Let’s dive into a topic that can transform your energy, health and well-being. It’s called “food synergy”. This is when you combine two foods, and their combined effect is greater than one food alone.
Imagine a band. If only the drummer plays, it doesn’t sound the same as when the whole band plays together. The sound from the entire band can be mood-altering.
Or think about flowers and bees. A single flower is pretty, but the flower needs bees to distribute the pollen to other flowers, and more plants can grow. Bees, in turn, use the pollen from flowers to make honey. So, the flower and bee combined have a greater effect.
The same idea applies to food. While a specific food alone has great benefits, combining some foods has even better health impacts. These food combinations offer some fantastic benefits that can boost your energy, improve your mood, help you maintain a healthy weight, and even protect against chronic diseases.
Let’s explore some of these simple yet powerful food combinations that you can easily incorporate into your daily meals for both nourishment and taste:
Chickpeas + Rice
Combining them in one dish gives you a complete protein, which is especially important for vegetarians. Chickpeas lack methionine, a vital amino acid for liver detoxification, while rice is low in lysine but high in methionine. Together, they provide a balanced protein source that supports liver health and overall well-being.
Carrots + Avocado
Another fantastic duo is carrots and avocado. Carrots are rich in beta carotene, a potent antioxidant that your body converts into vitamin A. Pairing them with avocado, which contains healthy fats, enhances the absorption and conversion of beta carotene. This combo is not only delicious but also beneficial for your immune system and eye health.
Yogurt + Pepitas
These two make a delightful and nutritious combination. Yogurt is a source of vitamin D, but for it to be effective, your body needs magnesium. Vitamin D influences around 900 genes, affecting various aspects of your health. Surprisingly, many people, even in sunny regions, have low vitamin D levels. Pepitas, high in magnesium, can help your body utilise vitamin D more effectively.
Avocado + green leafy vegetables
These two are another powerful pair. Green leafy veggies are crucial for liver detoxification and are packed with folic acid and antioxidants. When combined with avocado, you significantly enhance the absorption of these antioxidant nutrients, which can help prevent chronic diseases and boost overall health and energy.
Green tea + Lemon
Kickstart your day with a cup of green tea and a slice of lemon. Green tea is known for its calming effects on the nervous system, mood improvement, and liver support, thanks to its rich antioxidant content. Adding lemon, high in vitamin C and antioxidants, supercharges the antioxidant availability, increasing it by up to ten times. This morning ritual supports your immune system, aids in liver detox, assists a healthy waistline and can set a positive tone for the day.
Broccoli + mustard
These might sound unconventional, but they make an excellent team. When we cook cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, we unintentionally alter an essential enzyme known as myrosinase, and this transformation can impact the antioxidant content of these veggies. Specifically, a crucial chemical called sulforaphane that plays a role in liver detoxification and vitamin D activation within the body.
Due to its numerous health benefits, there’s a lot of buzz surrounding sulforaphane, a remarkable compound found in these vegetables. However, when we cook broccoli, we might not fully unleash the potential of sulforaphane. Here’s where mustard comes into play. Whether you add it directly to your dish or use it as a condiment on the side, mustard can significantly boost your body in absorbing and utilising sulforaphane. This powerful combination not only supports liver detoxification but also aids in maintaining optimal vitamin D levels and acts as a preventive measure against various chronic diseases.
Remember…
Incorporating these food combinations into your daily diet can supercharge your plate and provide numerous health benefits. They’re easy to include and will delight your taste buds.
So, why not give them a try? Adding these synergistic pairs to your meals can enhance your energy, uplift your mood, and protect yourself against chronic diseases.
Feel free to reach out if you’re interested in learning more about weight loss, boosting your energy, or improving your overall well-being. I’d be happy to discuss how I can support your health journey.
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This is how gut microbes can influence weight!
Probiotics can help you gain weight or lose weight by interacting with our genetics, food and metabolism.
And yes, I did say lose or gain weight……..
Firstly, let me explain that the trillions of microbes in the gut need to be varied, meaning that there should be a large variety of species. There are many different species (or breeds) of microbes, and they all have their place in aiding health — the more variety and balance, the better health results.
Back to the weight loss or weight gain issue….
Do you eat yogurt and berries for breakfast? Thinking that it’s helping you lose weight?
Well, Lactobacillus acidophilus (like the species found in yoghurt) has been connected to weight gain.
I am not saying throw your yoghurt and berries in the bin. Instead, I am suggesting looking at the overall picture. If Lactobacillus acidophilus is the predominant micro-organism of the gut, then weight gain can result.
It is about the variety of species of gut microbes. Imagine if we only have trained german shepherd guard dogs in the world. It may be a safe world, but I am sure that other breeds may be more suitable as a family pet.
While Lactobacillus acidophilus is associated with weight gain, other Lactobacillus species correlate with weight loss.
Species like Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus gasseri, and Bifidobacteria animalis have been found to support weight loss.
Want to lose weight?
Look at your gut flora to support your goal.
Tests can be performed to identify the predominant species of the gut, and specific species can be utilised to support weight changes.
Want more information about your gut health?
Or want to look at all the factors contributing to weight gain, I’d love to be able to help.
