Top Food Pairs for Optimal Nutrition

If you consume specific superfoods together, it packs a bigger punch and boosts nutritional value. If you are a culinary expert, you can concoct an endless pairings of food in the kitchen, but you can also inadvertently throw in ingredients that don’t go together and diminish the net nutritional effect. Some food pairs not only complement each other but also provide optimal nutrition when eaten together. By eating foods with a synergic effect, your body absorbs more nutrients, controls appetite and mitigates the risk of cancer, heart disease, stroke and diabetes. Here are a few top food pairs you should incorporate into your diet:

Tomatoes and Olives
Tomatoes are abundant in cancer and heart-disease fighting compounds, called carotenoids. As carotenoids are fat-soluble, they are more useful for the body when consumed with fats, such as olive oil. It gives you another reason to munch on the scrumptious margherita pizza, doesn’t it?

Broccoli and Mustard
Broccoli is packed with the cancer-fighting compound called sulforaphane. However, cooking it on high heat destroys the enzyme, myrosinase, which makes sulforaphane available to your body. Combine broccoli with the delectable condiment, mustard, also rich in myrosinase, to supplement the absorption of sulforaphane.

Rosemary and Steak
People have concerns over grilled meat because of the formation of carcinogenic compounds when steak is cooked at temperatures above 325oF. Luckily, rosemary is abundant in Carnosic acids and Rosmarinic, that neutralize the cancer causing heterocyclic amines.

Green Tea and Lemon
This is an example of a perfect duo! Green tea is rich in antioxidants, called Catechins. Drinkers of green tea are less likely to procure cardiovascular diseases than non-drinkers. Adding a splash of lemon to your cup could reduce the breakdown of catechins inside the body and helps them absorb readily.

Onions and Grapes
Onion contains high concentrations of a powerful antioxidant, known as Quercetin. It boosts blood circulation, alleviates the symptoms of allergies and also cures erectile dysfunction. Grapes also contain high doses of Polyphenol antioxidant catechins, which prevent cancer, cardiovascular diseases, obesity and neurological disorders. Together, this duo promotes health and inhibits blood clots.

Yogurt and Bananas
Another reason to love flavored yogurt! These two macronutrients should be consumed after a strenuous workout to speed up muscle recovery. Consuming Carbs with proteins raises the insulin level and allows the muscles to soak up nutrients efficiently.

Fish and Wine
Wine contains an abundance of heart-healthy Polyphenols antioxidants that aid in the absorption of omega-3, consumed via fish. These disease fighting fats mitigates the risk of macular degeneration, the leading cause of blindness. Polyphenols also boost blood circulation.

Beet Greens and Chickpeas
Beet greens are loaded with magnesium, which is responsible for inducing happiness and lowering anxiety. The Vitamin B6 found in chickpeas, on the other hand, helps the body soak up magnesium from beet greens. Boost your mood by throwing this scrumptious lunch together.

Apples and Cranberries
This mouthwatering comfort duo is rich in antioxidants, such as Quercetin and Anthocyanidins. The antioxidants work best when these Thanksgiving staples are consumed together.

These are the top food pairs for optimal nutrition.