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" lists 4 golden food pairings.
Green Tea + Lemon: Protects the heart and fights cancer. The antioxidant catechins in green tea can reduce the risk of heart disease, cancer, and stroke.
A study published in the US Journal of Food Science by Purdue University 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: Boosts immunity. Dr. Roberta L. Duyff, a US nutrition expert, states that the carotene abundant in carrots helps prevent and eliminate infections. However, without the trace element zinc, carotene cannot be transported to other parts of the body, preventing it from being absorbed and utilized by the body. Beef is rich in zinc, and when paired with carrots, it can better enhance immunity.
Spinach + Nuts: Protects vision. A study by Ohio State University in the US found that when eating salads containing 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. These three nutrients are all beneficial for eye health. Avocado can also be replaced with nuts.
Curry + Black Pepper: Enhances memory. Curry (turmeric root powder) helps fight various diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and cognitive disorders. Research has found that black pepper can increase the body's absorption efficiency of curcumin, the active ingredient in curry, by 20 times. Therefore, it is recommended to consume them together.