Ask Dr. Gourmet

I have a few questions about the correct way of eating fruits and veggies.

1) Is it true that fruits have to be eaten on their own - not together with other foods (e.g bread, tea or even vegetables) to be able to get the maximum benefit from the fruits? The rule - Fruits to be eaten on their own as they get digested much easier than any other food.

2) Are fruits to be eaten on an empty stomach to maximise its life giving nutrients?

3) Can you have water with your regular meals or do we have to wait for 30 mins for digestion before drinking water as it supposedly interferes with digestive juices.

Dr. Gourmet Says...

These types of "rules" about eating are simply old wives tales and have no basis in science. There's no evidence to support that eating fruit with or without food makes any difference:

Ask Dr. Gourmet: The Timing of Eating Fruit

Likewise, you can have water with your meals. It is a myth that it would offer any interference with digestion.

Thanks for writing,

Timothy S. Harlan, MD, FACP
Dr. Gourmet