Why Doesn't Jain Eat Potatoes? The Core Principles Behind Dietary Rules
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4 min read
Approximately 67% of Jains in India abstain from root vegetables, including potatoes, as part of their dietary practices. This tradition, which also excludes onions, garlic, and other underground vegetables, is a direct application of the ancient Jain principle of *ahimsa*, or non-violence. The seemingly simple rule to not eat potatoes is rooted in profound spiritual and ethical considerations concerning the minimization of harm to all living beings, including microorganisms.
