Do you have the habit of eating fruit immediately after a meal? A doctor lists its disadvantages.

News Topical, Digital Desk : It's a common habit in our homes to eat fruit as soon as a meal is over. Sometimes someone says, "Bring a mango," or sometimes, "Let's eat oranges." We think fruits are healthy, so they can be eaten at any time, but did you know that this very habit is the one that causes the most confusion to your digestive system.

Why should we not eat fruits after meals?

Fruits are digested quickly, while other foods are digested slowly.

Fruits contain natural sugar and fiber, which are digested very quickly. Cooked foods—rice, bread, lentils, and vegetables—take longer to break down and digest. When you eat fruit immediately after a heavy meal, it tends to linger in the stomach, hindering its digestion.

Fermentation begins in the stomach

Fruits trapped under heavy food start fermenting, meaning gas starts forming in them.

This results in:

• Abdominal distension
• heaviness
• gas
• Indigestion
• frequent belching or farting

In Ayurveda, it is considered a 'contradictory diet'.

According to Ayurveda, this combination of fruits and cooked meals increases microbial fermentation, which can have a negative effect on all three – Pitta, Vata and Kapha.

When should fruits be eaten... what is the right time?

empty stomach in the morning

Eating fruits on an empty stomach in the morning:

• Provides instant energy
• Helps in detoxifying the body
• Keeps digestion light and easy

between two miles

If you had a heavy breakfast, it's safest and most beneficial to eat fruit 2–3 hours after lunch. This time, the stomach is lighter and the fruit is easier to digest.

It is best to eat fruits before 11 o'clock

The body is naturally in cleansing mode between 8 and 11 a.m. Fruits support this process and provide energy throughout the day.

'What' and 'when' also matter

We often focus on what we eat, but the timing is just as important. The right food, eaten at the wrong time, can become a burden on the body.

Fruits are very beneficial for health, but eating fruits at the wrong time causes problems like gas, indigestion, flatulence, heaviness etc.

If you want fruits to truly nourish your body, keep them separate from your main meals. Eating fruit in the morning on an empty stomach or between meals, not immediately after, will strengthen your digestion and improve your gut health.

Read More: Eating chickpeas and jaggery every morning has 7 amazing benefits; just know the right amount.