5 foods you should not eat with bananas
Although bananas are a nutritious fruit, according to Ayurvedic medicine, the combination of bananas and certain foods can cause digestive upset for a group of people.
Bananas and milk are both nutritious foods, many people still combine bananas with milk to make banana smoothies without any problems.
However, according to traditional Indian medicine, bananas and milk are the most incompatible foods. In addition to milk, some protein-rich foods, citrus fruits, etc. are also considered not to be eaten with bananas. This article provides information from Indian nutritionists for your reference.
1. Combining bananas with milk causes indigestion
Ayurvedic food expert Dr. Surya Bhagwati (India) explains that consuming bananas and milk together creates toxins that cause imbalance in the body. This disrupts and can also lead to colds, coughs and congestion. So be careful with the popular banana smoothie that is not good for the body.
According to some studies, it has been observed that combining or eating these two foods together can harm your digestive system. Even according to Ayurveda books, combining these two foods is considered incompatible.
According to Ayurveda, bananas and milk together are considered to be an inauspicious combination and affect digestion as well as aggravate respiratory disorders like sinus, cold and cough. Also, according to Ayurveda, the combination of fruits and milk is not advisable as it increases the presence of mucus in the body.
While both bananas and milk have a cooling effect, the combination of these two foods can affect the digestive system. Bananas contain an enzyme called amylase that can break down the proteins in milk. This can lead to digestive symptoms such as diarrhea, bloating, or severe abdominal pain.
In fact, most people have no problem eating bananas and milk together or consuming them in small amounts so that the symptoms are not obvious. But for pregnant women, this combination is absolutely not recommended. Consuming these two foods at separate times will be good for both mother and baby.
2. Protein-rich foods should not be eaten with ripe bananas.
Ripe bananas digest relatively quickly and combining them in the same meal with protein-rich foods like eggs or slow-digesting meats can cause fermentation and gas in the digestive tract.
Bananas are high in fiber, while meat is high in protein. Combining these two foods takes longer for the body to digest, leading to feelings of fullness, indigestion, or gas.
According to Ayurveda, efficient digestion is essential for maintaining good health as it allows nutrients to be metabolized and absorbed properly. On the other hand, poor digestion leads to accumulation of undigested food, toxins that can build up in the intestines, causing fatigue, and promoting disease in the long run.
3. Avoid eating bananas with acidic fruits
Sour fruits like citrus fruits, pomegranates, strawberries should be avoided along with bananas as they are sweet in nature. Some studies have shown that when eaten together, bananas and acidic fruits can cause problems like nausea or headaches.
4. Do not eat sweets with bananas
Pastries, breads and baked goods contain processed carbohydrates which take longer to digest while bananas aid digestion. In Ayurvedic cooking, it is believed that combining two foods with contrasting properties increases the risk of digestive imbalance.
Similarly, consuming bananas along with carbonated soft drinks can cause bloating and make you feel uncomfortable after eating the banana.
5. Do not eat bananas with greasy foods
Bananas are high in fiber. The fiber in bananas can slow down the digestion of food, leading to feelings of fullness, indigestion, nausea, or even diarrhea.
Fat in food can increase the time food stays in the stomach, giving the fiber in bananas more time to ferment and cause digestive problems. The combination of bananas and fatty foods can create a difficult-to-digest mixture in the stomach, leading to discomfort.
Additionally, some people may be intolerant to fructose, a type of sugar found in bananas. If you are intolerant to fructose, you may experience bloating, diarrhea, or cramps after eating bananas.
According to Dr. Tran Thi Bich Nga, former lecturer of the Department of Nutrition (Hanoi Medical University):
Potential causes of stomach upset after eating bananas could be due to the starch content, irritable bowel syndrome, banana allergy or fructose intolerance.
In general, it's best to listen to your body and avoid food combinations that make you feel uncomfortable. If you experience digestive problems after eating bananas, try eating them alone or in combination with other foods.
Here are some tips to help you digest bananas more easily:
Eat ripe bananas: Ripe bananas are softer and easier to digest than unripe bananas. Chew bananas thoroughly: Chewing food thoroughly helps break it down into smaller pieces, making it easier for your body to digest. Drink plenty of water: Water helps move food through your digestive system and can help prevent constipation. Exercise regularly: Exercise improves your digestive system and can help reduce your risk of indigestion.
People with medical conditions such as diabetes who want to include bananas in their diet should consult a doctor or nutritionist for specific advice.