Ayurvedic Wisdom: Food combinations you should never mix

Ayurveda, a holistic healing system that originated in India thousands of years ago, places great importance on diet and digestion. According to Ayurveda, improper food combinations can create toxins in the body, leading to various health issues.

Fruit and Milk

One of the primary combinations to avoid in Ayurveda is fruit and milk. When consumed together, these foods can cause digestive problems such as gas, bloating, and indigestion. Fruits, especially those that are sour, can curdle the milk in the stomach, making it difficult to digest. Ayurveda recommends consuming milk separately from fruits to ensure smooth digestion.

Calcium-Rich and Iron-Rich Foods

Combining foods rich in calcium with those high in iron, such as milk and dates, is discouraged in Ayurveda. Calcium can inhibit the absorption of iron, leading to reduced iron levels in the body. This can be particularly concerning for individuals with iron deficiency. To maximise nutrient absorption, it’s best to consume calcium and iron-rich foods at different times.

Hot and Cold Foods

Ayurveda advises against consuming hot and cold foods together. When you eat hot foods, your body increases blood flow to the stomach to aid in digestion and manage the heat. On the other hand, cold foods can slow down digestion and cause blood vessel constriction. This conflicting response can disrupt the digestive process, leading to discomfort and poor nutrient absorption.

Tea and Iron/Calcium-Rich Foods

Tea, particularly when consumed with meals, can interfere with the absorption of iron and calcium. Tea contains antinutrients like tannin and caffeine, which bind to these minerals and reduce their bioavailability. To avoid this, Ayurveda suggests drinking tea between meals rather than with them, ensuring that the body can absorb these essential nutrients effectively.

Honey and Hot Liquids

In Ayurveda, mixing honey with hot liquids like tea or boiling water is discouraged. Heating honey can diminish its therapeutic properties and produce toxic substances called hydroxymethylfurfura. Consuming honey in its raw, unheated form is recommended to retain its health benefits and avoid potential harm.

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Ayurveda provides valuable insights into how different food combinations can impact our health. Avoiding specific combinations can support better digestion and overall well-being. Embracing these Ayurvedic guidelines can help maintain harmony within our bodies, leading to a healthier and more balanced life.