7 food combinations that you must avoid as per Ayurveda

If you’re experiencing digestive issues, deficiencies, or skin allergies, Ayurveda suggests that what you eat can significantly impact your health. Even if your meal contains all the nutrients your body needs, improper food combinations, known as ‘Viruddha Ahaar’ in Ayurveda, can prevent your body from absorbing these nutrients, leading to the accumulation of toxins or undigested metabolic waste, known as “ama,” which can harm your health.

Here are some food combinations to avoid according to Ayurveda:

1. Fruit and Milk: Combining fruit and milk may cause digestive issues as the fruit may ferment in the stomach, leading to bloating and discomfort. Ayurveda allows only sweet mangoes to be consumed with milk.
2. Palak and Paneer: While both palak (spinach) and paneer (Indian cheese) are nutritious individually, combining them may not be ideal. The calcium in paneer can interfere with the absorption of iron from spinach, reducing the overall nutritional benefits of the meal.
3. Honey and Hot Water: Heating honey can destroy its beneficial enzymes and antioxidants. Mixing honey with very hot water may create harmful compounds. It’s best to consume honey in lukewarm or room temperature water to preserve its health benefits.
4. Date and Milk: Pairing calcium-rich foods like milk with iron-rich foods like dates may hinder iron absorption, especially for those with anemia. While occasional consumption is fine, making it a habit should be avoided.
5. Ice Cream and Gulab Jamun: Consuming hot and cold foods together can disrupt digestion. Hot foods increase blood flow to aid digestion, while cold foods can slow it down, leading to discomfort, bloating, or gas.
6. Tea with Meals: Tea contains antinutrients like tannin and caffeine, which can hinder the absorption of iron and calcium. Avoid consuming tea with breakfast or snacks to ensure proper nutrient absorption.
7. Milk and Fish: According to Ayurveda, combining milk and fish leads to an incompatible combination, causing indigestion and the accumulation of harmful toxins in the body.