an onion in your pocket. Nothing will happen to you." He continued, "And in today's times, everyone is carrying boxes. The communication minister is carrying onions. These are old things. And as Ayurveda progresses, we shouldn't forget these things." Let us explore what Ayurveda and experts say about this practice.
What Does Ayurveda Say?
Traditionally, carrying an onion in the pocket helps the body cope with heat. Ayurveda also emphasizes consuming raw onion in the form of salad or adding it to cooling beverages like buttermilk, sattu, and aam panna, as it is known for its cooling properties and pitta-balancing nature. According to Ayurveda experts, it is important to understand that while certain traditional remedies have their own value and place, there are things backed by science that hold equal importance in daily diet and routine.
Traditional Beliefs
According to old wives' tales, many parts of India believe that carrying an onion in your pocket during summer months can prevent heatstroke. It is also suggested to add raw onions to daily meals as they create a shield and keep the body safe from heat waves.
What Does Science Say?
According to experts, while there is no scientific evidence that carrying a raw onion in your pocket can protect against heatwaves or prevent heatstroke, it has been a common practice with positive results, and probably that is the reason people still continue the practice.
What Does the Study Say?
According to a study titled A review of anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory effects of Allium cepa and its main constituents, onion and its derivatives including saponins, aglycones, quercetin, cepaenes, flavonoids, organosulfurs, and phenolic compounds have shown various pharmacological properties and therapeutic effects. It is said that the volatile oils present in onions help in reducing body temperature. They also help in absorbing heat from the body, and the moisture in them helps the body stay cool. Onions also have natural cooling properties as they contain compounds such as quercetin and sulfur, which stimulate perspiration and promote heat loss through evaporation, helping the body lower its temperature.
Other Benefits of Onion
Onions are rich in antioxidants that can help protect the body from damage caused by free radicals that become more active in hot weather. The compounds in onions, such as quercetin and others, have anti-inflammatory properties that can protect against allergies and respiratory issues common during the heat season.
How to Add Raw Onion to Daily Diet
Here are some ways to incorporate raw onion into your summer diet:
- Sattu Sharbat: This popular beverage is made by combining sattu and chilled water, seasoned with salt, pepper, cumin powder, chaat masala, lemon juice, chopped onion, coriander leaves, and mint leaves. Drink it chilled and fresh.
- Kachumber Salad: A famous summer salad. Simply chop cucumber, onion, and tomato, combine well, season with salt, pepper, and lemon juice, refrigerate for 40 minutes, and enjoy with main course dishes.
- Onion Raita: To make this raita, chop onion, soak it in ice water for 15 minutes to reduce pungency, add it to sweetened curd, and season with cumin powder, salt, chaat masala, black pepper, and pudina powder. Mix well and enjoy with paratha or pulao.
Images courtesy: iStock
