Food Combinations
During my poly days, I remember learning about how eating certain foods together would enhance the absorption of the vitamin/mineral. Recently, I came across a website which talked about that. Food synergy is what it's called. Getting the most out of our meals would definitely be something that we would all want to achieve. Consumption of certain foods together might actually improve your health as it aids digestion as well! So let me introduce you to the 7 food combinations that you should strive to have in your diet.
Green Kiwifruit and Meat
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Kiwi has been known to have a tenderising effect on meat. A research conducted by Riddet Institute in New Zealand has confirmed that the enzyme actinidin, that is present in green kiwifruit can break down proteins, leading to more thorough digestion. If you are having a protein-rich meal, having some green kiwifruit along with it will result in better absorption of proteins.
Tomatoes and Broccoli
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A study from the University of Illinois, shows that the combination combination of Tomatoes and Broccoli shrinks prostate cancer tumours in rats more effectively than either food was able to do alone.
The research suggests that when tomatoes and broccoli are eaten together there is a cumulative effect, because each food works on a different anti-cancer pathway. So When you decided to cook some broccoli be sure to add some tomatoes along for the ride!
Turmeric and Black Pepper
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This yellow spice used typically in Indian dishes is rich in a compound called curcumin which is a powerful anticancer and anti-inflammatory agent.
One of the problems with using turmeric to improve your health is that the body does not absorb it very well. The solution is to take turmeric with black pepper and some oil. By doing this, you can increase the curcumin's absorption by up to 1,000 times. So what are you waiting for ? Spice it up!!
Lemon and spinach
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Vitamin C in lemons helps with the absorption of plant-based iron. It actually converts much of the plant-based iron into a form that's similar to what's found in red meats which is easier for the body to use. The plant-based iron is also known more commonly as non-heme iron.
Combining a squeeze of lemon or other citrus fruits to spinach helps get the maximum iron punch from it. So add the citrus flavour and gain the iron power!
Oolong tea with fat-rich meals
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Studies on the tea have suggested that it helps with digestion in a number of ways. Oolong tea alkalizes the digestive tract, which can be helpful for people with problems like acid reflux.
Oolong tea also stimulates the metabolism, and helps the body to break food down more quickly. Oolong is especially good at breaking down fat, making it easier for the body to use. Oolong tea has mild antiseptic properties, and can help kill harmful bacteria in your digestive system. So many benefits in just a single cup of tea!
'Good fats' with vegetables
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Eating a little "good fat" along with your vegetables helps your body absorb their protective phytochemicals, like lycopene from tomatoes and lutein from dark-green vegetables.
In a recent study, it was found that consuming avocado with your meals would increase 8.3 times more alpha-carotene and 13.6 times more beta-carotene (both of which help protect against cancer and heart disease), and 4.3 times more lutein (which helps with eye health) than those who did not eat avocados. Isn't it nice to know that fat does some good?
Vinegar and Carbohydrates
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Image from http://diabeticmediterraneandiet.com/2010/03/22/vinegar-to-treat-diabetes/A study done at the Arizona State University found that consuming two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar before lunch and dinner can help non-dieters lose, on average, half a pound per week. The acetic acid found in vinegar moderates the rate at which carbohydrates break down.
This is a desirable effect because if sugar breaks down too quickly in the digestive system, it can upset blood sugar levels. This not only has implications for diabetics, but can also cause sugar highs (and the following inevitable drop in sugar levels) which affects weight and energy levels. Add a little sourness to beat the sweetness. ;)
References:http://health.asiaone.com/Health/Eat%2BRight/Story/A1Story20101014-242359/7.html
