Food Combinations: Maximize Nutrients with These Pairings

Like Romeo + Juliet, Tom + Jerry, and Batman + Robin, some things are just better together. That holds true for food, too! Obvious pairings that may come to mind include salt + pepper and peanut butter + jelly, but these are primarily driven by flavor. Although taste is certainly important, maximizing nutrients is top priority.

We hold true to this philosophy with our Kitchen Market offerings. Beyond buying organic, sourcing the highest quality ingredients, and sprouting our own grains, beans and nuts, we also take into account factors like food combining to ensure our products are as nutritious as they are delicious. Healthy food combining is more than a set of rules for when to eat protein and what to pair it with. It’s based on the fact that certain foods work synergistically and become more nutritious when eaten together, rather than on their own.

To master the art of food combining, here are the top 5 food pairings to add into your diet:

1. Vitamins A, D, E and K + healthy fats – fat-soluble vitamins require fat for absorption. Thus, when it comes to eating salads and/or vegetables such as carrots, sweet potatoes, lettuce and tomatoes, be sure to combine them with an oil-based dressing, nuts or seeds, avocado, hummus or guacamole to optimize your absorption of the vitamins they provide.
2. Turmeric + black pepper – turmeric, the main spice used in curry, is a powerful anti-inflammatory that also helps balance blood sugar, aid digestion and prevent the spread of cancer. Unfortunately, curcuminoids, the active component of turmeric, are very poorly absorbed on their own. By adding just a sprinkle of black pepper, you can improve curcuminoid absorbability by up to 2000% and truly maximize on the powerful benefits of this superfood! Looking to add more turmeric into your diet? Try our Adaptogenic Golden Milk Latte and Anti-Inflammatory Seasoning Blend™! Both products contain a hint of black pepper to accentuate the healing potential of their turmeric.
3. Spinach + bell peppers – vitamin C is an antioxidant in bell peppers that helps improve the absorption of energizing iron found in spinach. Not into peppers? Strawberries, broccoli and citrus fruits are also rich sources of vitamin C that can be substituted for the same effect. Strawberry spinach salad, anyone?
4. Dark leafy greens + salmon – dark leafy greens such as kale, arugula, swiss chard, basil and parsley are rich in bone-strengthening minerals. Although calcium is a mineral that is highly concentrated in these greens, it’s poorly absorbed and utilized without vitamin D. By pairing foods rich in vitamin D (wild salmon, pasture-raised egg yolks and crimini mushrooms) with calcium-rich greens, you’ll maximize the power of both nutrients. Looking for a good salmon source? We offer wild, Alaskan Sockeye salmon that’s sustainably caught, flash-frozen and served in convenient, individual 6 oz fillets for quick and easy weeknight meal preparations—a recipe for cooking is even included with purchase!
5. Green tea + lemon – green tea is packed with anti-aging, brain-boosting, heart-healthy antioxidants called catechins. By adding a squeeze of vitamin C-rich lemon, you’ll significantly boost the bioavailability of these compounds. Not excited about the idea of lemon in your matcha latte? Try our Energizer Superfood Smoothie! With ingredients such as pear, lemon, spinach and green tea matcha, this antioxidant-rich blend is sure to bring the pep to your step!

Want to learn more about the power of food combining and what it can do for you? Call 630.You.Well (968.9355) to book a private nutrition consultation with our Nutritionist. Plus, explore our full line of Kitchen Market items—all curated with food pairings in mind! From homemade soups and veggie burgers to our salad of the week, all items are properly balanced with healthy fats that not only improve satiation, but also facilitate the absorption of the nutrients they provide!