According to Ayurveda, there are certain guidelines to follow when eating, and ignoring them can lead to health issues. While papaya is considered extremely beneficial for health, consuming it with certain foods can do more harm than good. Papaya is rich in nutrients like fat, carbohydrates, vitamin C, A, E, B, minerals, protein, dietary fiber, and antioxidants like alpha, beta carotene, and lutein. It also contains an enzyme called papain, which helps fight allergies and aids in healing wounds. Despite its many benefits, eating papaya with specific foods can negatively impact your health. Let’s explore the five foods you should never combine with papaya.
1. Tea
If you’re a tea lover who enjoys a cup after every meal, avoid having tea right after eating papaya. Drinking tea after papaya can lead to digestive issues like bloating, indigestion, and heartburn. The catechins in tea interact with papaya’s papain compound, potentially causing gas and constipation. Long-term, this combination can result in chronic gastric problems.
2. Lemon
Papaya and lemon should never be eaten together. This combination can lead to digestive problems and may cause anemia or an imbalance in hemoglobin levels.
3. Milk
Papaya contains the enzyme papain, which can interfere with the proteins in milk, disrupting digestion. This can cause issues like gas, bloating, indigestion, stomach pain, and diarrhea. It’s best to drink milk at least an hour after eating papaya.
4. Eggs
If you’re having a high-protein breakfast that includes eggs, make sure papaya isn’t on your plate. Doctors advise against consuming eggs and papaya together. Eggs are rich in protein and omega-3s, while papaya is high in papain. Eating them together can lead to indigestion, nausea, constipation, and vomiting.
5. Citrus Fruits
If you love having fruit salads that include citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, or grapefruit, avoid mixing papaya in. Citrus fruits are highly acidic, and when eaten with papaya, they can cause acidity or heartburn due to their high vitamin C content.
By avoiding these combinations, you can fully enjoy the health benefits of papaya without any negative side effects.