"basic food science"
Friday, January 06, 2012
Let's talk about eating healthy (and try to envision ourselves doing so).
Oftentimes, we eat what tastes best, right? However, we know little about making the best of what we put into our food to get the most out of it.
Therefore, I've devised a food chart of food combinations that not only delivers a great taste to your food, but also maximizes the nutrition value.
A great combo especially in your salads or with pita bread or quesadillas. Reason why is (okay, we're gonna get a little scientific here) because tomatoes are rich in lycopene, a pigment rich antioxidant known as carotenoid. It helps in reducing cancer risk & cardiovascular disease. Avocado contains healthy fats which when combined with carotenoid, it allows at least 40% more to be absorbed into your system to aid digestion. Not to mention, this combo is absolutely delicious!
Both of these contain the organic compound known as phenol. It works to stabilize your LDL cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein, or what they call bad cholesterol) levels. Not to mention, that boost of Vitamin C from the juice helps keep your brain more active & attentive. The fibre-richness in oats will keep you full and energized all morning, so you will be prevented from getting too hungry and over-eating during lunch. In my books, one of the best breakfast combos. It wouldn't hurt to throw in some banana slices or strawberries with those oats too.
I call this the stir-fry combo. They don't taste so great in salads (because I really dislike raw/steamed broccoli) but they work great in a stir-fry. Now, we know tomatoes are rich in cancer-fighting carotenoids. Broccolis on the other hand contains sulphur compounds that is known to delay cancer growth. So logically (and scientifically), combining these two veggies creates one ass-kicking, powerful anti-cancer effect. New research have also shown that this combination specifically prevents prostate cancer. However, it's also very effective in prevention for any sort of cancerous growth.
Blueberries are no doubt delicious and they are chock full of great antioxidants that works as an anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory and anti-aging. As for grapes, they are loaded with vitamins and antioxidants that ranges from everything blueberries have, but also including anti-bacterial, brain health enhancing (against Alzheimers), anti-constipation and helps with indigestion. So naturally, combining these two berries (or even along with other berries) can create what scientists call, a synergistic effect. Safe to say that it's absolutely delicious & nutritious.
This is my absolute favorite combo for my salads. Lemon contains many health properties and cleansing is one of it's traits. But I would like to stress that lemons are chock full of Vitamin C, just like oranges. Lettuce on the other hand, is one of the greenies, packed with iron. With this combo, you should know that the Vitamin C helps make the plant-based iron more absorbable. Lemon juice makes the absolute best salad dressing.
A well-known spice from India, turmeric is made up of curcumin (the natural phenols responsible for its yellow color) and contains many health benefits. Some which includes reducing the risk of childhood leukemia and also as a natural liver detoxifier. Black pepper on the other hand aids in digestion. Combining the two spices enhances the absorption of curcumin by 1,000 times. That causes your body to burn at a better rate, thus burning away 20% more calories out of your daily metabolic rate. Nothing like a great blend of spices to tingle your tastebuds - especially when used in fish or poultry dishes.
These are just some of the few great, easy combos that would naturally enhance your health benefits. You may not notice it, but these are the exact science reactions that happens in your body every single time you mix and match the right stuff together. Remember, combos can be made up of more than just two items. Have fun experimenting! :)
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