Want to know how to get more out of your mushrooms? Bump up the health benefits of those Brussels sprouts? It's a fact that some foods play better with others than on their own. And the opposite is true - certain compounds in foods can work against each other and be detrimental to health. If you want to get more bang for your nutritional buck, then try pairing some of the following foods on your plate. Guacamole appetizer, anyone? Good news about that delish Mexican dip - when you add tomato to your guac, the fat in avocados help you absorb about seven times more lycopene than eating tomatoes alone. A fatty food, like avocado, can help release antioxidants in "superfoods" like dark green vegetables and tomatoes.
This is where you might want to reconsider that fat-free dressing on your salad and opt for an olive oil-based one. Another good combo that does the same trick - steak and broccoli. You're not only allowing the steak's fat help absorb those great broccoli antioxidants, but you're also helping to neutralize harmful carcinogens in grilled meat. Certain compounds in cruciferous veggies like broccoli and cauliflower can help the body get rid of carcinogens that form on meat that's been charred on a grill. For breakfast, give oatmeal a superfood boost by drinking a glass of orange juice along with it. Oatmeal is a super cholesterol fighter, and the vitamin C in OJ helps stabilize LDL, or bad cholesterol. Give yourself the best shot at health by eating a variety of healthful foods.