20 Dec Nutritional Super Couples

Brad Pitt and Angeline Jolie; Jennifer Garner and Ben Affleck; Will Smith and Jada Pinkett. These power couples seem to have it all. When they’re together, they always seem happy. They seem to have it all figured out. When they’re together, it’s like their powers are amplified. It’s not because they’re celebrities (although, money probably doesn’t hurt). It’s because they’re just better together. You may even have “couple friends” that are like this.

Well, today I’d like to introduce you to a few new power couples. They aren’t walking the red carpet or, well, even walking at all, but they are more powerful than most. How, you ask? Well, when they’re together, they pack a powerful nutritional punch.

Vitamin D + Calcium = Bone Fuel: Without vitamin D, the body would have trouble using calcium, so it’s important to stock up on both of these vital nutrients. Mushrooms are among the very few food sources of vitamin D, so combine them with a calcium-packed food like collard greens and you’ve got yourself a winning combo!

Iron + Vitamin C = Energy Boost: This couple is so energized that you feel more awake and alive simply by eating them together. Plus, vitamin C helps the body convert iron from soluble to insoluble, which makes it easier for cells to absorb. Try some iron-rich broccoli with C-loaded red hot chili peppers, or how about some pan-seared tuna with thyme? Another great combo!

Myrosinase + Sulforaphane = Cancer’s Enemy: When these two get together, it’s almost magical. Myrosinase, a compound found in some spicy foods, helps bring out the sulforaphane in foods like broccoli and cabbage. Sulforaphane has been shown to keep cancer cells at bay. Get the most out of this power couple by dipping raw broccoli into a wasabi, mustard or horseradish sauce.

Catechins + Vitamin C = Fat Annihilator: When these two get together, your body becomes an antioxidant-absorbing machine. Catechins are antioxidants that are highly concentrated in green tea. And since lemons are a great source for vitamin C, it looks like grandma knew what she was doing when she offered you that tea with honey.