You’ve embraced a healthy lifestyle and diligently stick to your diet. Yet, there are times when you feel overstimulated, exhausted, and weak, despite the nutritional value of your meals. Ever wondered why? Even with a well-planned and nutritious diet, optimal nutrient absorption doesn’t always occur with the foods. What happens after you consume your food? It enters your digestive tract, where enzymes, digestive juices, and bacteria break it down, and nutrients get absorbed. However, the process isn’t always straightforward; the choice of foods and how you pair them play a crucial role in maximizing nutrient absorption. Intrigued? Read on to discover foods that, when paired, can enhance nutrient absorption.
Tomatoes and Olive Oil
Lycopene, a disease-fighting antioxidant found in tomatoes, is optimally absorbed when paired with olive oil. Research indicates that lycopene can benefit heart health, enhance male fertility, and reduce the risk of cancer. When combined with olive oil, it is best absorbed into the bloodstream.
Catechins and Vitamin C
Whether you’re a tea enthusiast or a coffee drinker, you might not be aware that catechins, abundant antioxidants in tea leaves, combat free radicals and reduce oxidative stress. However, in a neutral environment, these antioxidants are not well absorbed. Enter vitamin C, which creates an acidic environment, facilitating the absorption of catechins. You can easily pair catechins and vitamin C by enjoying some lemon tea, especially in chilly winter weather.
Rice and Chickpeas
Rice and beans or chickpeas are staples in the Indian diet. Together, they complement each other, providing your body with all the essential amino acids. Additionally, the fiber in beans helps balance the carbs in rice, ensuring your blood glucose levels remain within the normal range.
Vitamin D and Calcium
The importance of both these nutrients is well-known. While calcium maintains bone strength and density and regulates heart health, vitamin D aids in cellular functions. When combined, calcium is actively absorbed in the presence of vitamin D. Some foods contain both vitamin D and calcium, such as spinach, okra, oatmeal, soybeans, and others. You can even pair them together by opting for vitamin D-enriched fish and calcium-enriched fresh produce.
Food pairing can be approached in various ways; however, consult your nutritionist to fully capitalize on the benefits of combining foods that optimize nutrient absorption.
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