NUTRITION HOTLINE: Food Combinations

Q: Do certain food combinations provide more nutrients to the body? Is it okay to eat protein and fruit at the same time?

A: The concept of food combining has been around since the beginning of the 20th century. The basic premise is that certain digestive enzymes can only function in alkaline or acid environments, and hence certain foods should only be eaten together. However, there is no scientific evidence to support this theory. Good meals contain appropriate proportions of protein, carbohydrates, and fats. That’s basically how nature built many of our food sources, and people have eaten mixed meals for health and pleasure since antiquity. Trying to eat only proteins or carbohydrates is not recommended and goes against the way our bodies are built. Also, since food combining increases preoccupation with food and promotes rigid rules with eating, I do not recommend it.

However I do recommend that fat and vegetables be eaten together, as many of the phytochemicals in vegetables require fat to be absorbed. Phytochemicals are chemicals in vegetables (such as lutein and carotene) that have beneficial effects on health, including cancer prevention.