Food Synergy

We all know which foods are good for us but some foods are even better when eaten in combination. For example, more of the iron in spinach is absorbed when ingested with a vitamin C-rich food such as citrus. Here are some combos that work synergistically:

Spinach + citrus fruit (increases iron absorption)
Tomatoes + broccoli (greater cancer-fighting qualities when eaten together)
Vinegar + sushi rice (decreases glycemic index by as much as 35%)
Tomatoes + healthy fat (the body absorbs more of the carotenoids in the tomatoes)
Vegetables + any healthy fat (increases absorption of the phytochemicals)
Herbs and spices + meat (reduces the levels of harmful cancer-causing compounds produced by grilling by 88% - so include herbs and spices in the marinade!)


Here's an easy spinach salad that we could call the "Synergy Spinach Salad"

Spinach leaves
Red onion, thinly sliced
Grapefruit or Strawberries or Mandarin Oranges
Feta Cheese, lightly sprinkled
Dress with orange juice (yes, just orange juice from the juice pitcher or freshly squeezed)
a few grindings of black pepper

Even my daughter eats this salad though she leaves the onion behind.