Whether it’s passed down from older generations or regarded as superstitious beliefs and urban legends, there are many food combinations that people avoid. The practice of Ayurvedic eating also lists some food combinations deemed detrimental. Today, we delve into a few of these common beliefs and attempt to ascertain whether they are rooted in scientific or medical knowledge.
1) Beans and cheese
Anyone who enjoys Mexican food will be familiar with the classic combination of beans and cheese. However, it’s often also a sure-fire way to get a bloated stomach. Since beans are high in fibre, and cheese is dairy, the combination can be quite explosive. For this reason, it is recommended to show discretion when eating one or the other, and toning down on your intake if you have a weaker stomach.
2) Bananas and milk
Since banana milk and banana milkshakes are quite popular, it was quite surprising to see that this combination is often seen as a bad one. There is quite an unending debate when it comes to this particular combo, with some dieticians viewing it as harmful because it supposedly causes digestive issues. Alternative opinions state that it’s only a problem for asthmatics as it will cause a build-up of mucus. Then there are some who dismiss this claim altogether, like Ayurveda proponents.
3) Melons with anything
It is said that melons are best enjoyed on their own. In fact, some sources opine that melons should be consumed at least 30 minutes before eating anything else. The reason is apparently because melons combined with other food (or fruits) will slow digestion and even cause fermentation to occur in the gut. Slowing down the bowel movements could prove rather problematic.
4) Durian and Beer
Fans of the ever-pungent durian are often warned not to go overboard with this rich fruit, but there is an unspoken belief that durian and beer should not be consumed in one sitting. Sometimes it’s just stated as durian and alcohol. A lot of research has been done on this belief, particularly by those in Asia. Though it may be dangerous for those with existing health problems like hypertension or diabetes, there isn’t any explicit data that suggests it can cause major problems. In any case, moderation is key.
5) Mentos and Soft Drinks
A common urban legend is concerned with the combination of Mentos and Soft Drinks, particularly those of a cola variety. It is often referred to as a Soda Geyser, and legend has it that consuming both supposedly causes an eruption in the gut that will lead to instant death. Of course, this is all very melodramatic and exacerbated by viral social media posts that purport that this is a fact. Thankfully, this is just that – a work of fiction.
6) Lentils and Red Wine
If you’re planning to indulge in some red wine, note that it contains something called tannins. This property means it reacts badly when combined with certain foods like lentils because they are iron-rich. Therefore, it is actually good practice to avoid eating food containing lentils if you are having red wine.
7) Spinach and Dairy
Sure, spinach is a superfood, but just like how every superhero has a weakness, the same applies to this awesome green veggie. However, some sources feel that pairing spinach with dairy is a recipe for disaster. Fans of creamed spinach and palak paneer may beg to differ, but there are dietitians who feel that the combination of dairy and spinach can cause problems during digestion.
8) Nuts and Yoghurt
Health junkies may swear by these two products, and while each has their own benefits, combining both could be problematic. Of course, it doesn’t necessarily apply to everyone, but it’s a belief that Ayurvedic practitioners take seriously too. The reason is proteins take a while to break down in the gut, and two proteins would be overkill.
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