Is Mango And Curd A Good Combination

Question

I’ve been wondering about mixing foods after hearing some dos and don’ts in Ayurveda. Specifically, is mango and curd a good combination or not? My grandmother often used to give us mango and curd together during summers, saying it cools the body. But recently, someone told me it might actually be bad for digestion and can lead to problems like bloating or even skin issues.

I’m confused because, growing up, we never had any issues eating mango and curd together. But now, I’ve started noticing some digestion problems, especially when I eat certain combinations of food. So, I want to know if there’s any truth to this claim that mango and curd together is not good. Could it be causing my occasional stomach discomfort or even the tiredness I feel afterward?

If mango and curd aren’t a good combination, then what’s the right way to eat them? Should I avoid having them together completely, or can they be taken at different times of the day? Also, does it depend on the quantity? I usually mix fresh curd with sliced mangoes and sugar, but I don’t know if that makes it worse.

I’d love to know if any Ayurvedic doctors or experts can clarify this. Are there other food combinations like this that seem okay but are actually harmful? How strict should I be about food pairing in general?

Dr. Harsha Joy · Accepted Answer

In Ayurveda, the combination of mango and curd is generally not recommended, as it is believed to disrupt digestion, especially when consumed in large quantities or in combination with sugar. Mango, being a heating fruit (pitta-aggravating), and curd, being heavy and sour, can create an imbalance in the digestive system, leading to issues like bloating, acidity, and even skin flare-ups. The combination may particularly affect individuals with a sensitive digestion or Kapha or Pitta imbalances. However, your experience of eating this combination without issues as a child could be due to your digestive system being more resilient or the quantity and timing being different.

To avoid potential discomfort, it's best to consume mango and curd at different times of the day. You could enjoy mango as a refreshing snack during the day, while curd could be included in meals like lunch or dinner, but not directly mixed with mango or other fruit. Additionally, when consuming curd, it's advisable to avoid pairing it with sugar, as this combination can be particularly difficult to digest.

As for general food pairing, Ayurveda emphasizes balancing the six tastes (sweet, sour, salty, bitter, pungent, astringent) in each meal to support digestion. Some common combinations to avoid include mixing milk with fruit, fish with dairy, and cold drinks with hot meals, as they may impair the body's ability to digest properly. Being mindful of these combinations, especially in accordance with your own doshic needs, can help promote better digestion and overall health.

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