The moment summer arrives, one fruit tops everyone's wish list, the mango. There is a reason it is crowned the ‘king of fruits’. Along with its rich taste, it carries a treasure of nourishment. Mango is loaded with vitamin A, vitamin C, fibre and antioxidants, all of which benefit the body in several ways.
Yet very few people are aware of one important thing. Eating certain foods after a mango can turn its benefits into trouble. It can throw your digestion off balance and trigger other health issues. That is why it helps to know which foods you should keep away from while eating mango, or immediately afterwards.
Why mango and curd may not mix
For most people, mango and curd are a much loved pairing. But going by Ayurveda, this combination does not suit everyone. In some people it disturbs digestion, leaving the stomach feeling heavy and inviting complaints like gas and indigestion.
Soft drinks can spike your sugar
Mango already contains a fair amount of natural sugar. Wash it down with a cold drink and your blood sugar can shoot up suddenly. For anyone living with diabetes, this habit can be especially harmful.
The opposite effect of bitter gourd
According to Ayurveda, eating mango and bitter gourd together is not advisable. The properties of the two are quite different from each other, and combining them can lead to nausea, vomiting and an upset stomach.
Do not rush to drink water
Gulping down a lot of water right after a mango can spell trouble for some people. It may bring on stomach pain, gas or even loose motions. The smarter approach is to leave a gap of at least 30 minutes before drinking water after eating mango.
Fried foods add to the load
Eating heavy or fried foods alongside mango, or soon after, puts extra strain on the digestive system. The result is a heavy feeling in the stomach and a lingering sense of discomfort.
Keep alcohol off the menu
The pairing of mango and alcohol is not considered good for health. The sugar and other elements present in both can together affect digestion and leave the body feeling unwell.
What science has to say
It is worth remembering that most of the points above rest on traditional and Ayurvedic beliefs tied to metabolism. Since no two people have the same digestive system, the effect of any particular food combination can vary from person to person. If you have a specific health concern, consulting a doctor or dietitian is always the wisest move.
