Fruits are nature's sweet gift to us, packed with essential vitamins, fibre, and antioxidants. They're not only delicious but also offer a host of health benefits. However, did you know that there are some rules to keep in mind when enjoying fruits to get the most out of them? We often end up combining our fruits with other foods to make a tasty and wholesome meal. Shakes, salads, cereals - these and many more meals seem like the perfect way to consume fruits. Guess what? It's wrong! Dr Dimple Jangda, an Ayurveda and gut health coach, revealed some fruit combinations that must be completely avoided.
Also Read: Should You Eat Fruits Before Or After A Meal?
What Foods You Should Not Eat With Fruits:
1. Avoid Eating Fruits with Dairy Products
One of the most important rules when it comes to eating fruits is to avoid combining them with dairy products. Fruits and dairy don't make the best foodie friends, especially when eaten together. Dr Dimple Jangda explains, "Fruits become toxic when you mix them with milk, yogurt, cheese or other dairy products. It's unhealthy for your gut. Fruit acids can cause toxic byproducts when mixed with dairy products." When you eat them together, it can lead to digestive discomfort, bloating, and gas.
For instance, if you love your morning cereal with milk, or milkshakes, it's better to have your fruit separately as a snack or as part of your breakfast. This way, you can enjoy the taste and health benefits of both without any tummy troubles.
Also Read: 5 Fruits And Vegetables You Should Never Store Together
2. Don't Pair Fruits with Vegetables
While fruits and vegetables are both super healthy on their own, combining them in the same meal isn't the best idea. Why? "Fruits require only 1 hour in the stomach, 1 hour in the small intestine, and 1 hour in the large intestine, for digestion, absorption and assimilation and elimination. On the other hand, vegetables require approximately 2 hours in the stomach, 2 hours in the small intestine, and 2 hours in the larger intestine for digestion, absorption and assimilation of nutrients," reveals the expert.
So, when you mix fruits with vegetables, which require anywhere between 2 to 16 hours (in your stomach and intestines) to get digested, absorbed and assimilated, it causes the digested fruit to push the undigested vegetables into the small intestine, which leads to bloating, gases, flatulence, and fermentation of that food in your gut. You don't want that.
So, if you're having a salad, consider separating your fruit and vegetable servings. Enjoy your fruits as a snack or dessert, and save the veggies for your main meal. This way, your tummy will thank you for a smoother digestion process.
3. Keep Fruits Away from Grains
Just like fruits and vegetables, fruits and grains also have different digestion times. Grains and pulses require approximately 18 hours in your system - 6 hours in the stomach, 6 hours in the small intestine, and 6 hours in the large intestine.
To avoid these digestive issues, it's a good idea to space out your fruit and grain consumption. For example, if you're having oatmeal or a sandwich, enjoy your fruit as a separate snack before or after your meal. This way, you can relish the flavours and nutrients of both without any tummy disturbances.
"So remember to eat your fruit alone or leave it alone," concluded Dr Dimple Jangda.