When it comes to food pairings, it’s important to consider their nutritional benefits. Many foods, like fruits and veggies, can provide our body with tons of health benefits but there are certain foods that are once combined with the right partners can become healthier and pack an even bigger nutritional punch.
By making these combos a part of our regular diet, healthy eating will become synonymous with delicious eating.
Wine With Fish To Help Absorb More Disease-Fighting Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids are associated with a lower risk of macular degeneration, the leading cause of blindness.
According to studies, drinking a glass of wine a day can help improve the body’s absorption of omega-3 fats found in such fish as salmon and sardines. Researchers believed that this effect is mainly due to the heart-healthy polyphenol antioxidants in wine.
However, we need to know that drinking too much alcohol is associated with increased breast cancer risk. Limit wine consumption to one or two glasses a day for positive effects.
Aside from enjoying a glass with a fish entrée, we can also make a marinade. This requires equal amounts of olive oil, soy sauce, and a dry wine like sherry in a large bowl. Add a fish that’s high in omega-3 (skin on or off), and marinate for one hour in the fridge before cooking.
Onions And Grapes To Help Fight Off Allergies, Cancer, and Weight Gain
Quercetin, which has been shown to offer cardiovascular protection and relieve allergy symptoms, is mostly found in many fruits and veggies. Actually, it is especially concentrated in onions.
Meanwhile, grapes possess significant levels of catechin, an antioxidant that can assist us in weight loss and help lower our risk of cancer, cardiovascular diseases, neurological disorders.
This killer combo can inhibit blood clots and boost our overall health. Add diced onion and sliced red grapes to a chicken salad or simply combine them with other tasty ingredients.
Lemon Juice And Green Tea To Help Get More Heart-Healthy Antioxidants
Lemon helps preserve the amazing antioxidants that are present in green tea, thus ensuring that our body can use them all.
Catechins, an antioxidant that fights and may even prevent cell damage, are richly present in green tea. According to a study, a splash of lemon to green tea contains enough vitamin C to help reduce the breakdown of catechins in our digestive system so that it can be easily absorbed by our body.
Make a refreshing iced tea by squeezing the juice from one lemon into 2 cups of brewed green tea. Chill and add some honey and fresh mint. Makes a half a pitcher.
Apples And Raspberries To Help Lower Cancer Risk
Results of a study published in the Journal of Nutrition have revealed that the antioxidant ellagic acid (found in raspberries, cranberries, pomegranates, and walnuts) can improve the ability of quercetin (an antioxidant found in apples, grapes, buckwheat, and onion) to get rid of cancerous cells.
Elaine Magee, a registered dietitian and the author of Food Synergy, commented that:
“Researchers are now discovering that these chemicals often work better in pairs or groups, proving that supplements with single nutrients just can’t match the healing power of whole foods.”
To enjoy most of its benefits simply combine diced apples, grapes, and raspberries, and top with pomegranate seeds and walnuts for an anti-oxidant rich dessert.
Sesame Seeds And Salmon To Help Reduce PMS Symptoms
Half a can or about 3 ounces of salmon contains more than our daily need of vitamin D. According to a study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine, women with the highest intake of vitamin D and calcium are at a lowered risk of PMS by 30 to 40 percent. Aside from dairy, calcium is also present in almonds, sesame seeds and leafy greens like kale.
Make some salmon burger patties with sesame seeds to enjoy these benefits.
Avocado And Tomato For Better Lycopene Absorption
Avocados and tomatoes work better as a team than they do alone.
Tomatoes contain different vitamins and lycopene, a cancer-fighting nutrient that can be more absorbed by the body when paired with fats. On the other hand, avocados contain a healthy dose of monounsaturated fats that can help us get all those food benefits from tomatoes.
Beet Greens And Chickpeas For A Natural Mood Boost
Magnesium, which is present in beet greens, is a mineral that helps a person sleep better, build bigger and stronger muscles, improve flexibility, and relax the nervous system. Combining magnesium in beets with a heavy dose of vitamin B6 in chickpeas will allow our body to absorb as much magnesium as it can. The combination of these two is the key to a mellow and happy mood.
Always look for local and organic beet greens and chickpeas for best results.
