This statement, which we've all heard at least once, has been a subject of debate for years. Some warn, 'You'll get poisoned,' while others counter, 'Nothing will happen.' The origins of this belief actually date back a long way. Some sources attribute it to hygiene conditions, others to religious beliefs. However, according to experts, the matter is entirely different.
Here's the scientific explanation on whether fish and yogurt can coexist on the same table...
In times before refrigeration, perishable items such as fish and dairy products could easily spoil. This led to frequent cases of food poisoning, which in turn propagated the belief that 'fish and dairy products should not be eaten together.'
Some sources suggest that this belief originates from the Ayurvedic dietary practices of India. In Ayurveda, it is argued that 'hot' animal products like fish and 'cold' foods like dairy products should not be consumed together.
Simultaneously, in Jewish faith, there exists a rule against consuming meat and dairy products in the same meal. It is thought that these cultural prohibitions have over time been extended to the pairing of 'fish and yogurt.'
According to Isa Tahta, the President of the Istanbul Branch of the Chamber of Food Engineers of the Union of Chambers of Turkish Engineers and Architects, this belief is simply an urban myth. Tahta emphasizes that both fish and yogurt are incredibly nutrient-rich. Fish is a potent source of vitamins A, B, and D, along with iron, zinc, iodine, and selenium. On the other hand, yogurt is extremely nourishing, packed with calcium, potassium, and protein.
Experts assert there is no harm in consuming these two foods together. However, it is crucial that both products are fresh. Stale fish or fermented dairy products that have been left out for a long time can lead to allergic reactions in some individuals due to their high histamine levels.
The primary culprit behind fish poisoning is known as 'Scombroid' or histamine poisoning. Over time, the amount of histamine in spoiled fish can increase, leading to symptoms such as skin redness, itching, and nausea in individuals with sensitive constitutions. Fermented dairy products like yogurt, cheese, and kefir also contain histamine, which can exacerbate symptoms when consumed alongside such fish.
According to Isa Tahta, this situation arises not from mixing fish with yogurt per se, but rather from the freshness of the food or the individual's sensitivity to histamine. In other words, the issue lies in the quality of the food, not the combination. There is no risk of poisoning when fresh fish and fresh yogurt are consumed together.
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