Pairing foods smartly can double their benefits.

Introduction: Whole grains are rich in magnesium and zinc, but their bioavailability in the body is low. A study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry shows that sulfur-containing foods like onions and garlic can help the body better absorb nutrients from whole grains.

When foods are paired well, they not only please the palate but are also more beneficial to health, a phenomenon known as the "food synergy effect." Fox News recently published an article listing "unexpected superfood pairings" summarized by several American nutrition experts. It should be noted that as long as these pairings appear in the same meal, they will have a health-promoting effect.

Whole Steamed Buns

Whole Grains + Onions. Whole grains are rich in magnesium and zinc, but their bioavailability in the body is low. A study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry shows that sulfur-containing foods like onions and garlic can help the body better absorb nutrients from whole grains.

Broccoli + Tomatoes. Dr. Cynthia Sass, an American nutrition expert, points out that the powerful combination of broccoli and tomatoes has a better anti-cancer effect. Scientists found through animal experiments that a diet consisting of 10% tomatoes and 10% broccoli can reduce the risk of prostate cancer by 52%. Eating tomatoes or broccoli alone can reduce the risk of prostate cancer by 34% and 42%, respectively.

Tomato and Broccoli

Black Beans + Red Bell Peppers. Black beans are a good source of iron, but the absorption rate of non-heme iron from plant-based foods is only 2%-20%, compared to 15%-35% for heme iron from meat. When black beans are consumed with vitamin C-rich foods like red bell peppers, the absorption rate of iron can be increased by 6 times.