By Corina Tan
Teaming up certain nutritious food is said to provide an even bigger health boost when consumed together, and some combinations even help prevent certain illnesses. We take a look at some of these dynamic duos and their benefits.
Chicken & Grapefruit – Boosts energy
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Poultry is a top dietary source of Coenzyme Q10 which plays a vital role in the production of energy. At the same time, it also helps control blood pressure in those with hypertension. A study in 2010 shows that eating grapefruit allows up to 50 per cent higher absorption of CoQ10. If you are on prescription medication however, some precautions need to be taken with grapefruit as it is known to interact with certain drugs, so be sure to check with your doctor beforehand.
Salmon & Yoghurt – Builds bone strength
Vitamin D-rich salmon with calcium laden yoghurt makes a splendid alternative to mayonnaise when making a salmon salad. The importance of vitamin D is that it aids the body in absorbing calcium and this keeps bones healthy. According to research, without sufficient vitamin D, the body can only absorb up to 15 per cent calcium from food, whereas with a normal reserve of vitamin D this figure increases to 30 – 40 per cent. Alternatively, vitamin D can be obtained from sunlight and supplements.
Beetroot & Eggs – Maintains brain power
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Elevated levels of an amino acid called homocysteine has been linked with declining cognitive function. Pairing beetroot and eggs has been associated with lowering homocysteine in the blood due to their choline and betaine contents. This power combination may also protect against cancer.
Vegetables & Olive Oil – Increases antioxidants
Switching to olive oil when sautéing vegetables may be a good alternative. The oil acts as a vehicle that boosts the bioavailability of vegetables’ components like polyphenols – which are antioxidants. Cooking with olive oil increases circulation of this antioxidant within the body.
Broccoli & Radish – Helps prevent cancer
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Adding radish to broccoli sprouts could promote the formation sulforaphane which is broccoli’s signature antioxidant. Radish possesses the enzyme myrosinase, which works to improve the formation of sulforaphane and its absorption rate into the blood. Sulforaphane has been said to have strong anti-cancer abilities, specifically in preventing the expansion of cancer cells in the body.
Kefir & Almonds – Improves gut bacteria
Almonds and almond skin have the ability to help healthy gut bacteria flourish, while probiotics are found in fermented food like kefir. Helping gut bacteria thrive is important because they can outnumber and fight disease causing bacteria and boost immunity.
Be sure to check out Dynamic Dietary Duos Part 2
