Can We Eat Beetroot And Curd Together

Question

I’ve recently started paying more attention to my diet because I’ve been feeling sluggish and dealing with some digestive issues. I’ve always heard that eating healthy foods like beetroot can be really beneficial for overall health, and I’ve been incorporating it into my meals. But one thing I’m not sure about is whether "can we eat beetroot and curd together"? I’ve heard mixed opinions from different people, and it’s leaving me confused.

To give you a bit of context, I usually make a beetroot salad with a bit of curd on top, which I find really tasty. But after eating it, I sometimes feel a little heavy in my stomach, and it’s made me wonder if these two foods are not the best combination. I’ve also read a few online articles that say beetroot and curd can’t be eaten together, and they suggest it could disrupt digestion or cause bloating. However, others say that there is no harm in combining them if the quantities are moderate.

I’ve been thinking a lot about whether I should stop mixing beetroot and curd in my meals. Can we eat beetroot and curd together without any negative effects on our health? I know that Ayurveda emphasizes the importance of proper food combinations for digestion, so I wanted to get some professional advice on this. Is it true that certain food pairings, like beetroot and curd, can cause an imbalance in the body? I don’t want to end up making things worse for my digestion.

Another thing I’ve noticed is that when I eat beetroot and curd together, my skin sometimes breaks out, which makes me even more cautious about the combination. Could this be a sign that my body is not handling the mixture well? Or maybe it’s just a coincidence, and the breakout is unrelated? If it is related, would it help to avoid beetroot and curd together or maybe eat them at different times of the day?

I’ve been trying to be more conscious of my Ayurvedic diet lately, so I’d love to know what the general advice is on combining these two foods. I understand that food combinations play a big role in how well we digest, and I don’t want to make any mistakes. If there’s a particular way to make beetroot and curd work together, or if they should never be paired, I’d really appreciate hearing your thoughts.Looking forward to hearing your advice!

Dr Sujal Patil · Accepted Answer

Combining beetroot and curd in your meals is generally considered safe and nutritious for most people, but it does depend on your digestion and overall constitution (Prakriti) in Ayurvedic terms. Here’s a concise breakdown addressing your concerns:

Beetroot and Curd Combination – Is It Harmful?
Ayurvedic Perspective:

Ayurveda advises caution with food combinations to maintain optimal digestion.
Curd is considered heating (Ushna) and slightly heavy to digest, while beetroot is cooling (Sheeta) and sweet in nature. Together, they are not inherently incompatible, but if your digestion is weak (low Agni), the combination could lead to heaviness or bloating.
Modern Perspective:

Beetroot is high in fiber and curd contains probiotics, making the combination good for gut health in moderation.
However, some individuals may experience gas or bloating due to differences in how these foods are digested.
Why You Might Feel Discomfort
Weak Digestion: If you feel heavy after eating this combination, it may indicate that your digestive fire is not strong enough to process both foods together.
Skin Breakouts: Could be coincidental or due to the heating nature of curd, which might trigger inflammation in certain individuals.
How to Enjoy Them Together Safely
Moderate Quantities: Keep portions small to avoid overwhelming your digestion.
Add Digestive Spices: Include cumin, black pepper, or ginger in your beetroot-curd salad to enhance digestion.
Avoid at Night: Curd is best consumed during the day as it is heavy and can disrupt digestion if eaten in the evening.
When to Avoid the Combination
If you consistently experience bloating, heaviness, or skin issues, it’s best to eat beetroot and curd separately.
Key Takeaway
You can eat beetroot and curd together in moderation, especially if your digestion is strong. However, pay attention to how your body reacts, and adjust accordingly. If issues persist, enjoy them at different meals or consult an Ayurvedic practitioner for personalized advice.

Dr. Ayush Varma · Answer

You're on the right track, trying to be more mindful of how certain foods make you feel. Eating beetroot and curd together, well, it can be a bit of a tricky combination from an Ayurvedic perspective.

In Ayurveda, the concept of food combining (virudha ahara) is essential to good digestion, and it emphasizes that certain foods don't go well together. Curd, or yogurt, is sour and heavy, and beetroot is sweet and cooling. When consumed together, these differing qualities can lead to digestive disturbances like that heavy feeling in your stomach you mentioned.

The heaviness comes from the fact that both items have quite different digestion times and qualities. Beetroot being more cooling and curd being sour—it's a classic example where the stomach might struggle to process both at the same time, leading to bloating or sluggishness. If your "agni" or digestive fire isn’t very strong, this combination can be cumbersome to digest effectively, potentially causing unease or even skin eruptions, as you’ve observed.

One possible solution is to avoid eating them together in the same meal. You could enjoy beetroot during lunchtime perhaps when agni is stronger and include curd in another meal. This would give your body the chance to process them on their own terms. Or, if you really like them together, try adding spices like cumin or black pepper to offset some digestive conflict—spices can make a world of difference.

About your skin breakout, it's a valid concern. Skins issues can arise from indigestion or ama (toxins) formation according to Ayurveda. If you've noticed consistent breakouts after consuming this combo, it might indeed be worth reconsidering their co-consumption. Also, check if you're combining this mix with other heavy foods which might exacerbate the situation.

Always listen to your body. If it’s sending you signals such as unpredictably heavy stomachs or skin issues, it might be best to adjust. If things don’t improve, it’s wise to consult an Ayurvedic practitioner for a personalized diet plan tailored to your dosha and current state of health.

Can We Eat Beetroot And Curd Together - #4282

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