13 Ancient Food Pairings Science Finally Caught Up With

8. Yogurt + Cucumber (Raita)

Plain yogurt is a fermented food with live cultures that help digestion for some people, and pairing it with cooling vegetables like cucumber is common across many South Asian plates. Fermentation can improve lactose digestion and support a balanced gut environment, while vegetables add water, fiber, and minerals that ease digestion after a spicy or heavy meal. Raita also moderates spice heat and can reduce the rate at which food leaves the stomach, which helps with satiety. Science shows that fermented dairy products have measurable effects on gut function and comfort, and combining them with simple raw veg makes the overall meal gentler. It’s a practical lunchtime trick: a small cup of curdish raita beside hot biryani or a dry curry calms the stomach and balances the plate.