There are so many food pairings everyone loves, from peanut butter and jelly sandwiches to cereal and milk. But did you know that there are other reasons to pair certain foods, and it isn’t just about the taste?
Pairing the right foods can actually help with nutrient absorption and the effectiveness of antioxidants in your body. But what foods work best together to reap this benefit? Read on to find out!
- Tomatoes and Olive Oil
You’ve probably had tomatoes and olive oil before, a common pairing in Italian appetizers. Not only do they taste great, but you’re able to absorb their nutrients even better when eaten together.
Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, which is an antioxidant that may help protect you against various diseases. It’s shown that olive oil can improve our body’s absorption of lycopene from tomatoes!
- Salmon and Leafy Greens
You probably know the benefits of salmon, which is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which you can find in supplements like Vital Nutrients from Supplement First!
One of the best food to pair salmon with would be kale or other cooked leafy green, a simple, tasty combo that provides two important nutrients for bone health – calcium and vitamin D.
Salmon is a great source of vitamin D while leafy greens are rich in calcium. Vitamin D helps our bodies absorb calcium better, hence the excellent pairing.
- Beans and Rice
Beans and rice are affordable staple meals among many cultures. But it’s more than just a quick meal. Rice and beans are complementary proteins, so you get a high source of protein when eating them together.
Moreover, beans are rich in fiber, which balances the carbs you consume from rice. That way, you can avoid a blood sugar spike while getting a good source of plant-based protein.
- Vitamins and Healthy Fats
Vitamins A, D, E, and K can be found in food or supplement brands like Thorne Research. What do they all have in common?
They are all fat-soluble vitamins. As such, you must consume these vitamins as a source of fat for your body to absorb them properly. That is why, whether you are getting vitamins from your food or supplements, you need to pair them with healthy oils.
For example, green vegetables are sources of vitamins A and K, so it’s best to pair them with an oil-based dressing or avocado.
- Spinach and Strawberries
This is a fantastic combo found in refreshing summer salads. Surprisingly, these two work together for better iron absorption. Spinach is a fantastic source of iron, a nutrient that needs vitamin C for better absorption in our bodies.
This is where strawberries and other similar vitamin C-rich food ingredients come along (like bell peppers or other citrus fruits). The vitamin C you get from your fruits can help you get the most of the nutrients you consume.
Wrapping It Up
Try any of these food pairings now and see how great they taste and the good they can do for your body!
