Tips

The Dangers of Food Pairing: Unlikely Culinary Couples to Avoid

Certain foods, while inherently nutritious, can lose their nutritional value when cooked with other types of produce. In some cases, this can hinder nutrient absorption, cause digestive issues, and in more severe cases, even lead to food poisoning or the production of toxins. The following food pairings are culinary "arch-enemies" when it comes to preparation and should be avoided.

Administrator

28 July, 2024

1 Honey and Soy

Honey contains formic acid, while soy is rich in protein. Consuming these two foods together can lead to an upset stomach and indigestion.

2 Seafood and Vitamin C

Seafood, especially shellfish like shrimp, crab, and mollusks, contains high levels of arsenous acid. Although this form of arsenic is typically harmless, when combined with Vitamin C, it can transform into toxic arsenic, leading to poisoning and even death.

3 Seafood and Tannic Acid

Tannic acid, found in fruits such as pomegranates, grapes, and strawberries, reacts with the calcium in seafood to form precipitates. This can lead to stomach pain, bloating, and even stomach ulcers over time.

4 Cow’s Milk and Vitamin C

Cow’s milk contains approximately 80% casein, a protein that, when combined with Vitamin C, can cause abdominal pain and diarrhea. Prolonged consumption of this combination may lead to Methemoglobin disease, respiratory dysfunction, and potentially fatal outcomes.

5 Vinegar and Carotene

Vinegar contains acetic acid, which neutralizes the effects of carotene-rich foods like carrots, spinach, and cabbage. If you enjoy pickled dishes, it’s best to consume them in moderation.

6 Chicken and Vietnamese Coriander

While Vietnamese coriander is excellent for treating rheumatism, consuming it with chicken can lead to indigestion, constipation, and a feeling of fullness.

7 Sweet Potato and Hawthorn

Hawthorn has an astringent taste and contains pectin. When combined with sweet potatoes, which are rich in starch, the stomach has to work harder and produce more digestive juices. Over time, this can lead to stomach inflammation, ulcers, and even bleeding.

8 Eggs and Garlic

The combination of garlic and eggs can cause digestive issues, including abdominal pain and diarrhea. Additionally, consuming burnt garlic can be harmful to your health.

9 Dog Meat, Goat Meat, and Tea

Dog and goat meat are high in protein. When paired with tea, they can reduce intestinal motility, leading to constipation. Prolonged consumption of this combination may even increase the risk of cancer.

10 Chicken Eggs and Pig Brain

Both chicken eggs and pig brain are high in fat and protein, as well as cholesterol. Regularly consuming these foods together can increase the risk of high blood pressure and gout.

11 Liver and Bean Sprouts

Bean sprouts are rich in Vitamin C, but when combined with liver, which contains copper, the vitamin is oxidized, reducing the nutritional value of the sprouts.

Knowing these food combinations to avoid can help keep you safe and healthy. What other food combinations do you think should be avoided? Let us know in the comments!

Frequently asked questions

There are several food combinations that can be harmful to your health when consumed together. For example, drinking tea with an iron-rich meal can reduce non-heme iron absorption due to the tannins in tea, which can bind to iron and inhibit its absorption. Another dangerous duo is having calcium-rich foods with oxalic acid-containing foods like spinach or rhubarb, as oxalic acid binds to calcium and creates insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, reducing calcium absorption and potentially leading to kidney stone formation.

Pairing milk with citrus fruits like oranges or grapefruit can be detrimental due to the acidity of the fruits. The acid in citrus can curdle milk, forming clumps that are unpleasant to consume and may cause digestive issues.

No, it is not advisable to pair honey with certain foods, especially fermented products like yogurt or cheese. Honey naturally contains yeast, and when combined with fermented foods, it can cause the honey to ferment further, leading to a change in taste and texture.

Yes, cinnamon is generally safe, but for those with liver issues, caution is advised. Cinnamon contains coumarin, a natural compound that can be toxic to the liver in large amounts. If you have liver problems, it is best to consult a healthcare professional before regularly consuming cinnamon or taking cinnamon supplements.