Can We Eat Apple With Milk

Question

I’ve been trying to make my diet healthier, and one of my go-to breakfasts lately has been sliced apples with a glass of milk. It feels light yet filling, but I recently heard that combining fruit with milk might not be good according to Ayurveda. It got me thinking can we eat apple with milk, or is it a bad food combination?

I usually have this combination in the mornings, around 9 a.m., after a light workout. I thought it was a healthy choice, but I’ve noticed that I feel a bit bloated afterward, and sometimes there’s mild discomfort in my stomach. Could this be because eating apple with milk isn’t compatible for digestion?

From what I’ve read, Ayurveda emphasizes food compatibility, and some fruits are considered incompatible with milk. Is apple one of those fruits? If so, why? Does it have something to do with the different digestion times of apples and milk, or their individual properties like acidity or sweetness?

Another thing I’m curious about is whether the type of milk matters. I usually drink warm cow’s milk, but would almond milk or another plant-based option work better with apples? Does Ayurveda view these combinations differently?

Lastly, are there specific guidelines for eating fruits and milk together? For instance, does it make a difference if the apples are cooked (like in oatmeal) instead of raw? Or should they always be eaten separately?

If someone could explain whether we can eat apple with milk and what the Ayurvedic perspective is on this combination, it would really help me plan my meals better. I’d also love to hear if anyone has had similar issues or found alternatives that work better.

Dr. Harsha Joy · Accepted Answer

In Ayurveda, combining fruits like apples with milk is generally considered incompatible because of their differing digestive qualities. Fruits, especially raw ones like apples, are lighter and quicker to digest, while milk is heavier and requires more time to be processed by the stomach. This mismatch can lead to bloating and discomfort, as you've experienced. Apple is sweet and slightly acidic, while milk is considered soothing and cooling, but together, they can form toxins (ama) in the digestive system when not properly digested. The type of milk doesn’t significantly change this compatibility issue; even plant-based milks may have their own unique effects. A better option might be to consume fruit separately from milk, ideally spacing them out by 30 minutes to an hour. Cooking the apples (like in oatmeal) may help mitigate some of the digestive challenges by softening the fruit and making it easier to combine with milk. For those looking to avoid discomfort, it’s better to follow Ayurveda’s advice on food pairings, such as enjoying fruit on its own or combining it with foods that are lighter and faster to digest.

Dr. Harsha Joy · Answer

In Ayurveda, combining fruits like apples with milk is generally discouraged due to their different digestive qualities. Fruits, especially raw ones, are considered lighter and quicker to digest, while milk is heavier and takes longer to break down. This mismatch can cause digestive discomfort, bloating, and even the creation of toxins (ama) if the combination isn't properly digested. Apples are sweet, slightly acidic, and have a quicker digestion time compared to the heavier, soothing milk, which can lead to an imbalance when combined.

As for the type of milk, even plant-based options like almond milk may not be ideal when paired with fruits like apples, as they still have their own distinct properties that may not align well with fruits. Ayurveda typically suggests that fruits should be eaten separately or combined with other easily digestible foods. If you prefer a warm breakfast, cooking the apples, like in oatmeal, can help make the combination more digestible, as cooking softens the fruit and aligns it better with milk's digestion time.

To minimize discomfort, you might try consuming fruit like apples 30 minutes to an hour before or after meals, keeping them separate from milk.

Can We Eat Apple With Milk - #3317

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