Health benefits of food pairing

Every food presents around us and obtained naturally has some specialty and a unique health effect attributed to it. But, have you ever thought that one food can aid in complementing the nutritional aspect of the other when taken in combination or in pairs? Well, it's time to explore the other side of the coin by adventuring the health benefits of the many good foods around us when taken in conjugation with another health beneficial food.
This approach may seem to be bizarre and uncanny but once you go through the entire article you will be contented with the nutritional facts and enhanced health effects that can be obtained when two foods are taken together. The food combinations described here complement the absorption of each other along with aiding in the absorption of individual components.
Food pairing with an additive nutritional effect
Onion and whole grains – Whole grains are rich in iron, zinc and vitamin E, whereas onions contain antioxidants, sulphur compounds and vitamin C. The iron and zinc present in whole grains are easily absorbed in the presence of the sulphur compounds in onions. The combination of vitamin C in onion and vitamin E in whole grains complements the skin activity and beauty. Also, the absorption of iron in whole grains is aided by vitamin C and antioxidants in onion.
Olive oil and tomatoes – The antioxidant called lycopene, which mitigates the perils of cancer, osteoporosis, ageing effects and cataract is found to present in considerable amounts in tomatoes. Whereas, olive oil is also loaded with antioxidants that help in HDL cholesterol formation. But, it has been found that the tomato component lycopene is better absorbed when olive oil is added along with it.
Beans and veggies rich in vitamin C – Beans that are loaded with iron and proteins when taken in combination with vegetables rich in vitamin C content such as potatoes, spinach and sprouts is found to significantly aid in losing your weight along with preventing the piling of the fat in your body. Also, the iron present in beans is greatly absorbed in the presence of vitamin C of veggies.
Mustard and Broccoli – The compound known as sulforaphane is present in broccoli, which is found to exhibit anti-diabetic as well as anti-cancer functions. This compound of broccoli is better absorbed in the presence of an enzyme called myrosinase that is present in mustard. This food combination is also found to play a key role in warding off various bactril infections afflicting the body.
Broccoli and mustard
Broccoli is a good source of Vitamin C, antioxidants and a compound called sulforaphane. This compound exhibits anti-cancer and anti-diabetic properties. The absorption of sulforaphane is better in the presence of myrosinase, an enzyme present in mustard. The two combat bacterial infections in the urinary tract, excretory system, digestive system and the colon.
Iron is part of blood cells in the body and carries oxygen from the lungs to muscles and organs. Zinc helps in healing wounds.