Pairing tomatoes with sugar? Rethink some go-to food combinations

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There are certain food combinations that are commonly consumed. These pairings are not only about how well the flavors complement each other, but also how the nutrients in each food interact to enhance absorption and create a synergistic effect in the body. Such combinations are often referred to as foods that “pair well.”

Apples and chocolate are a good example of a well-matched pairing. In the United States, it is common to enjoy snacks made by inserting a stick into an apple and coating it with melted chocolate. When the flavonoids found in chocolate combine with quercetin present in apples, they act as powerful antioxidants that help eliminate reactive oxygen species in the body, making this combination beneficial health wise.

However, some foods that are frequently eaten together may not actually be a good match. They may seem to go well together in terms of taste, but from a health perspective, they can be less beneficial — or even counterproductive. Based on some latest sources, here are some food pairings to avoid.

Tomato & sugar

Tomatoes are rich in antioxidants such as lycopene, as well as various vitamins and minerals. While they are a healthy food, their relatively low sweetness prompt people to add sugar. However, eating them with sugar causes the vitamin B in tomatoes to break down the sugar, reducing its absorption in the body.

Lycopene in tomatoes is better absorbed by the body when the tomatoes are slightly cooked, so it is recommended to blanch them in water or sauté them in olive oil. If their mild flavor feels lacking, it is better to add a small amount of salt rather than other seasonings.

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Chocolate & milk

Chocolate goes well with apples, but not with milk. In particular, this is the case with milk chocolate or white chocolate, which contain a lot of milk fat compared with dark chocolate.

When the milk fat in milk combines with the fat in chocolate, it can lead to excessive intake of saturated fat, which may raise cholesterol levels. If you want to add flavor to milk, it’s better to blend in strawberries and add a small amount of honey.

Bread & fruit juice

Bread has low moisture content, making it dry and difficult to eat without a drink. When people replace a meal with bread, they often feel it lacks nutrients and end up drinking fruit juice as well.

However, consuming bread and juice together can slow down digestion and lead to indigestion. Bread, which is made from starch, begins digestion when it mixes with ptyalin — an enzyme in saliva that breaks down starch. The acidic components in fruit juice can destroy ptyalin, interfering with the digestion of bread.

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Anchovies & spinach

Calcium is one of the most important nutrients for growing children, as it helps strengthen bones and supports growth. Spinach and anchovies are both calcium-rich foods. However, consuming large amounts of these two together is not recommended.

This is because oxalic acid (oxalate) in spinach binds with the calcium in anchovies, interfering with calcium absorption and potentially increasing the risk of kidney stones.

Experts advise caution, especially when spinach is eaten raw in large quantities or frequently consumed with calcium-rich foods. That said, moderate intake is generally not a major concern. Blanching spinach can reduce its oxalate content and lower the risk of side effects. It is also recommended to avoid consuming spinach at the same time as calcium-rich foods such as anchovies, tofu and dairy products, and instead space them out by at least two hours.

Frequently asked questions

Q. Is it bad to consume milk and fish together?

Traditionally, there has been a belief that milk and fish should not be eaten together. This idea stems from the notion that the proteins in milk and fish may combine and make digestion more difficult, but there is little scientific evidence to support this claim. However, some people report experiencing indigestion or skin issues, such as acne, when consuming the two together.

Q. Is it unhealthy to eat fruits and vegetables together?

Consuming fruits and vegetables together is generally not harmful. That said, because the natural sugars in fruits and the fiber in vegetables digest at different rates, some individuals may experience bloating, gas or mild abdominal discomfort.

Q. Does eating meat with potatoes or rice burden digestion?

Eating meat together with carbohydrates like potatoes or rice typically does not cause major digestive problems. However, consuming large amounts of both in one meal can lead to excessive calorie intake, which may contribute to weight gain or indigestion. Maintaining a balanced portion size is key to a healthy diet.

This article from Kormedi.com, Korea’s top health care and medical portal, is translated by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Times.