Basic skills of diplomacy are very useful even during the preparation of the most ordinary dinner. And if the unfriendly neighborhood of some products in the refrigerator is acceptable, then the conflict of interests in the pan can turn into a real revolution in the stomachs of the household. That is why it is worth knowing in advance which products are better never to meet in one dish.
Meat’s Worst Friends
Adored by millions, the combination of meat with potatoes or pasta, sadly, is fraught with many dangers. The interaction of proteins and carbohydrates not only contributes to the intensive accumulation of hated calories, but also causes unpleasant sensations. In addition, the harmful substances contained in fried meat refuse to leave the body and over time can become the causes of stomach diseases, including cancer. So it is best to use the above products separately.
Speaking of fried meat. Many housewives are happy to replace sunflower oil with olive oil wherever possible, even when frying cutlets, chops or steaks. However, olive oil is only suitable for cold salads and snacks, and under the influence of high temperatures, its useful properties are inevitably destroyed.
Nutritionists strongly advise never to combine meat and cheese, because the first contains zinc, and the second-phosphorus. Chemically, these elements interact poorly, because phosphorus slows down the absorption of zinc. So it is more reasonable to use these products separately and combine them with fresh vegetables. Another sad news for those who consider meat under a glass of vodka an ideal union. Alcohol in the vicinity of animal proteins becomes even more harmful, because it blocks the pepsin contained in meat, which is necessary for the safe assimilation of proteins.
Fish by nature is a less whimsical ally. The main thing to remember here is that fatty fish varieties should not be combined with eggs and sunflower oil in any case. In these cases, the real battle of useful substances begins. Ovidin, contained in eggs, neutralizes vitamin B7, which is saturated with fatty fish. The omega-6 acids present in sunflower oil completely destroy the health-improving effect of fish omega-3 acids.
Preparing the perfect breakfast
The main meal of the day, according to the assurances of most nutritionists, is breakfast. And those who are used to making do with a cup of coffee in the morning should reconsider their preferences. An excellent alternative can be a sandwich made of rye or bran bread, rich in many minerals and vitamins. However, in this case, you will have to forget about your favorite coffee, because caffeine will become an insurmountable barrier to useful substances.
For the same reason, you should not combine an omelet or frosting with a cup of strong, aromatic drink. The polyphenols contained in it slow down the absorption of iron coming from eggs, and in addition reduce the level of calcium. It is best to postpone the meeting with your favorite drink for at least half an hour after breakfast.
As for the eggs themselves, this is not the friendliest product in the world. It is not so easy for the body to assimilate complex protein, so it should not be burdened with other products. Without harmful consequences, you can add some fresh vegetables or herbs to the eggs.
Another healthy breakfast option is low – fat cottage cheese, rich in proteins. And since they will be digested for a long time, it is also not recommended to combine cottage cheese with other products. The exception is related fermented milk products, for example, sour cream with a fat content of 10-15%.
Fruit etiquette
What can be more useful than fruit, especially during the painful off-season for the body? However, some fruits sometimes show an insidious essence. So-called sweet fruits – bananas, persimmons, dates and other dried fruits-are best consumed separately. Almost all of them are absorbed for a long time, and the presence of foreign ingredients only complicates the process. An exception can be made except for pilaf with dried apricots or raisins.
Fruits are friends with families, and in addition to each other, they can safely tolerate the presence of only cream, sour cream and other fermented milk products. However, there are also renegades. Kiwi, despite all its useful properties, contains a special enzyme that, under the influence of dairy products, begins to exude an unpleasant bitterness. So a tropical fruit can hopelessly spoil an ordinary fruit salad or a lovingly prepared cake with cream.
And it should also be remembered that any fruit is best eaten half an hour before the main meal and at least three hours after it. Otherwise, they will lose all their useful properties and can provoke unpleasant fermentation processes in the stomach. A vivid confirmation of this is the popular favorite watermelon and melon, which are best consumed as independent dishes. The role of dessert is absolutely not suitable for them.
The art of drinking
The age-old traditions of a generous feast oblige you to dilute a full meal with drinks. Nutritionists, in response, patiently continue to remind you that food and drinks should be separated at least half an hour apart.
Fresh juices from fruits and vegetables are better to transfer the rank of a separate dish, so that the body can fully absorb the abundance of vitamins and trace elements. The innocent and much-loved combination of tea with yeast dough pastries is definitely among the most harmless. The tannins contained in the tea come into a fierce confrontation with the protein, and also prevent the absorption of calcium, magnesium, zinc, iron and copper. Due to the same tannins, vitamin B1, which is rich in yeast, is also lost along the way.
By the way, the list of prohibited combinations includes another sacred union for many – beer with peanuts. And, of course, alcohol is responsible for this, mercilessly destroying the vitamins and minerals stored in peanuts. In addition, both products are incredibly high in calories, so this combination is a serious test for the body.
On closer inspection, there aren’t many culinary taboos. By eliminating them from your own diet, you can establish a healthy diet, significantly improve your well-being and always stay in a happy mood.