Apples + Carrots: A Surprisingly Poor Food Pairing

Both apples and carrots are healthy and nutrient-rich. However, when eaten together, they can create an unexpected nutrient conflict — especially involving vitamin C and certain enzymes.

Why This Combination Is Not Recommended

Carrots contain an enzyme called ascorbic acid oxidase. This enzyme can break down vitamin C found in apples.

Meaning:

• Vitamin C from apples becomes less effective
• The antioxidant benefits decrease
• The pairing offers fewer immune-support advantages

Vitamin C Breakdown

The enzyme in carrots actively neutralizes vitamin C when both foods are mixed or digested together. This makes the combination less nutritionally efficient.

Who Should Avoid This Pairing?

• People focusing on improving immunity
• Those who rely on vitamin C–rich fruits
• Anyone drinking apple-carrot juice daily

Better Ways to Consume

✔ Eat apples 30–60 minutes apart from carrots
✔ Combine carrots with vitamin A–friendly fats (like olive oil or avocado)
✔ Eat apples with berries or citrus for synergistic antioxidants

Both foods are excellent individually — just not as a pair.