Thinking They're Healthy, But... "The Worst Breakfast Combinations That Only Cause Fatigue"

Unexpected Pitfalls in Busy Mornings and Snacks

Just like the classic pairings of milk and cookies or chicken and beer, there are food combinations considered a "perfect match." However, from a nutritional perspective, some combinations that seem to go well together can actually be harmful to your health.

Images of milk and fruit to aid understanding of the article. Pixabay

On September 2 (local time), the American lifestyle magazine Real Simple cited expert opinions to introduce six food combinations that could be detrimental to your health.

First is milk and citrus fruits. Many people drink milk with tangerines or oranges in the morning. However, citric acid in citrus fruits causes the protein in milk to coagulate, making it more difficult to digest. This can lead to discomfort such as stomach pain, gas, and bloating, and for those with lactose intolerance, the symptoms can be even more severe.

Next is dark chocolate and milk. Dark chocolate with a high cacao content helps lower blood pressure and supports cardiovascular health. However, when consumed with milk, the protein in milk blocks the absorption of flavonoids, which are antioxidants, thereby nullifying the benefits. Experts advise, "If you are eating dark chocolate for health reasons, you should enjoy it on its own."

Unexpected Pitfalls in Busy Mornings and Snacks

Coffee and banana images to help understand the article. Pexels

Many people substitute coffee and bananas for a meal during a busy morning. However, this is also not a good combination. The pairing of caffeine and simple carbohydrates does not sustain energy for long. Blood sugar rises quickly and then drops rapidly, which can lead to increased fatigue. Experts recommend drinking water and consuming protein first before having coffee.

Adding soy sauce when cooking instant noodles can turn it into a sodium bomb. Instant noodles already have a high sodium content, and adding soy sauce makes it easy to exceed the daily recommended intake. Over time, this can increase the risk of high blood pressure or heart disease, and symptoms become more severe if you are dehydrated.

Peanut butter and rice cakes may seem like a simple and nutritious snack, but they can quickly leave you feeling hungry. Rice cakes lack the fiber and complex carbohydrates needed to keep you full. They provide a quick burst of energy, but hunger soon returns, causing you to seek out more food.

Lastly, alcohol and caffeine. While common combinations like espresso martinis are popular, caffeine is a stimulant and alcohol is a depressant. Consuming them together can mask the effects of alcohol, making you feel less intoxicated than you actually are. As a result, you may end up drinking more than intended.

Experts emphasize that nutrition is not just about labeling foods as good or bad, but about how you combine them, which can lead to different outcomes. Simple habits, such as eating dark chocolate with milk or having just coffee and a banana for breakfast, can threaten your health. Reviewing and changing small habits can make a significant difference in long-term health management.