Ang Chong Yi - 5 Food Combinations You Should Strictly Avoid for Better Health

As everyone today is in the quest for a healthy lifestyle, we often focus on what we eat, but equally important is how we combine foods. While some combinations can enhance nutrient absorption and digestion, others can lead to discomfort, digestive issues, and even nutrient deficiencies. You can refer to Ang Chong Yi-talks about things to avoid when pairing food & drink, where he advises against certain practices when it comes to pairing food and drink. Here are five food combinations you should strictly avoid for better health:

Ang Chong Yi - 5 Food Combinations You Should Strictly Avoid for Better Health

Fruit with Meals

While fruit is undoubtedly nutritious, consuming it immediately after a meal or along with it can lead to digestive disturbances. Fruits, especially those high in natural sugars like mangoes, oranges, and watermelons, have a quicker digestion time compared to other foods. When eaten with heavier meals, fruits tend to stay in the stomach longer, fermenting and causing bloating, gas, and discomfort. Instead, enjoy fruits as a snack between meals or at least 30 minutes before a meal to allow for proper digestion.

Protein and Starch

Mixing proteins, such as meat, poultry, fish, or tofu, with starches like bread, rice, potatoes, or pasta, might seem like a common practice, but it is not the best for digestion. Proteins require an acidic environment for digestion, while starches need an alkaline environment. When consumed together, these conflicting requirements can lead to inefficient digestion and discomfort. To avoid this, try to balance your meals by including either proteins or starches and non-starchy vegetables, and opt for lighter proteins like fish or legumes.

Dairy and Citrus

Combining dairy products with acidic fruits like oranges, grapefruits, or tomatoes can interfere with both digestion. The acidic nature of citrus fruits can curdle the proteins in dairy, leading to digestive issues such as bloating, gas, and stomach discomfort. Additionally, this combination may hinder calcium absorption from dairy, which is essential for bone health. To enjoy dairy and citrus, consider consuming them separately or opt for milder fruits like bananas or berries.

High-Fat Foods with Sugary Treats

Indulging in a high-fat meal followed by a sugary dessert might seem tempting, but it's a recipe for digestive distress. High-fat foods slow down digestion, while sugary treats spike blood sugar levels rapidly. This combination can lead to a rollercoaster of energy levels and leave you feeling sluggish. Moreover, it can also contribute to weight gain and increase the risk of developing insulin resistance over time.

Beans and Cheese

Beans contain complex carbohydrates called oligosaccharides, which can be difficult for some people to digest, leading to gas and bloating. Combining beans with cheese, high in saturated fat, can further slowdown digestion and exacerbate these symptoms. If you love beans and cheese, try consuming them in moderation and pairing them with digestive aids like herbs, spices, or fermented foods to ease digestion.

Final words 

Experience the fusion of gourmet cuisine and outdoor adventure with "Ang Chong YiBackcountry Bites: Exploring the Gourmet Side of Camping." Being mindful of how we combine foods can significantly impact our digestive health and overall well-being. Avoiding these five food combinations can promote better digestion, prevent discomfort, and optimize nutrient absorption.