We are always touting the virtues of this nutrient or that nutrient.
An example would be like calcium is good for your bones, iron is good for your energy, antioxidants are good for your cancer protection.
But you know what, most nutrients do not fly solo, in fact, they all join forces to keep you healthy.
Let me make my point.
Are you ready for this? An antioxidant called sulfordane which is found in cruciferous veggies like kale, broccoli, and brussel spouts, is more effective at stopping cancerous cell growth when eaten with selenium, an antioxidant found in poultry, seafood and Brazil nuts.
Whew, I hope you followed all that!Safe to say that with dozens of such combinations acting together in so many ways that a diet full of whole foods beats the benefits of supplements every day.
Now one of the latest buzzwords I hear a lot these days is synergy.
By that I mean food synergy.
This refers to the ways that different compounds within a single food or several foods work together to create a nutritional bang.
This study is not exactly new.
I have known about your vitamin C's role in increasing absorption of your iron that is found in plant foods.
Now recent studies have uncovered many other synergistic relationships that probably fend off several diseases including cancer, osteoporosis and heart problems.
Just like drizzling dressing on your salad greens is an easy pairing and I am sure that surprises you.
The great thing here is that food synergy is truly just bringing you back nutrition 101, the basics.
For your good health, eat a variety of nutrient rich whole foods, together! Here is a catchy phrase for you - when it comes to nutrition, do not individualize - synergize.
As always, eat well to be well!