5 delicious food pairings that will supercharge your diet

Netflix and chill, Amar and Prem, Maruti and Suzuki. All iconic solo acts that become unbeatable when their forces combine.

Science has taught us that food is medicine, but there are a handful of standouts that work twice as hard when thrown together. Like the time Bran and Arya Stark tag-teamed the Night King to save mankind from the recently undead. We spoke to Bengaluru-based food coach and nutritionist Anupama Menon to spill the beans on these superstar food pairings.

Lime and spinach: To boost immunity

This is the celebrity marriage we should all be rooting for, especially if you’re prone to catching the flu or battling dull skin. “Tomato contains an antioxidant called lycopene, while spinach contains a nutrient called lutein, both great natural skin protectors. But when you add lemon, it helps the iron in the spinach get absorbed faster,” says Menon. Better immunity, muscle strength and new respect in family gatherings guaranteed. Squeeze lime over a leafy, crunchy salad and score major brownie points with your hipster friends.

Chia seeds and cinnamon: To lose weight

Good fats are like Good Samaritans helping you shed extra pounds, reducing the risk of heart disease, regulating insulin, and reducing blood sugar levels. Menon prescribes a mix of 3 teaspoons of chia seeds and half a teaspoon of cinnamon powder to be soaked overnight. Add a teaspoon of coconut oil, wipe out memories of your childhood Triphala regimen, and gulp it down on an empty stomach the morning after.

Beetroot and citrus: To detox

Hard-working kidneys must have their timely bonuses. “Juice raw beetroot, cucumber, cilantro, celery, burdock and lemon, and sip this concoction daily for a month,” says Menon to those suffering from an increase in impurities like kidney stones. Beetroot contains the nutrient betaine and citrus fruits boost citrate levels resulting in heightened acidity of urine. Consider it an essential detox for the body.

Turmeric and pepper: To tackle inflammation

Golden latte? Turmeric-infused breakfast bowl? What next, haldi almond milk? Try telling your mum to pay for that at a restaurant. Haldi has been a superfood in her kitchen long before it made its way into the menu of every hipster café ever. Rich in curcumin, turmeric is one of the most potent anti-inflammatory agents in nature’s arsenal. Mix it with a few slices of ginger, a pinch of pepper, and boil it in water for 15 minutes. “Ginger itself fights inflammation, while pepper increases the absorption of turmeric,” Menon adds. What’s your version of a stiff drink again?

Tomatoes and avocados: To work hard for a healthy heart

Tomatoes are rich in the antioxidant lycopene that helps improve cardiovascular health and reduces the risk of cancer. The healthy fats in avocados boost their absorption by a trifold. Well, turns out Mexicans have had it right all along. Bring on the salsa and a portion of guacamole. Wait, did you say guac is extra?

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