Should you eat onion and curd together? – Times of India

Indian cuisine has some of the most delightful delicacies made using veggies, spices and herbs, and two such common kitchen ingredients are onion and curd. Both of these staples have been extensively used in day-to-day cooking for their unique taste, texture and flavor, but what if we tell you that all these years you have been eating the wrong combination? Here’s all you need to know about this combination.
Why onion and curd?
From accentuating the taste and texture of raita to making curries and authentic gravies delicious, the combination of onions and curd is a staple in many cuisines.However, there is a popular belief that combining onions with curd may not be ideal. Here’s all you need to know about this combination and how it can affect health.

Reasons to avoid combining onions with curd
Digestive Issues
One of the primary concerns associated with combining onions with curd is related to digestive health. Here are some ways in which curd and onion can turn into a bad combination:
Fermentation Process
Curd undergoes fermentation, which has probiotics that help in breaking down lactose and other components present in food. On the other hand, onions are rich in fiber and sulfur compounds, which can potentially interfere with this delicate fermentation process, leading to digestive discomfort.
Gastric Distress
Onions contain certain compounds that can increase the production of gas and acidity in the stomach. When combined with curd, which is mildly acidic, this may trigger the symptoms of bloating, gas, and indigestion in some individuals.
Taste and Flavor
Combining onions with curd can affect the taste and texture of the dish. This is because onions have a strong, pungent flavor that may not overpower the mild, creamy taste of curd. This can ruin the taste and flavor of the delicacies.
Texture Issues
Onions, especially when raw, have a crisp texture that might not blend well with the smooth and creamy consistency of curd.

Nutritional Absorption
Consuming onion and curd together can impact nutrient absorption and may trigger digestive ailments. This is due to the presence of sulfur compounds in onions, which may interfere with the absorption of certain nutrients present in curd, such as calcium. However, there’s a lot more research required to establish this fact.
Moderation
For those who enjoy this combination and do not experience adverse effects, consuming onions and curd in moderation may not pose significant health issues.
Conclusion
Both onions and curd offer substantial health benefits when consumed individually. Onions provide essential vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber, while curd is rich in protein, calcium, vitamins, and probiotics. However, combining these two foods might lead to digestive discomfort for some individuals due to their differing properties and potential interactions.