We know that there are many foods that on their own are touted as superfoods. But what you might not know is that combining certain superfoods can be even more beneficial. These foods work together to bring out the best in each other – a bonus for boosting your health.
Organic Green Tea with Lemon
Green tea is loaded with antioxidants and is the best food source of a group called catechins. According to research, catechins are more potent than vitamins C and E at stopping cells from being damaged by oxidation. In addition, studies indicate that consuming green tea can also help reduce the risk of a number of types of cancers including breast lung, colon, bladder and skin cancer.
Lemons have an alkalinizing impact on the body which is good in light of the fact that most people are too acidic. They are rich in vitamin C, which neutralizes free radicals, and loaded with the phytonutrient tangeretin, which has been shown to reduce the effects of brain disorders such as Parkinson’s disease. In addition, lemons have been found to contain powerful anti-cancer compounds including limonene oil and flavonol glycosides.
Combining green tea with lemon can help supercharge the impact of catechins – making them as much as five times more powerful. According to Purdue University, when you put lemons in green tea it also helps reduce the breakdown of antioxidants and allows the body to digest more of their goodness.
Salads with Avocados
A mixed salad with fresh veggies including tomatoes, spinach, carrots and lettuce packs a powerful nutritional punch. When you slice up an avocado and add it to your salad you will increase absorption of two very important carotenoid antioxidants – lycopene and beta-carotene. Just one cup of fresh avocado added to a salad boosts absorption between 200% and 400%. This is because carotenoids are fat-soluble and avocados are loaded with healthy fat. If avocados are not your thing, try drizzling a little olive oil on your salad or adding a handful of almonds.
Dark Chocolate and Apples
Apples are loaded with quercetin, an anti-inflammatory that is beneficial to heart health. Apples contain phytonutrients that can help regulate blood sugar – keeping it level throughout the day. Research has also shown that apples help beneficial bacteria in the gut flourish, which helps keep the immune system functioning optimally.
Dark chocolate is loaded with flavonoids, potent antioxidants. Research shows that dark chocolate can lower blood pressure when eaten in moderation.
When you pair together an organic apple with a piece of dark chocolate you can improve your circulation, keep blood clots at bay and reduce the likelihood that you will develop heart disease.
Fresh-Caught Tuna and Broccoli
Broccoli contains vitamin C and carotenoids, and has been found to be effective for preventing certain cancers including prostate, colon, bladder, breast and stomach. In addition, broccoli has been found to protect brain cells, improve memory, alertness and cognitive function.
Omega-3 fatty acids such as those found in fresh-caught tuna, have been proven to help boost cognitive function including memory, in persons of all ages.
When this tasty cruciferous vegetable is paired with omega-3 fatty acids found in salmon and tuna the brain strengthening properties of each are intensified. Studies show that students who eat a meal with tuna and broccoli prior to testing have much improved scores.
Sources for this article include:
- www.health.harvard.edu/press_releases/benefit_of_drinking_green_tea
- www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=5
- www.webmd.com/diet/news/20030827/dark-chocolate-is-healthy-chocolate
- www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-1151-BROCCOLI.aspx
- www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/252198.php
