Can We Eat Honey And Curd Together

Question

I’ve recently started following more natural and Ayurvedic diets, and I’m trying to figure out which food combinations are safe and healthy. One thing I came across is the question: can we eat honey and curd together? I’ve always loved mixing honey with curd for breakfast or dessert because it’s sweet, light, and feels healthy. But now I’m hearing that this combination might not be good for the body according to Ayurveda. Is this true, and why?

I’ve read that certain food combinations can create toxins or disrupt digestion, and I wonder if honey and curd fall into that category. Does Ayurveda specifically say can we eat honey and curd together or not? If it’s harmful, what exactly happens in the body when these two are eaten together? I haven’t noticed any immediate problems, but I do sometimes feel sluggish after meals with curd and honey. Could this be connected?

Another thing I’m curious about is whether the ratio matters. For example, if I use a small amount of honey in curd, is it still bad? Or is the issue only when they are mixed in equal quantities? Some people say that the temperature of the curd also plays a role. Is it true that mixing warm honey with cold curd is worse, or does the problem remain regardless of temperature?

I’ve been experimenting with replacing sugar in my diet, and honey has been my go-to alternative. If can we eat honey and curd together is something Ayurveda advises against, are there any other natural sweeteners I can use with curd instead? Would jaggery or dates be better options?

For anyone who knows about Ayurveda, is this combination harmful for all body types (doshas), or only for certain ones? I’m trying to understand if there are exceptions or ways to balance this combination so it’s not harmful. Should I just stop mixing honey with curd altogether, or are there ways to make it safe?

If someone has more detailed insight, I’d love to hear the Ayurvedic perspective on can we eat honey and curd together and whether this is truly a bad practice or just a myth.

Dr Sujal Patil · Accepted Answer

In Ayurveda, it is generally advised not to combine honey and curd due to their opposite qualities, which can disrupt digestion and lead to the formation of toxins (Ama) in the body. Honey is considered a heat-producing substance, while curd is cooling. When mixed together, especially in equal amounts, they are believed to cause imbalances in the digestive fire (Agni), potentially leading to sluggish digestion, bloating, and the creation of toxins that can affect overall health. The temperature of the ingredients also plays a role, as mixing cold curd with warm honey may exacerbate the imbalance. However, the impact may vary depending on an individual's dosha—for example, those with a Kapha dosha might be more prone to issues from this combination due to the heavy and mucous-forming nature of curd. If you want to enjoy sweetened curd, jaggery or dates are recommended as better alternatives in Ayurveda. If you’re concerned about this combination, it’s best to either separate honey and curd or use them in moderation and in different contexts, such as not consuming them together in one meal.

Dr. Harsha Joy · Answer

In Ayurveda, the combination of honey and curd (yogurt) is generally considered problematic, especially when consumed together in equal amounts. According to Ayurvedic principles, this combination can lead to the creation of toxins (ama) in the body and disrupt digestion. Honey is considered a "hot" substance, while curd is "cooling," and their contrasting qualities may cause an imbalance in the digestive system, particularly for people with sensitive digestion or certain dosha imbalances. When eaten together, they can slow down digestion and lead to sluggishness, bloating, or even skin issues over time.

One of the key reasons this combination is discouraged in Ayurveda is that curd is a fermented dairy product that can be heavy and mucus-forming, while honey, when heated, is believed to become toxic. This may cause the body to struggle with digestion, particularly if the curd is consumed cold or the honey is mixed with warm curd. The timing of consumption also matters, and Ayurveda generally advises against mixing these ingredients in the evening, as both can be harder to digest during the later hours.

The issue is not just about the ratio or temperature but how these ingredients interact with your body’s internal systems, especially digestion and metabolism. That said, the effects may vary based on your dosha. For instance, people with a predominant Kapha dosha may find this combination especially aggravating due to its mucus-forming and heavy nature, while others may not feel significant negative effects.

If you are looking for alternatives, jaggery and dates are often recommended as safer sweeteners to pair with curd in Ayurveda. Both are considered more grounding and easier on the digestive system. To balance the combination, it may be better to consume honey and curd separately, or use small amounts of honey in a warm beverage, not mixed directly with curd.

Ultimately, while this combination is widely discouraged in Ayurveda, it’s important to listen to your body. If you notice feeling sluggish or bloated after consuming honey and curd together, it’s a good idea to stop and see if your symptoms improve.

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