It’s the season for juicy oranges, a favourite fruit for many to consume both as juice and as a fruit. Rich in Vitamin C and antioxidants, oranges offer numerous health benefits. Apart from boosting the immune system, oranges promote healthy skin and hair, aid digestion and prevent cell damage. While oranges are tempting at any time of the day, Ayurveda advises against eating them soon after a meal as this can lead to a variety of harmful side effects.
Ayurveda advocates a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, with emphasis on consuming fresh produce available in season. Eating two servings of fruit a day provides essential nutrients, keeps the body hydrated, aids in weight loss and reduces junk food cravings. However, to reap these benefits, it is important to consume the fruit correctly and at the right time. Ayurveda also specifies the time for the consumption of oranges, cautioning against combining them with dairy products, vegetables and meat as they may be harmful to the body.
Eat oranges with meals
Oranges, lemons, grapefruit, kiwi, and pineapple all contain a lot of citric acid, giving them a unique sour and pungent taste. Regular consumption of these fruits, including oranges, after meals can lead to symptoms such as stomach pain, arthritis, diarrhea, inflammation, muscle pain, shortness of breath, and allergies. The acids in citrus fruits are metabolized faster than other foods, so eating them with lunch or dinner can produce toxins in the body and slow down digestion. As a result, the fruit remains in the stomach until the solids are digested, preventing the absorption of nutrients and promoting fermentation by digestive juices. This toxic effect increases the risk of diseases and health problems such as acidity, stomach pain, heartburn, and acid reflux.
When is the best time to eat an orange?
Ayurveda recommends that fruits, especially citrus fruits, be eaten in the morning on an empty stomach so that the nutrients can be absorbed quickly by the body. Mornings, especially before any physical activity, are also the best time to eat other fruits that are rich in vitamin C and carbohydrates.
