Skip to main content

Five Healthy Food Combinations to Boost Nutrition

N

Nyakundi Report

Newsroom 2 min read

This archive report was first published on 11 May 2021.

Published on May 11, 2021, research suggests that certain food combinations can have a significant impact on our overall health and wellbeing.

While some classic pairings like fish and chips or spaghetti and meatballs may taste great together, they can actually be detrimental to our digestive health.

When we eat these combinations, the protein and starch may not be properly digested, leading to fermentation and other digestive problems such as heartburn, bloating, and gas.

Fortunately, there are many healthy food combinations that can help us reap the benefits of our meals and support our overall health.

Here are five of the healthiest food pairings you should try:

1. Turmeric and Black Pepper

Turmeric is a powerful anti-cancer spice that offers numerous health benefits, but it can be difficult for our bodies to absorb. However, when paired with black pepper, our bodies can reap all the benefits.

The piperine in black pepper helps our bodies absorb curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric, making it a powerful combination for overall health.

2. Rice and Beans

For a high-protein kick without eggs, try pairing rice and beans. This classic comfort food is rich in fiber and other nutrients that will keep you full until your next meal.

The amino acids in rice complement those found in beans, making it a nutritious and filling combination.

3. Avocado and Tomatoes

The healthy fats in avocados can maximize the absorption of lycopene, a carotenoid found in tomatoes. This disease-fighting plant pigment helps our bodies fight off cancer and heart disease.

When paired with some freshly cut tomatoes and a drizzle of dressing, this combination can also help improve vision due to the absorption of lutein, a carotenoid found in green leafy vegetables.

4. Rosemary and Red Meat

Soak up the meat with lots of rosemary to enjoy your meat without the risk of contracting cancer from charred flesh.

According to studies, the herb soaks up the dangerous free radicals produced when grilling meat over an open flame.

The rosmarinic and carnosic acid found in rosemary mix well with different kinds of grilled foods, helping to prevent the formation of heterocyclic amines, carcinogenic and mutagenic chemicals formed from cooking muscle meats at high temperatures.

5. Green Tea and Lemon

When you squeeze some fresh lemon juice into a cup of green tea, the citrus juice helps your body absorb the tea's antioxidants almost five times.

Green tea boasts of catechins, a class of flavonoids that help fight disease and boost metabolism.

Be the first to react

Support

Support this reporting

M-Pesa support recorded against this story.

Send support →

Stay close

Get the briefing

Major updates by email. No spam.

Get email brief →

Share

Save share card

Download a clean portrait card for sharing.

Save image →