What if food could be medicine? Not just to alleviate illnesses but also boost health? Eating nutrient-rich food is crucial for overall health. But how you pair it can have a significant impact on its effectiveness. Dr. Saurabh Sethi, a gastroenterologist trained at Harvard and Stanford, has shared some science-backed food pairings that can boost health. “Eating the right food is great.
But pairing the right foods together? That’s where real health magic begins. Let your plate become smarter. Pair better, absorb better, live better,” the California-based doctor said in a video shared on Instagram. Cocoa and coffee
One of Dr. Sethi’s top recommendations is adding cocoa to your morning coffee. This is indeed a match made in heaven. Pairing them enhances the unique properties of both ingredients and is beneficial for mental well-being. When you pair them, the caffeine from coffee and theobromine from cocoa work together to boost mood, focus, and clarity. Caffeine, a stimulant, enhances alertness, while theobromine, a compound in cocoa, promotes relaxation and sustained energy without the jitters. Who knew your morning cup of coffee could be the key to improving your cognitive performance and mood!Blueberries and walnuts
For brain health, Dr. Sethi recommends pairing blueberries with walnuts. This is because the polyphenols in blueberries and omega-3 fatty acids in walnuts can work together to boost your brain health. Polyphenols are antioxidants abundantly found in blueberries. These antioxidants combat oxidative stress, which is linked to cognitive decline. On the other hand, the omega-3s found in walnuts support brain cell membrane health and reduce inflammation. Blueberries are often called a superfood, as they are loaded with nutrients. Beyond boosting brain health, they also benefit heart health and digestion. Rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and fiber, blueberries are low in calories, so you can munch on them without worrying about calories. So the next time you grab a handful of walnuts to snack on, pair them with a few blueberries.
Oats and yogurt
If you enjoy overnight oats, try soaking them in yogurt next time. Dr. Sethi emphasizes the benefits of the gut-friendly pairing. The prebiotic beta-glucan from oats complements the live microbes in yogurt. Beta-glucans, a type of soluble fiber in oats, act as prebiotics, feeding beneficial gut bacteria. The live cultures in yogurt, such as Lactobacillus, are probiotics that populate the gut with healthy microbes. This creates a symbiotic effect that enhances gut microbiome diversity, crucial for digestion, immunity, and even mental health. While choosing yogurt, ensure to stick to unsweetened ones for maximum benefits.
