Did you know that pairing certain foods can lead to improved nutrient absorption?
This practice, known as nutrient synergy, occurs when specific food combinations enhance the body’s ability to absorb essential nutrients, resulting in greater health benefits. Therefore, preparing meals or snacks should be intentional, especially if blood work indicates deficiencies.
Combining foods rich in vitamin C and iron increases nutrient absorption by approximately 70%. Examples to attain such are lentils and uncooked tomatoes, chickpeas and bell peppers, and broccoli with drizzled lime juice. Likewise, preparing meals high in fat-soluble vitamins and healthy fats is a wise food pairing. Therefore, meals that include avocado and callaloo, roasted sweet potatoes with olive oil, or pumpkin and fish will boost the absorption of vitamins. Another example is vitamin D and calcium which can be obtained by mixing foods like sardines and bok choy, eggs and spinach, eggs with cheese, and mackerel and okra.
In an article entitled Nutrition Dynamic Duos, Harvard Medical School said that while this advice may seem puzzling, there is greater benefit in seeking these combinations in foods rather than pills or supplements. In addition to the examples given above, there are many more combinations that can achieve similar benefits. The goal is to ensure that your meals are balanced with half your plate of vegetables, a healthy salad, protein, and, ideally, a complex carbohydrate.
The Grenada Food and Nutrition Council wanted to take this opportunity to educate the public that food choices and their preparation should be a process of deliberate choices that ensure our bodies gain the well-rounded nutrients that will lead to practicing healthy lifestyles.
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