schema:text
| - Last Updated on March 6, 2025 by Neelam Singh
Quick Take
A social media post claims that consuming jaggery and onion together help increase height. We fact checked and found the claim to be False.
The Claim
A viral social media post by the name health.daily.tips1 suggests that eating jaggery and onion together can restart height growth after it has stopped.
Fact Check
Can eating jaggery and onion increase height?
No, there is no scientific evidence that eating jaggery and onion can directly increase height.
Height is largely determined by genetics — around 60-80% of a person’s height depends on their family’s genes. The remaining 20-40% can be influenced by nutrition, physical activity, and overall health during growth years. While good nutrition is essential for supporting natural growth, no single food or combination of foods has been proven to boost height. The idea that jaggery and onion alone can trigger height growth is more of a traditional belief than a fact-based recommendation.
Manasi Banduni, Senior Nutritionist at Clinic Living Plus, Bangalore, explains, “The desire to increase height is widespread, whether it’s mothers hoping to boost their child’s height, teenagers, or even people in their 30s. However, one must understand that height largely depends on genetics and the nutrition received during the early stages of life. Mental health can also play a role during the growing phase. While jaggery and onion individually offer good nutrition, I would never recommend this combination to anyone, and there is no scientific evidence to support the claim.”
Why is nutrition important for height growth?
Nutrition plays a crucial role in supporting overall growth and development, especially during childhood and adolescence.
A well-balanced diet rich in proteins, vitamins, and minerals helps the body reach its maximum height potential. Nutrients like calcium, vitamin D, protein, and zinc are vital for bone growth and development. Deficiency in these nutrients during growth years can negatively affect height. However, nutrition can only support the body’s natural growth process; it cannot alter genetic limitations.
Dt. Harita Adhvaryu, Senior Clinical Dietitian at Ezcure Diabetes Care in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, clarifies that height is primarily influenced by genetics and the height of one’s parents. While a balanced diet during childhood and adolescence can support reaching maximum height potential, no diet or treatment can increase height once the bones stop growing.
Does jaggery have any nutrients that can support growth?
Yes, jaggery contains small amounts of iron, calcium, and other minerals, but it does not directly affect height growth.
Jaggery is a natural sweetener made from sugarcane or palm sap. It provides iron, which helps prevent iron deficiency anemia, a condition that can cause fatigue and affect overall health. While iron is essential for oxygen transport and energy production, there is no direct connection between iron consumption and height increase. Eating jaggery in moderation can be part of a balanced diet, but it cannot work as a height-enhancing food.
Can onions help increase height?
No, onions do not have any properties that directly promote height growth. Onions are a good source of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals like vitamin C and quercetin. They support general health by boosting immunity, improving digestion, and reducing inflammation. However, there is no scientific research to suggest that onions have any role in increasing height. The belief that onions can help increase height is likely rooted in traditional practices rather than medical facts.
Can lifestyle habits impact height growth?
Yes, lifestyle habits can play a significant role in supporting healthy growth during adolescence.
Physical activity like swimming, yoga, and stretching exercises can improve posture and support bone development.
-
Adequate sleep is essential because growth hormones are released during deep sleep.
-
Good posture helps prevent slouching and makes the most of one’s natural height.
-
Stress management can promote overall health and hormonal balance, which are important for growth.
-
Is there any scientific evidence supporting the claim?
No, there is no scientific research supporting the claim that eating jaggery and onion can increase height.
Most claims about height-increasing foods come from traditional beliefs or anecdotal stories rather than scientific studies. Research consistently shows that genetics, balanced nutrition, and a healthy lifestyle are the primary factors that influence height.
Conclusion
The claim that eating jaggery and onion help increase height is not supported by scientific evidence. While both foods offer some health benefits, they do not have any special properties that can make a person grow taller. Height growth is a complex process influenced by genetics, nutrition, and lifestyle habits during childhood and adolescence. Instead of relying on specific food combinations, focusing on a balanced diet, regular physical activity, and adequate sleep is the best way to support natural growth. Believing in quick-fix remedies can create false hopes, but understanding the role of overall health can empower people to make informed decisions about their diet and well-being.
|