What is the primary religious principle of the Jains that pertains to eating and what foods are avoided?

Answer 1

The Jains believe that all living things have souls. Some wear masks to prevent breathing in insects and sweep a path in front of them to prevent stepping on any creatures. Orthodox Jains are strict vegetarians and may eat only innocent foods that avoid injury to any life. In addition, there are twenty-two prohibited foods (e.g., fruit with small seeds or tender new greens) and thirty-two other items that may have the potential for life to exist, including root vegetables, because insects might be killed when the tubers are harvested, and honey, because bees might be killed when it is gathered from the hive. They also refuse to eat any foods made with eggs, or blood-colored foods such as tomatoes and watermelon. Water must be boiled (and re-boiled after six hours)—if boiled water is unavailable, distilled water may be permitted.