Go Together Like Peas and Carrots

Food synergies

Just as the familiar Forrest Gump saying goes, “We go together like peas and carrots”, some things just jive together, and the same is true when it comes to nutrition!  Certain foods simply bring out the best in each other – it’s called the synergistic effect of food.  One of the most well-known examples of this is vitamin C which helps our body to absorb iron from the food we eat.  If we don’t get enough iron, we’re often left feeling tired.  Another combination we talked about recently is Vitamin D and magnesium, a pair that ensures absorption!

As nutrition research continues to grow, new relationships are uncovered.  A study published in the Journals of Gerontology looked at how polyphenols from wild blueberries and grapes affected the memory of elderly 60-70-year-olds.  During the six-month trial, the researchers provided 215 participants with 600mg/day of a polyphenol-rich extract from grape and blueberry, or a placebo.  Though overall results weren’t overwhelming, the combination had an impressive effect on adults that had the most memory decline, offering benefit to the group that needed it most!

What does this all boil down to?  This study used extracts from these fruits to test their power; however at Dole we believe although extracts are acceptable, you’re better off eating the whole food to get all of its benefits. It’s important to eat a variety of whole foods because there is still much to learn about how components in food work together!  Due to their sweetness and similar flavor and texture, grapes and blueberries can easily be substituted for one another.  Try adding blueberries to our Creamy Coleslaw with Chicken and Grapes Salad, or our Waldorf Salad with Apples and Grapes to gain the synergistic benefits!

Published November 1, 2018