Most of us like to start our day in a healthy way. Why? Because it not only nourishes us but also keeps our stomach happy. There are plenty of nutritious options to choose from – hearty poha, nutritious parathas, or spicy chillas. However, some seemingly healthy dishes and food combinations may not be as beneficial as they appear. Take fruit yogurt bowls, for example. At first glance, the combination of fruit, yogurt, and nuts might seem like the perfect healthy snack. But surprisingly, an expert claims that this popular option may actually be harming your gut health. Are you someone who can’t start the day without a bowl of fruit yogurt? If so, stay tuned to find out why this nutritious breakfast option may be causing more harm than good.
Also read: 5 ways your body tells you your gut health is improving
What is a fruit yogurt bowl?
It’s good if you already know what a fruit yogurt bowl is. However, for those unaware, a fruit yogurt bowl is a quick breakfast made by mixing creamy yogurt with fresh fruits like berries, bananas or apples. It is often topped with honey, nuts, or seeds to enhance its flavor and provide a variety of health benefits.
How is a bowl of fruit yogurt hurting your health?
According to Ayurvedic health coach Dimple Jangra, a bowl of curd – which includes fruits, yogurt, cereals, etc. – can disrupt your digestive health. Experts say that the fruits are naturally citric. When mixed with dairy, citrus interferes with the digestion of casein, a major protein found in dairy.
what happens then?
This means that you will not be able to absorb calcium from that particular food, leading to weakened bone health in the long run. Fruits contain simple sugars, while dairy contains lactose. When you mix them, the simple sugars begin to act on the lactose, causing fermentation in your intestine. This results in gas formation, bloating, indigestion, flatulence and other digestive problems.
Should fruits be eaten on an empty stomach?
There are two schools of thought on this subject. According to consultant nutritionist Rupali Dutta, “There is no good or bad time to eat fruits. They are healthy and nutritious and hence good at almost any time of the day. You can eat them on an empty stomach or after meals. If you have had a heavy meal, it is advisable to take a break.”
However, many other experts claim that you should consume fruits only on an empty stomach. According to their logic, eating fruit with meals can slow down digestion and cause the fruit to sit in your system longer than expected. This can also cause digestive problems.
What can you do?
According to Jangda, you need to keep a few things in mind before mixing fruits with other ingredients:
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Avoid combining dairy and fruit. Keep a gap of at least 60 minutes between fruits and dairy products. You can have fruits first and dairy products later. This will help in keeping digestive problems away.
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If you want to pair your fruits with another ingredient, choose nuts, as they make a better combination. This will prevent sugar from rising and you will also continue to get protein.
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Also, try to consume fruits as a snack at 4:00 pm. If you crave them during the day, enjoy them between meals, but don’t mix them with solid foods.
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Also read: Nutritionist reveals 5 ways to promote gut detox and support gut bacteria
What’s your favorite thing to eat for breakfast? Let us know in the comments below.
Disclaimer: This content, including advice, provides general information only. It is in no way a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.
