Just as a good marriage elevates each partner, certain foods are better—for health and taste– when eaten together. Scientists are beginning to uncover food combinations – or food synergies – that work to boost nutrient absorption and antioxidant potency, beyond the sum effect of the foods eaten alone. Many of these pairings enhance each other flavor-wise too. Here are three nutritional power-pairings that are perfect for the summer season:
Yogurt + Fruit
By now you know that yogurt is rich in probiotics, the good bacteria that help keep your digestive system and, in turn, your whole body healthy. Once you get the probiotics into your system, you need to feed them so they stay and thrive. Their food of choice is fiber, and fruit is one of the best sources it. You don’t have to eat probiotics and fiber at the same time to get the synergistic effect, but since yogurt and fruit taste so good together and make for such a satisfying meal or snack, why wouldn’t you?
Yogurt Panna Cotta with Berry Sauce
Fish and Curry Powder
According to a study in the journal BMC Cancer, two big cancer inhibitors, DHA (the healthy fat in fish), and curcumin (an active compound in yellow curry) work much better when eaten together than they do separately. They also bring a lot to the table flavor-wise. Taking advantage of this dynamic duo is as simple as sprinkling some yellow curry powder on your salmon or trout fillet before cooking.
3-Ingredient Creamy Curry Dip
Tomatoes with Extra-Virgin Olive Oil
There is nothing as divine as a ripe, summer tomato, made all the more luscious with a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil. It turns out that combination does a whole lot more than taste good. The oil helps your body absorb the tomato’s potent fat-soluble antioxidants, lycopene, and other carotenoids, which benefit every organ in the body, especially the skin and heart. Extra-virgin olive oil, also packed with antioxidants and full of deep fruity flavor, is the ideal choice for the job.
Savory Yogurt Bowl with Roasted Tomatoes
