Why do eating onion and garlic make people behaviour aggressive?

General
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The belief that garlic and onion causes aggressive behavior is rooted in ancient spiritual traditions and specific physiological theories, though modern medical science largely views them as beneficial health food .

Spiritual and Ayurvedic Perspectives:

In Ayurveda and Yogic tradition, food is categorized into three gunas (qualities) that affects the mind.

  • Rajasic (passion) : Garlic is primarily classified as Rajasic because it is pungent and heating. It is believed to overstimulate the central nervous system, leading to restlessness, irritability, and a focus on worldly desires rather than inner peace.
  • Tamasic (Ignorance/Dullness) : Onions are often labeled Tamasic associated with heaviness and mental dullness. this state is thought to lower self control, making it harder to manage base instincts like anger or lust.
  • Pitta (Aggravation) : Both foods are sulfur-rich and highly heating. In ayurveda, they aggravate the pitta (fire) dosh which is directly linked to hot headedness and aggression.

Physiological and Biological Theories:

  • Embodied Cognition : Psychologically , ‘‘hot’’ tastes are often semantically linked to ‘‘hot’’ emotions like anger. Research suggest that consuming spicy or pungent foods can prime aggression-related thoughts simply because we associated physical heat with emotion intensity.
  • Neurotransmitter Shifts : some studies on mice indicate that garlic can influence brain chemicals like norepinephrine and dopamine, which are critical for regulating mood and physical movement.
  • Brain Function Claims: Controversial theories such as those from Dr. Robert Beck, claim that the sulphone hydroxyl ions in garlic can penetrate the blood-brain barrier and desynchronize brain waves , potentially impairing concentration and mental stability.

Mental & Emotional impact on the persons body: these foods are believed to heighten pitta (fire) leading to increased anger and when taken in excess, can interfere with mental clarity.

Onion and garlic - hidden triggers of aggressive behavior
Onion and garlic - hidden triggers of aggressive behavior1536×1024 533 KB

Conclusion : these foods are avoided in yogic diets to maintain a calm and balanced mind . As an individual we should try to consume less onion and garlic to keep our mind calm and stable.

MBH/PS

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I am a person who eats lots of onion and garlic but after reading this post understood why we need to cut down on such foods why jain food have importance nice approach of explanation

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Satvik food has always been given importance.Though onions and garlic are important for the taste ,it has to be limited to maintain the balance in the body .

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Onion and garlic are not only important for taste but are an excellent source of antioxidants. Eliminating them is not a good idea but we can limit their consumption.