Is your fruit bowl harming your skin? Here's what Ayurveda says

Fruits are often called nature’s candy and are a key part of healthy eating. However, Ayurveda suggests that not every fruit—or the way we mix them—works well for everyone’s skin. While they can certainly help with immunity and digestion, if you’re not careful about your choices, your daily fruit bowl might actually be doing more harm than good for your skin.

Ayurveda cautions against mixing certain foods for better skin health. Here’s what experts and traditional texts have to say about the relationship between fruit and skin:

1. Steer clear of mixing fruits with dairy: It can lead to breakouts

According to Ayurveda, combining fruits, especially the sour ones, with milk or yoghurt is considered viruddh aahar (incompatible food). This can result in toxin buildup (ama) in the body, which may show up as acne, rashes, or lacklustre skin. While banana smoothies with milk or fruity yoghurts might seem refreshing, they could actually be causing inflammation over time.

2. Too many citrus fruits? They might cause sensitivity

Citrus fruits like oranges and lemons are packed with vitamin C, which is fantastic for boosting immunity and collagen production. However, if you consume too much, especially if you have a pitta dosha dominance, it can increase internal heat, leading to skin issues like inflammation, redness, or even rosacea, according to Ayurvedic practitioners.

3. Eating seasonally is crucial: Out-of-season fruits can throw off doshas

Ayurveda strongly recommends eating fruits that are in season and locally sourced. Fruits that are imported or out of season are viewed as tamasic (heavy and dulling) and can disrupt both digestion and skin clarity. For example, during the monsoon, it’s not the best time for watermelon or mango, even if they’re available.

4. Mixing sweet and sour fruits? It could lead to acne

A combination of apples, grapes, and pineapples might look appealing, but Ayurveda suggests that such mixes can ferment in the gut. This fermentation creates internal heat and digestive issues, both of which can reflect on your skin.

5. Timing matters: Eating fruits on a full stomach can dull your skin

Having fruits right after a meal can lead to fermentation and bloating. Ayurveda advises enjoying fruits on their own for the best results.