What happens when you carry an onion in pocket in summer
Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia recently made headlines after he advised people to carry a raw onion in their pockets to protect against extreme heatwaves that are affecting major parts of the country. While speaking at an event in Chambal in the north-central region of the country, 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 the practice.
What does Ayurveda say?
Traditionally, carrying onion in pocket helps the body cope with heat. Ayurveda also emphasizes on consuming raw onion in the form of salad, or adding it in cooling beveraes 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 that are backed by science and they 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 heat stroke, 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 showed 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 the 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 to lower the temperature.
Other benefits of onion
Onions are rich in antioxidants that can help protect the body from damage from free radicals that move around in the hot weather. The compounds in onions such as quercetin and others have anti-inflammatory properties that can protect from allergies and respiratory issues that are common during the season of heat
How to add raw onion to daily diet
Sattu Sharbat: This is a popular beverage and to make it, simply combine satty and chilled water, and season it with salt, pepper, cumin powder, chaat masala, lemon juice, chopped onion, coriander leaves and mint leaves too. Drink it chilled and fresh.
Kachumber Salad: This is a famous summer salad and to make it, 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, all you need to do is, chop onion, soak it in ice water for 15 minutes to reduce the pungency, add it to sweetened curd, and season it with cumin powder, salt, chaat masala, black pepper, and pudina powder. Mix well and enjoy with paratha or pulao.
Pyaz ka Achar: This is also an instant dish, where baby onions are mixed with hot mustard oil and spices like cumin powder, salt, pepper, achari masala and are served with dal-chawal for a perfect meal.
Images Courtesy: istock