Are you aware that Bajra is more eaten during winter and Ragi is a summer grain?
Similarly, dal-chawal with a tsp of ghee is a wonderful combination of
macronutrients. But the combination of milk with fish/chicken is a complete NO NO!
There are many such dos and don'ts when it comes to food. Nature has designed some foods to occur in that particular season like mangoes in summer and strawberries in winter. But with the advancement in the technology for production and storage, many of the fruits/veggies are available throughout the season.But the question is, should we be consuming watermelon in winter even though it is a summer fruit? Or should we rely on the wisdom of our ancestors, who had taught us the right combinations of foods to take.
The answer lies with Ayurveda and its concept of Viruddha Aahara.
Ayurveda clearly defines that the food which is wrong in combination, has
undergone wrong processing, consumed in incorrect dose, and/or consumed in incorrect time of the day and in wrong season can lead to Viruddha Ahara.
Ayurveda believes that all diseases start from Gut. When the incompatible food is consumed, it can lead to indigestion, gastric issues, lowered absorption of nutrients. This in the long run can cause celiac diseases, food allergies, food intolerances and so on.
Let us explore the most common food combinations that should not be commonly combined!
1. Adding honey to hot tea/water - according to Ayurveda, honey should not
be heated, it can destroy the sensitive enzymes and micronutrients in the honey.
2. Adding milk to green tea - Tea contains flavonoids called catechins, which
have many beneficial effects on the heart. When milk is added to green tea,
its protein (casein) reacts with catechins and reduces its availability for absorption.
3. Eating fried potatoes regularly - Deep frying of potatoes can develop toxic
substances, such as acrylamide, which can prove to be carcinogenic. Eating
potato chips regularly is Sanskara viruddha.
4. Milk and banana shake - Milk which contains lactogen and certain fruits,
such as bananas, which also contain common allergen may aggravate an
asthmatic attack. Hence such combinations are contraindicated for those with
asthma and other respiratory issues.
Milk with eggs, reheated cow's milk, consuming too much sugar along
with saturated fats, can lead to a number of immunologic disorders. It has
been regularly observed in the clinics that rheumatoid arthritis patients
who consume curds at night, sour food at night complain of more morning
stiffness.
So now we know why our ancestors never had to deal with food allergies,
intolerances or autoimmune disorders during their time. They knew exactly what
combinations of food to eat! What type of food to eat at which stage of life and
during which seasons.
Nowadays, having carbonated beverages with pizzas has become a norm.
Mixing sour fruits with milk to make a smoothie.
Having fridge water and ice creams even during winter.
Having fried foods with alcohol etc etc etc…..
And then we complain of indigestion, gas and acidity and pop a pill to get quick relief!
The time has come to go back to our roots and follow the eating habits and
traditional cooking process of our ancestors. The time has come to choose between
instant gratification vs good quality of life throughout!
What’s your choice?
