Certain components in the foods and beverages we consume (like minerals, vitamins, fiber, and fats) interact with each other to give our bodies extra disease protection and a higher level of health. Here are 10 examples of food combinations that you should include in your diet.
Tomato and Avocado
Lycopene in tomatoes is best absorbed in the intestinal tract when combined with healthy fats like avocados. Lycopene may help with cancer prevention.
Chickpeas and Beet Root
Chickpeas are rich in vitamin B6, a vitamin that helps absorb magnesium-rich foods such as beets.
Lemon and Green Tea
The vitamin C in lemons allow the body to absorb catechins (antioxidants) in green tea, increasing the benefit of green tea.
Broccoli and Tomato
The cancer fighting benefits of tomatoes and broccoli work best when paired together than when eaten alone.
Lemon and Kale
Vitamin C (high in lemons) makes plant-based iron (high in kale) easier to absorb by the body.
Salmon and Broccoli
The vitamin D in salmon absorbs best when paired with a calcium rich food, such as broccoli.
Bell Pepper and Avocado
Carotenoids found in bell peppers combined with healthy fats found in avocados increases the absorption of fat soluble vitamins (A,D,E,K).
Black Pepper and Turmeric
Turmeric has an anti-inflammatory compound called curcumin. Black pepper helps the body absorb 1000 times more curcumin.
Dark Chocolate and Apple
Apples are rich in quercetin, an anti-inflammatory important to heart health. Dark chocolate contains antioxidants called flavonoids. Together they may fight blood clots, improve circulation, and reduce your chances of heart disease.
Banana and Yogurt
After exercise this combination provides both fast-releasing glucose and muscle-repairing amino-acids important for muscle recovery and strengthening.