Healthy eating: Three foods you should not consume on an empty stomach

Here are three foods that should never be consumed on an empty stomach  |  Photo Credit: Thinkstock

New Delhi: If you’re someone who’s trying to shed a few extra kilos or just being health conscious, you probably must have tried and tested a good number of foods by now. For instance, drinking warm lemon water or apple cider vinegar first thing in the morning on an empty stomach are some of the most common recommended tips to lose weight and stay fit. But, it’s important to know that there are some foods that should not be consumed on an empty stomach. Fruits and vegetables hold an important part in a healthy, balanced diet and should be included in your daily diet for overall health.

Yet, to get the most benefits from your diet, one should know the basic principle of eating the right food at the right time. Even nutrient-dense foods that are beneficial for your health can actually cause negative effects if eaten at a wrong time. Turns out, keeping track of what and when you’re supposed to eat to stay healthy can help ward off chronic diseases, including cancer. Read: Here are five vegetables you shouldn’t eat raw

For instance, a recent research published in the International Journal of Cancer suggested that having an early dinner - preferably before 9 pm and wait at least 2 hours before going to bed - may reduce your risk of breast and prostate cancer. The idea is healthy eating is not always about making changes in your food habits or strict dietary limitations, it is also about knowing the best times to eat and why. And here are three foods that should never be consumed on an empty stomach.

Citrus Fruits

Citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, and grapefruits, are a storehouse of vitamin C, fibre and antioxidants that provide numerous health benefits. However, the fruit acids of these fruits may irritate your stomach when taken first thing in the morning, causing gastric ulcers or gastritis. They can also cause heartburn when taken on an empty stomach.

Tomatoes

Although tomatoes are loaded with essential vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, it is believed that consuming on an empty can cause acidity due to the presence of tannic acid in the fruit. The vitamin C in tomatoes also increases the production of gastric juices, causing heartburn and gastric problem, which can be dangerous for people who are already having ulcers.

Coffee

Many people kickstart their day with a cup of tea or coffee without realising the fact that the habit can actually be bad for their health. It is believed that drinking coffee on an empty stomach increases the levels of hydrochloric acid in the stomach, slowing down the digestion process and leading to constipation.

Drinking warm water first thing in the morning is one common basic rule which everybody must follow to live a healthier, fitter life.

Note: The content, including the suggestions, is purely for educational purposes only and should not be construed as professional medical advice.