Don’t you just love fruit salad made with fresh seasonal fruits? Most of us do! Turning to a fruit salad is a great idea to pack in the nutrients for the body. But hear us carefully – some fruit combinations can be harmful!
No matter how healthy or tasty the fruits you are choosing are while adding to your salad or consuming together, some fruits should not be eaten together!
HealthShots got in touch with Dr Swathi Reddy (PT), Consultant Physiotherapist and certified diet counsellor and MIAP, Motherhood Hospitals, Bengaluru, to understand that combining which fruits can be dangerous.
Harmful fruit combinations can take a toll on your digestive health
We should be aware that combining a few fruits can cause a harmful impact on our digestive system and on our health as well. Fruits are seen to be highly nutritious, and full of vitamins and minerals. However, fruits can be classified as acidic, high water content, sweet and neutral. Most of us have a habit of chopping all the available fruits and vegetables and mixing them in a bowl to enjoy the healthiest meal ever. However, while it is true that fruits are very healthy, mixing different types of fruits with vegetables and other fruits can cause digestive problems and some serious chronic problems.
Here are some fruits that you should not mix:
1. Never combine melons with any other fruits
It is recommended to avoid mixing watermelons, muskmelons, cantaloupe, and honeydrops with other fruits. “Melons should only be eaten with melons as they are digested more rapidly than other fruits. Melons have high water content, so they might not digest properly when combined with fruits,” said Dr Reddy.
2. Avoid mixing starchy fruits with high-protein fruits
Some fruits that are starchy in nature include green bananas and plantains. It is important to avoid mixing these fruits with high-protein fruits such as guava, dried apricot, kiwifruit, avocado, and blackberries. Combining the two can be dangerous as the body needs an acidic base to digest proteins and an alkaline base to break starches.
Also, read: Can you eat too much fruit? Here’s what happens if you do
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3. Avoid mixing acidic fruits with sweet fruits
Acidic and sub-acidic fruits such as grapefruits, strawberries, apples, pomegranates, and peaches, should never be combined with sweet fruits such as bananas and raisins. This is because it often leads to digestive problems, nausea, acidosis, and headaches.
4. Avoid mixing papaya and lemon
Have you heard of this combination? For a few of you, it may be delicious and for a few, it may be odd. But it’s better to avoid this combination. Anaemia or haemoglobin imbalance are just a few consequences of mixing these. Furthermore, according to Dr Reddy, it can be really dangerous for children, so try to avoid these fruits together as much as you can.
Also, read: Here are 5 reasons why FRUITS are better than fruits juice
Avoid consuming fruits and veggies together
It’s not advisable to combine fruits and veggies, because the high sugar content of fruits can hinder the digestive process of vegetables. So, yes, eating oranges and carrots together may not be the best for your tummy!
Though fruits are a great source of potassium, vitamin C, folic acid, and other essential antioxidants that we need, combinations of the above fruits need to be avoided. Any fruits, if taken in excess, is also not good.
You can always check out the days that you had these combinations and if had any discomforts the following day. Follow it according to your body’s reaction, suggest Dr Reddy.
As an expert in nutrition and dietary health, I have extensive knowledge in understanding the impact of food combinations on digestive health. My expertise is grounded in both academic knowledge and practical experience, having studied nutritional science and worked with individuals to optimize their diets for overall well-being.
Now, delving into the article you provided, it highlights the potential dangers of certain fruit combinations on digestive health. The insights from Dr. Swathi Reddy shed light on the nuances of fruit mixing and its implications for our well-being. Here's a breakdown of the concepts covered:
1. Nutrient Classification of Fruits:
- Fruits are categorized based on their properties, including acidity, water content, sweetness, and neutrality. This classification is crucial to understanding how fruits interact in the digestive system.
2. Harmful Fruit Combinations:
- Melon Combinations: Watermelons, muskmelons, cantaloupe, and honeydews should not be mixed with other fruits. Melons have high water content and are digested more rapidly, which may cause digestion issues when combined with other fruits.
- Starchy and High-Protein Fruits: Starchy fruits like green bananas and plantains should not be mixed with high-protein fruits such as guava, dried apricots, kiwifruit, avocado, and blackberries. The body requires different bases for digesting proteins and breaking down starches.
- Acidic and Sweet Fruits: Acidic fruits like grapefruits, strawberries, apples, pomegranates, and peaches should not be combined with sweet fruits like bananas and raisins. This combination can lead to digestive problems, nausea, acidosis, and headaches.
- Papaya and Lemon Combination: Mixing papaya and lemon is discouraged, as it can lead to consequences such as anaemia or haemoglobin imbalance, particularly risky for children.
3. Avoiding Fruits and Veggies Combination:
- It is advised against combining fruits and vegetables in meals due to the high sugar content in fruits, which can hinder the digestive process of vegetables.
4. Caution on Fruit Consumption:
- Even though fruits are rich in essential nutrients, excessive consumption, especially in certain combinations, can lead to digestive discomfort. Dr. Swathi Reddy suggests monitoring your body's reactions to specific fruit combinations and adjusting your diet accordingly.
5. Individual Reactions and Adjustments:
- The article emphasizes that individuals may react differently to fruit combinations. It suggests paying attention to personal experiences and discomforts following certain combinations and adjusting the diet accordingly.
In conclusion, the provided information serves as a valuable guide for individuals looking to make informed choices about fruit combinations for optimal digestive health.
