Soup and salad. Peanut butter and jelly. There are some food combinations that never go out of style. But some pairings are classics not just because they taste good, but because of the unique blend of health benefits that they offer.
Combining nutrient-rich foods can increase their nutritional clout, and help target any health problems more effectively. So here’s how you can synchronize your superfoods for maximum health benefits.
Turmeric + Black Pepper + Coconut Oil
You probably already know all about the incredible health benefits of turmeric. Rich in polyphenols and antioxidants, turmeric curcumin has been hailed as a ‘superfood’ by scientists who have found it to be a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. This means it can potentially be useful in preventing and treating inflammatory diseases including arthritis, heart disease, alzheimer’s and even cancer.
To supercharge the effect of turmeric, try mixing it with black pepper and coconut oil or milk. Studies suggest that black pepper increases the bioavailability of curcumin, which makes it easier for the body to absorb. Similarly, because turmeric is fat-soluble, it’s better absorbed when eaten alongside healthy fats. An easy and delicious way to combine turmeric, fat and black pepper is in a cup of golden milk. It’s warming, tasty and the perfect way to enjoy all the health benefits of turmeric,
Spirulina + Chlorella
Superfood greens like spirulina and chlorella are known for their detoxing effects, not to mention their impressive nutritional credentials. As single-celled algaes, spirulina and chlorella share many of the same health benefits, albeit with subtle variations. Spirulina, for example, offers benefits for allergies, immunity, cholesterol and energy, while chlorella contains around 10 times more chlorophyll than its blue-green cousin.
So to make the most of all these benefits, try taking the two together. Simply add equal measures to a superfood smoothie or green juice to enjoy their incredible health benefits on a daily basis.
Kale + Almonds
Vitamin K is vital for a wide range of bodily functions, as well as for preventing certain cancers and neurodegenerative conditions. And the good news is that kale is full of the stuff. Not only that, but it contains plenty of vitamin E, an antioxidant that boosts our immune system and helps protect against heart disease. However, like turmeric, both of these vitamins require fat to be successfully absorbed into the body.
Enter almonds. These tasty nuts are full of monosaturated fat, which can help the body absorb all the goodness of kale. Try adding slivered almonds to a kale salad for extra crunch, flavour and nutrition.
Cacao + Apples
The combination of chocolate and apples won’t just satisfy your sweet tooth – it can actually boost the health benefits of these two tasty ingredients. Even enjoyed on its own, cacao is a nutritional powerhouse. Loaded with magnesium, sulfur, phenylethylamine, and catechins, cacao can potentially help prevent conditions like heart disease. Apple skins, on the other hand, contain the flavonoid quercetin, which acts like an anti-inflammatory. When paired together, studies suggest that quercetin and catechin work in unison to help break up blood clots and reduce the risk of stroke.
To make the most of this tasty food pairing, try adding an apple and a teaspoon of cacao to your smoothie. Or for a more indulgent treat, dip apple slices into melted dark chocolate. Just make sure you pick a red skinned apple, as these contain the most quercetin.
Whether you want to naturally improve a health condition or simply boost your nutritional intake, it’s always a good idea to combine your superfoods. Not only does it have the potential to boost their health benefits, but it’s also a convenient way to pack in as many healthy foods as possible into your day. For more superfood inspiration, check out the incredible range of organic products at Superfood World.
