Jan 15, 2025, 11:30 PM IST

7 food combinations Ayurveda expert advice against  

Vaishali Shastri

At the top of our health priority remains foods we should eat and avoid. However, a very integral part of our health which we often ignore is food combinations.  

Ayurveda offers knowledge about the right food combinations for better digestion. Juhi Kapoor, nutritionist and yoga teacher, has provided information regarding some popular food pairing, which and why combining some foods are not advisable.  

Fruit and Milk: Ayurveda suggests avoiding combining fruit and milk because it can lead to digestive issues. This combination may cause the fruit to ferment in the stomach, leading to bloating and discomfort for some individuals. Only mangoes are allowed with milk as per Ayurveda, if they are sweet.

Palak and Paneer Although palak (spinach) and paneer (Indian cheese) are both nutritious foods on their own, combining them might not be ideal. The calcium in paneer can interfere with the absorption of iron from spinach, reducing the overall nutritional benefits of the meal.

Honey and Hot Water Heating honey can destroy its beneficial enzymes and antioxidants, making it less nutritious. Additionally, mixing honey with very hot water may create harmful compounds as per Ayurveda. It's generally recommended to consume honey in lukewarm or room temperature water to preserve its health benefits. 

Date and Milk  When you pair foods rich in calcium with those high in iron, like milk and dates, there's a concern that the calcium might inhibit the absorption of iron. Calcium from milk can interfere with the body's ability to absorb iron from dates. This could potentially reduce the overall iron uptake from the meal. Specially, if you are anemic, this combination will hinder iron absorption. 

Hot and cold foods  When you consume hot food, your body increases blood flow to the stomach to aid in digestion and to dissipate the heat. Conversely, cold foods can slow down digestion and cause constriction of blood vessels in the stomach. The combination can lead to bloating, gas, or discomfort.

Tea and Meals  Tea contains antinutrients like tannin and caffeine. This hinders absorption of iron and calcium in the body. So, always take Tea by itself. Don't take with breakfast or snacks. 

Milk and fish  As per Ayurveda, Milk and Fish are viruddha Ahar. When combined with incompatible, the combination becomes indigestible and causes the build-up of harmful toxins in the body.