Key Update

In salads and smoothies, we often mix different types of fruits together. While this may seem healthy, certain fruit combinations are not so good for gut health. They can cause bloating and lead to nutrient loss. Here are six fruit combinations you should avoid.

Acidic and Sweet Fruits

Do not combine acidic fruits like oranges with sweet fruits like bananas. Similarly, avoid mixing strawberries and raisins with sub-acidic fruits like apples and oranges. Acidic and sub-acidic fruits digest quickly, while sweet fruits like bananas and figs take longer to digest. Eating both together can lead to gas, bloating, and even acidosis.

Starchy fruits and Protein-rich Fruits

Do not eat starchy fruits like raw bananas together with protein-rich fruits like avocados. Starch requires an alkaline environment for digestion, while protein requires an acidic one. Combining the two can cause indigestion, reduce nutrient absorption, and make you feel fatigued.

Melons and Apples 

Avoid eating melons, such as watermelon and muskmelon, with other fruits like apples. Melons have high water content and are digested very quickly, while apples and pears are digested slowly. Eating them together can cause fermentation in the stomach, leading to bloating, nausea, and diarrhoea. Always eat melons on their own.

Papaya and Lemon

Papaya contains enzymes that aid digestion. However, when combined with lemon, the body’s pH balance gets disrupted. Acidic lemon and alkaline papaya together can cause stomach discomfort and acid reflux. People with digestive issues and children should avoid this combination.

Guava and Banana

Though both are nutrient-rich, eating guava and banana together can cause digestive problems. The fibre-rich guava, when eaten with a starchy banana, can cause bloating and acidity. Over time, it can irritate the stomach lining and hinder nutrient absorption.

Fruits and Vegetables

For example, do not eat oranges with carrots. One reason is the difference in digestion time — fruits, especially sweet and acidic ones, break down quickly, while vegetables take longer. Eating them together can result in incomplete digestion, fermentation in the stomach, gas trouble, and headaches.

Source: Manoramaonline