Calcium in paneer restricts the absorption of iron from the spinach making it an unfit combo
In one of her recent reels, nutritionist Nmami Agarwal shares with us the reason why we should eat spinach and cottage cheese together. Palak paneer is considered a healthy and filling Indian dish and is consumed by many of us. However, there are reasons why you might want to stop eating this delicious recipe.
Love palak paneer? This might not be the perfect combination, here's how
She says, “there are certain combinations that don't go well together. Healthy eating doesn't mean just eating the right food items. It means to eat the right food items in the right combinations.”
She explains how spinach and paneer are not a healthy combination. She elaborates, “There are certain combinations that inhibit the nutrient absorption of each other when eaten together. One such combination is iron and calcium. Spinach is rich in iron and paneer is rich in calcium. Calcium inhibits the absorption of iron!”
Since milk is used to make paneer akacottage cheese, it is a great source of calcium and protein. The nutrients iron, folic acid, vitamins A, E, and K, as well as omega-3 fatty acids, which help to prevent diseases like skin cancer, are abundant in spinach, a green leafy vegetable. When consumed together, the calcium in the paneer restricts the iron absorption from spinach.
Since less than 5% of the iron in spinach is absorbed by the body, it offers relatively less iron to our bodies. Oxalate, an antinutrient molecule found in high concentrations in spinach, hinders the body from absorbing calcium and also leads to very limited absorption of iron.
“So for maximum iron utilisation let's have palak aloo or palak corn instead.” She adds at the end.
Look at her reel:
Make sure to keep this in mind when cooking with either of these ingredients in the future.
Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for a qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.
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FAQs
When consumed together, the calcium in the paneer restricts the iron absorption from spinach. Since less than 5% of the iron in spinach is absorbed by the body, it offers relatively less iron to our bodies.
Why shouldn't palak be eaten with paneer? ›
According to the expert, spinach or palak is rich in iron and paneer is rich in calcium. “When these two food items are eaten together, calcium inhibits the nutrient absorption of iron. So, for maximum iron utilisation, have palak-aloo or palak-corn,” she suggested.
Can we eat palak paneer during weight loss? ›
Yes, palak paneer is healthy.
Let's understand the ingredients of Palak Paneer. Paneer : Paneer contains high quality protein and calcium which aids in weight loss. Since paneer is low in carbs and high in protein it gets digested slowly and hence good for diabetes.
What should not be eaten with spinach? ›
BAD COMBO #2: Spinach and Dairy Products
If you're on a vegetarian diet or are a menopausal woman or just want to make sure you're absorbing calcium well, you'll want to avoid mixing dairy with oxalate-dense foods like spinach, beets, collards, leeks and parsley.
Is paneer harmful for health according to Ayurveda? ›
Regular use of Paneer helps to make the body strong and is good for growing children. According to Ayurveda, the bones and joints are considered a site of Vata in the body. An imbalance in the Vata dosha causes joint pain. Regular use of Paneer prevents joint pain because it has Vata balancing property.
When should paneer be avoided? ›
Panner is high in lactose
It's made by curdling fresh milk with lemon juice or vinegar, then letting it sit for a few hours. Paneer is high in lactose, which can cause gas and bloating if you eat too much of it. People with lactose intolerance are especially susceptible to these effects.
Does palak paneer cause gas in the stomach? ›
It can further cause issues like bloating, gas and can upset the stomach that need immediate treatment.
Does paneer reduce belly fat? ›
Paneer is rich in protein, calcium, and iron, which keeps our muscles strong, provides satiety, and thus reduces cravings. It's an amazing belly fat burner. It also has a low glycemic index, which means it does not get broken down quickly into glucose (sugar) and makes us feel fuller for longer periods of time.
Is Palak Paneer high in carbs? ›
Palak or saag paneer (spinach and cheese in gravy) (1 cup) contains 10.6g total carbs, 7.9g net carbs, 29.8g fat, 17.2g protein, and 369 calories.
How much paneer should I eat daily for weight loss? ›
It is recommended to consume 100-200 grams of paneer per day to reap its benefits without consuming excess calories. It is also important to choose low-fat or skimmed milk paneer to avoid the intake of excess fat.
Spinach if had at night leads to sleeplessness. It contains an amino acid called glutamine which stimulates the body to get rid of the cellular toxins which are the main cause of sleeplessness. It may also make you feel bloated.
How do you remove oxalates from spinach? ›
You can also boil spinach and reduce the oxalic acid level by 30% to 90%. Baby spinach is supposed to possess a lower amount of oxalate. If you drink a lot of water, it helps in producing enough urine to remove this harmful compound.
What two foods should not be eaten together? ›
A list of common foods that don't complement each other.
- Cereal and orange juice. The acids in orange juice destroy the enzyme that helps digest starches present in cereal. ...
- Melons and milk. ...
- Fruits after meals. ...
- Beans and cheese. ...
- Ghee and honey. ...
- Tomato and cheese pasta sauce.
Rich in protein, excess paneer may take a little longer time to get digested and this could lead to bloating or acidity. People suffering from high blood pressure should avoid the consumption of paneer. This Indian cheese can increase the risk of high blood pressure, leading to several heart problems.
Why we should not eat paneer at night? ›
More importantly, for those who have sworn off eating at night, there is no apparent gain in body fat by consumption of paneer. Generally, nutritionists and weight-loss experts advise staying away from late-night snacking as our metabolic system is least active at night.
Is paneer bad for kidneys? ›
Eat Calcium-rich Foods
With no calcium to bind with, oxalate levels peak in the body, thus creating kidney stones. Natural sources of calcium, like milk or paneer, however, do not pose as much of a risk as calcium supplements do when taken by itself.
Can you eat spinach and cheese together? ›
Whether your favourite combo is spinach and feta, or asparagus and ricotta, greens and cheese perfectly complement each other. They're best buds in veg pastries, omelettes and pasta sauces.
Why we should not eat palak and tomato together? ›
1. Spinach with Tomato: This combination can cause kidney stones, as both are rich in oxalate and hence can result in formation of calcium oxalate stones. 2. Milk/curd with Brinjal: A potentially harmful combination, in regards to the digestive process.
Can we eat paneer and dal together? ›
The creamy, savoury taste of paneer complements the light, nutty taste of moong dal. There is a balance between the two flavours that makes this combination a delicious one. The combination is often used to make various dishes like paneer bhurji, paneer pulao, and other dishes.
Why is my Palak paneer bitter? ›
Overcooking palak can leave a bitter taste. You can use more spinach if you like. Whole spices are optional. But they do add a lot of flavor to the dish.
