Can We Eat Curd And Ghee Together

Question

Lately, I’ve been trying to improve my eating habits and include more traditional foods in my diet. Both curd and ghee are staples in our home, and I’ve heard so much about their health benefits individually. But now I’m wondering, can we eat curd and ghee together? Are they compatible according to Ayurveda, or does it cause any kind of imbalance?

Here’s why I’m asking. I’ve started adding ghee to my meals for better digestion and immunity, and I also eat curd regularly because it helps keep my stomach cool. Sometimes, I’ll have a spoon of curd with a drizzle of ghee on top during lunch because I love the taste. But a relative recently told me that curd and ghee should never be eaten together because it can create toxins in the body or mess with digestion. I’ve been eating them together occasionally for months now, and now I’m second-guessing if that’s okay.

I know Ayurveda has a lot to say about food combinations, but I couldn’t find a clear answer on curd and ghee. Does eating curd and ghee together affect digestion negatively? Or is it fine if they’re eaten in moderation? Also, does it depend on the time of day or season? For example, is it better to avoid curd and ghee together in colder months or at night?

On a related note, if curd and ghee are not meant to be combined, what kinds of health problems can it lead to? Could it explain some mild indigestion I’ve been having after meals recently, or would the effects be more severe if they were truly incompatible? And if curd and ghee can be eaten together, is there a specific way to combine them, like adding spices or eating them with certain foods?

I’d really appreciate some clarity on this. If curd and ghee together are not recommended in Ayurveda, I’d like to know why and what I should avoid in the future. But if it’s fine, I’d love to keep enjoying my favorite combo without worrying!

Dr. Harsha Joy · Accepted Answer

In Ayurveda, curd (yogurt) and ghee have different qualities and effects on the body, and whether or not they can be combined depends on several factors. Curd is considered cool, heavy, and moist, and is typically used to soothe and nourish, especially for cooling the digestive system. Ghee, on the other hand, is warm, light, and promotes digestion and the absorption of nutrients. While both offer health benefits, Ayurveda generally advises against combining curd and ghee directly, as it can create an imbalance, especially for Pitta dosha. The cooling property of curd and the warming nature of ghee can counteract each other, potentially leading to digestive discomfort, excess mucus, or the formation of toxins (ama) if consumed together frequently.

However, this advice can vary based on your unique constitution and digestion. For instance, in Kapha dosha imbalances, this combination might increase mucus production or cause heaviness. Additionally, eating them together at night or in colder months is discouraged, as both ghee and curd can have different impacts during the cooler times of day, affecting digestion.

If you want to enjoy both, it’s better to have them separately, or add spices like jeera (cumin) or black pepper to either the ghee or curd to balance the combination and promote digestion. For instance, you could use ghee with warm foods or in cooking, and curd in moderation with foods that help cool the body, like rice or vegetables. If you notice any mild indigestion after eating them together, it might be worth reconsidering the timing or adjusting how they're consumed.

In short, while it's fine to enjoy both in your diet, Ayurveda suggests moderation and mindful pairing based on your dosha and the time of day.

Dr. Ayush Varma · Answer

Ah, the combo of curd and ghee, it’s a tasty topic for sure! In Ayurveda, this question brings us to something called “Viruddha Ahara,” or incompatible foods. Basically, it’s about what foods can harmoniously vibe together and which ones should stay apart.

So, about curd and ghee, it’s true that Ayurveda suggests being cautious. Curd (or yogurt) and ghee have different qualities that, when consumed together, might not go down so well with some people's digestive systems. Curd is sour and heating, affecting Pitta dosha, while ghee is cooling and sweet, boosting the Ojas and balancing Vata and Pitta. When you mix them, this difference in qualities can sometimes confuse digestion, and when Agni (digestive fire) isn't strong, it might lead to fermentation or toxin build-up (ama).

Don’t worry too much! It's not necessarily a big no-no for everyone. It seems like you enjoy them in moderation which is key! Eating them together occasionally won’t wreak havoc, but if you’re sensing some mild indigestion, it could be worth experimenting by eating them separately to see if it makes a difference. Also, spices can help! Adding cumin, ginger or black pepper to your curd can aid digestion significantly.

About eating them at certain times, indeed Ayurveda suggests having curd in the day because it’s heavy and can hinder digestion at night, especially in cooler seasons. So, grabbing this duo during lunch is a wiser choice than at dinner.

And as for your relative's caution, if you haven’t faced any major digestion issues, you might simply have a resilient Agni. If those mild pants of indigestion persist, that could be a signal to tweak the combo. Check your dosha balance too! If you’re a Kapha dominant, maybe ease off on it a bit.

If you do prefer to enjoy them together, be mindful. Opt for fresh, home-set curd and ghee and see how your body feels. Remember, Ayurveda’s about personalization, observing how your unique body reacts and adjusting accordingly. Keep listening to your body and enjoy the journey of discovering what makes you feel good! 😃

Can We Eat Curd And Ghee Together - #3223

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