Why citrus fruits?
Citrus fruits like oranges, grapefruits, lemons and limes, are naturally loaded with health enriching nutrients such as vitamin C, minerals, antioxidants, dietary fiber to name a few.
What happens when you eat citrus fruits daily?
Consuming these fruits on a regular basis can help boost immunity, improve metabolic health, improve heart health and regulate blood sugar levels. In fact, citrus fruits contain minerals such as potassium and magnesium which help in reducing high blood pressure, improving cardiac health and ensuring better muscle and nerve functioning.
Are citrus fruits really good?
Apart from that, the presence of antioxidants, like flavonoids and carotenoids in citrus fruits contribute towards reducing oxidative stress and inflammation in the body. Lastly, citrus fruits also contain B-vitamins such as folate and thiamin that play an important role in energy metabolism and cell functioning. Their low calorie content, high water content, and absence of cholesterol make citrus fruits great for a healthy balanced diet. But wait, are you pairing them with wrong foods and ruining their efficacy? Well, here are some common foods to avoid pairing with citrus fruits.
Milk and Dairy Products
Avoid consuming citrus fruits with milk or dairy products. The acid in citrus fruits can curdle the proteins in milk, leading to an unpleasant texture. Instead of combining them, enjoy citrus fruits separately from dairy.
Highly Acidic Foods
Combining highly acidic foods with citrus fruits may lead to stomach discomfort or acid reflux, some of the highly acidic foods include tomatoes, vinegar-based dressings and pickled foods. Eating them together might trigger acidity issues.
Spicy Foods
Spicy foods, especially those high in capsaicin, may not pair well with citrus fruits for some individuals. The combination of acid from citrus and the heat from spicy foods might lead to discomfort or heartburn.
Carbonated Beverages
Mixing citrus fruits with carbonated beverages may lead to gas and bloating for some people. The combination of the acid in citrus and the bubbles in carbonated drinks can cause discomfort.
Fruits
While citrus fruits pair well with many fruits, there are some combinations to be cautious about. Avoid combining citrus fruits with melons, as it takes a long time to digest and may lead to fermentation and cause indigestion.
Sugary Snacks
Consuming citrus fruits with overly sugary snacks may not be the healthiest choice. The combination of acidic citrus and high sugar content can lead to a sudden spike in sugar levels.