Introduction: Different foods have complementary nutritional properties, and when paired well, their health benefits can be multiplied. The latest issue of the US magazine "Prevention" features four golden food pairings.
Green Tea + Lemon: Heart and Cancer Protection. The antioxidant catechins in green tea can reduce the risk of heart disease, cancer, and stroke. A study from Purdue University published in the "Journal of Food Science" found that adding lemon juice, which is rich in vitamin C, to green tea can increase the body's absorption efficiency of catechins by 13 times. It is recommended to squeeze some lemon juice or add two slices of lemon when drinking green tea.
Beef + Carrots: Boost Immunity. Dr. Roberta L. Duyff, a US nutrition expert, states that the carotene in carrots helps prevent and eliminate infections. However, without the trace element zinc, carotene cannot be transported to other parts of the body, rendering it unabsorbable. Beef is rich in zinc, and when paired with carrots, it can better enhance immunity.
Spinach + Nuts: Protect Vision. A study from Ohio State University found that when eating salads with lettuce, spinach, and carrots, adding avocado can increase the absorption rates of alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, and lutein by 8.3 times, 13.6 times, and 4.3 times, respectively. All three of these nutrients are beneficial for eye health. Avocado can also be substituted with nuts.
Curry + Black Pepper: Enhance Memory. Curry (turmeric root powder) helps fight multiple diseases, including cancer, diabetes, and cognitive disorders. Research has found that black pepper can increase the body's absorption efficiency of curcumin, the active compound in curry, by 20 times. Therefore, it is recommended to consume them together.