Food combinations with yogurt that are healthy or can be toxic

When it comes to probiotics, yogurt is one of the richest sources and is known for its digestive, immune-boosting, and gut-friendly benefits. It is also rich in protein, calcium, and B vitamins. From strengthening bones to improving metabolism and supporting weight management, yogurt is a wholesome addition to daily meals. In Ayurveda, yogurt is considered a nourishing, strengthening food (balya) that enhances ojas, the body’s vitality, when eaten correctly. And the logic of eating correctly revolves around the nature of foods that compliment the structure of yogurt as a food. Some yogurt combinations are toxic and some are healthy. Wondering why? Well, in Ayurveda, some foods are not meant to be combined together and it's called vriddhahar or the science of food combining. In a recent video on Instagram, Dimple Jangda, a nutrition and wellness expert has explained about food combinations with yogurt that are healthy or can be toxic. Let's understand those.

This is a forbidden combination, states Dimple. As per her, even when you're making your yogurt rice, don't put milk on the top, because there are two different stages of the metabolic process. It has already been heated and fermented here and this has only been boiled. When they react with each other, they can lead to gut health issues.

As per Ayurveda fruits with yogurt is a forbidden combination, toxic, leading to more bloating, gases and unhealthy gut microbiome. While yogurt with carrot, cucumber, beetroot, are great combinations. It is suggested to add some spices that are carminative, like cumin, fennel, coriander, cardamom, cinnamon, garam masala, bay leaf or even coriander leaves or chilli and temper the dish. This is a great combination for the raita that we have as a dip. However, yogurt with lemon, tomato, tamarind, and sour fruits is a no. It can lead to leaky gut syndrome. Also, yogurt with nightshade vegetables like tomato, potato, brinjal, pepper are not good, as they usually have a lot of seeds and can lead to bloating, gastritis, diarrhea, and IBS symptoms. Also, never marinate potatoes with yogurt even though it's tempting.

This is also a forbidden combination in Ayurveda, reason being cheese has been fermented far more than yogurt. As per Dimple, cheese has been fermented over several days. When they come together, they can lead to severe bloating, gastritis, IBS, IBD symptoms.

As per Dimple, yogurt plus legumes, lentils, pulses, beans and peas, even your dahi bhalla is actually a viruddha ahara in Ayurveda leading to bloating, gas, flatulence, indigestion, diarrhea, IBS symptoms.

In her opinion, yogurt with eggs and tofu is forbidden in Ayurveda. These are two different kinds of proteins and should not be mixed together.

It is one of the healthiest combinations and is a staple food in south India. Yogurt and rice helps in repopulating the good bacteria. Dimple suggest adding a tempering made with lots of spices like cumin, pink salt, some cardamom, some garam masala.

This is also a great combination, affirms Dimple. If you're recovering from a cold, cough, sinus, fever or antibiotic course, you need yogurt for the good microbiome and spices and herbs helps in strengthening your immunity and this acts like a base for it, she further explains.

This is also a great combination. Dimple states, "You can put good nuts like almonds, walnuts, dates, raisins, prunes. You can even put saffron, cinnamon, cardamom, clove, grated ginger, pepper, or star anise to make it a healthy combination for gut and overall health."

All Images Courtesy: istock
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is meant for general knowledge only and should not be taken as medical advice. Always talk to your doctor before starting any new routine.