There are some food products that we always think should go together. These food combinations have been used for ages as we know that they work well as a duo. However although the flavours might bounce off one another, they might not be the most nutritious when combined. What is more these combinations can also affect our digestive system creating indigestion or trapped wind or even worse you could fall ill. Here are eight classic culinary combinations that you should perhaps rethink before you try and put the two together!
1) Tomatoes and cucumbers
Needing a starter? Wanting a fresh salad? Cutting up a few tomatoes and adding some cucumber slices seems like an easy choice! Tomatoes are rich in vitamin C (more so than oranges) which is very appealing plus they are tasty. However this classic food combination appears in this list because cucumber contains an enzyme that interferes with the absorption of vitamin C and obstructs the digestive tubes. Therefore you can lose some of the nutritional benefits of tomatoes if you eat the two together!
2) Tea and milk
Brits love to add tea to milk despite the fact many other Europeans turn their nose up at the idea. According to the BBC, this classic combination isn’t ideal as thecasein in the milk blocks the beneficial effects of the tea when they are digested together. The benefits of tea for blood pressure and cardiovascular health is therefore reduced.
3) Melon and everything else
In summer melon is often added to salads and cold soups. Although the flavours are delicious, the melon is digested quicker than the other ingredients which can cause digestive difficulties. For example, if you eat melon alongside a dairy product the melon will digest, while the milk starts to curdle.
4) Eggs and Meat
Running out of cooking ideas? A ham omelette is a great fall back plan that is ready in just a few minutes. However this dish gives you a large dose of protein that is probably more than your recommended daily allowance. Instead of meat perhaps think about choosing vegetables instead.
5) Fruit and yogurt
Combining dairy products with other foods can always be a bit tricky as the two food types are not digested at the same speed. As fruits are acidic this can cause further digestive difficulties. Their acidity can interfere with the digestion of dairy products.
6) Bananas and milk
Do you think banana smoothies are a good idea? Well although they are delicious, according to many experts, these two ingredients are not compatible. The two are digested in completely different ways! This combination can therefore harm your intestinal flora and block bodily channels. It can also stimulate mucus production or trigger allergic reactions.
7) Bread and cheese
Many would agree that these two make one of the best food combinations out there… However proteins and starch are digested very differently by the body. The body therefore needs to decide which to digest first. More often than not, the starch is left aside so the body can digest the protein. As it is not digested, the starch begins to ferment which can bring about a sore stomach or for people with a weak digestive systems even food poisoning.
8) Lasagne
This dish is known for having the best mix of tasty ingredients. However mixing dairy products, protein, carbohydrates and acids takes a lot energy for your body to digest!
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