Can waxberries be eaten with milk?
Feb 17, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yu Yongchao
Introduction
Betel nut contains a relatively high amount of fruit acids, such as citric acid and malic acid. Milk is rich in protein. When the fruit acids from betel nut come into contact with the proteins in milk, they can cause the proteins to denature and form clumps. This denatured protein not only affects the taste but also reduces the digestion and absorption rate of the protein, thereby preventing the full utilization of milk's nutritional value by the human body.
Generally speaking, it is not recommended to consume waxberry and milk together. The detailed explanation is as follows:
Waxberries contain significant amounts of fruit acids, such as citric acid and malic acid. Milk is rich in protein. When the fruit acids in waxberries come into contact with the proteins in milk, they can cause the proteins to denature and form clumps. This denaturation not only affects the taste but also reduces the digestibility and absorption rate of the proteins, diminishing the nutritional benefits of milk.
The clumps formed by denatured proteins can increase the digestive burden on the gastrointestinal tract, potentially causing discomforts such as indigestion, stomach bloating, stomach pain, or diarrhea. These adverse reactions may be particularly pronounced in individuals with weaker digestive systems. However, if waxberries and milk are consumed together only in small quantities, the amount of protein clumps formed might be minimal enough for the digestive system to handle normally without causing noticeable discomfort.
To avoid the impact of acidic substances in waxberries on milk proteins, it is advisable to wait for a period of time after eating waxberries before drinking milk. Additionally, if one is concerned about the potential adverse effects of consuming waxberries and milk together, one could opt to make a beverage by mixing waxberry juice with an appropriate amount of milk, or choose other fruits to pair with milk.
