Published November 18, 2013 04:48AM
Food Pairings That Improve Nutrition
What if you could enhance the absorption rate of one food's star nutrient by pairing it with a food that quite literally brings out the best in it? You can! Try these perfect pairings for optimal nutrient absorption and health.
Beets
Iron + Vitamin C
Whether from beans or beets, iron from non-meat sources is best absorbed when paired with vitamin C.
TRY: A beet and citrus salad with your next meal.
Calcium + Vitamin D
In order to absorb the most calcium from our foods, our bodies require a healthy dose of Vitamin D.
TRY: Salmon and broccoli together for a generous helping of each nutrient.
Quercetin + Catechins
Anti-inflammatory quercetin reduces blood clots while antioxidant catechins work against hardened arteries.
TRY: Reduce your chances of cardiovascular disease by enjoying food pairs like skin-on apples with dark chocolate or berries and green tea.
Niacin (Vitamin B3) + Fish Oil
Looking for the ultimate cholesterol-reducing pair? Anti-inflammatory and triglyceride-lowering fish oil is made even better when partnered with niacin, which helps balance bad and good cholesterol.
TRY: Cremini mushrooms with sea bass.
Healthy Fats + Vitamins A, D, E and K
Health benefits abundant in fat-soluble vitamins – A, D, E and K – cannot be wrought without the help of fats.
TRY: Drizzle olive oil over tomatoes or Brussels sprouts to increase the absorption of these vital nutrients.