When it comes to certain foods, it seems like some things are just better together. For example, peanut butter and jelly or cheese and wine, but did you know that there are some health foods that have actually been scientifically proven to be more healthy for you?
We are always on the lookout for brand spankin’ new superfoods that will give your diet a nutritional superboost, but what if we told you that it was possible to turn “same ol” ingredients into something a little more wow-worthy?
Take a look at these food pairings that are better together – not only because they taste good but because they pack a serious nutritional punch.
1. Banana & Peanut Butter
If there was one pre-workout (and even post-workout) snack we would always chose to eat, this would be it. The banana provides a good dose of glucose (fruit sugar) that will give you energy while replenishing your muscles. The peanut butter – or alternate nut butter of choice – will keep you full and satisfied thanks to its healthy fat and protein content. Together they balance each other out ideally by giving you the energy you need without a major crash later on.
2. Avocado & Tomato
Avocado and tomatoes are not only delicious, but they are also absolutely perfect together. As a matter of fact, the same can be said about tomato and olive oil, too. The lycopene in tomato has been said to prevent cancer, while the healthy fats in avocado (or oil) helps the intestines absorb it. We like this combo in salads or in a sandwich.
3. Kale & Walnuts
As a matter of fact, kale and almonds work just as well. Kale is full of vitamin K and vitamin E – good for healthy skin, our immune system and even preventing cancer – but they are both fat-soluble. This means that their absorption is increased when paired with a healthy source of fat. Toss a salad together with a bunch of healthy vegetables, toss some nuts in, top with protein and you have a filling and nutritious lunch on your hands.
4. Turmeric, Green Tea or Sweet Potato & Black Pepper
This is actually news to us. While black pepper is typically thought of as simply a flavoring agent, it actually has a key chemical, piperine, that could make certain antioxidants – like green tea’s EGCG, turmeric’s curcumin or sweet potato’s beta-carotene – work that much better in your body. Essentially, if you are eating an antioxidant-rich food, pepper makes a great addition to boost its power. Now, it’s just about what tastes good. My best recommendation for a tasty, guilt-free snack would be to thinly slice up some sweet potatoes and season with sea salt and pepper. Bake in an oven until crisp and you will hardly feel bad about having chips ever again.
5. Lemon & Honey, Green Tea
Feeling sick? This combo is bound to soothe the sorest of throats. Honey is known as a natural anti-bacterial while lemon’s vitamin C content improves the effectiveness of green tea’s antioxidants.
6. Garlic & Fish
Garlic is a great flavoring agent for just about anything, but a 1997 study in The American Journal of Nutrition also stated that the combo of garlic and fish may help decrease the risk of heart disease. The study tested the cholesterol levels of a group of men and found that the pair that took a concoction of garlic and fish oil decreased their cholesterol and LDL levels by 12.2% and 9.5% respectively.
7. Chocolate & Apples
Besides seriously satisfying sweet tooth cravings, dark chocolate and apples are rich in catechins and the flavonoids quercetin respectively. Catechins are known as an antioxidant while quercetin is an anti-inflammatory. Combined they may provide substantial benefits to the skin and circulatory system. A couple of squares of dark chocolate (at least 70% cacao) and a red apple will provide you with the est
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What are some of the best food pairings you have heard of or tried?
