Eating solo can be boring. Similarly, go for healthy food combinations and reap the benefits.

Each food has its own nutrients, but sometimes eating two or more of them together can be beneficial to your body. When we think of nutritious food, the first thing that pops in our mind is some green leafy vegetable. Having it alone is good too, but if you add tomatoes to it, it can be even better, said an expert. This is not the only healthy food combination that you can go for. There are many more, so read on to find out how to mix the ingredients to boost your health. Don’t worry as taste won’t be compromised.

Our diet should be like our clothes. Just the way we mix and match out outfits, we should also club healthy ingredients and eat.

Payal Sharma, Senior Dietician at Dharamshila Narayana Superspeciality Hospital, to know more about the healthy food combinations.

1. Beans and rice

Both these foods alone are healthy choices, but you can have them together too. Sharma explained that a complete protein food is the one that contains “all the amino acids which your body requires, and the amino acids found in rice complements those that are in beans.” This makes it a food that is rich in high quality protein, so eat the two together.

2. Leafy greens and tomatoes

Yes, leafy greens probably tops the list of healthiest food in the world. And why not? After all, dark leafy greens such as kale, spinach, and collards contain iron, but it’s tough to absorb the iron from these green plants without the assistance of vitamin C. To get good combination of healthy and tasty food, simply mix fresh or sautéed leafy greens with tomatoes, a splash or lemon juice or even pieces of strawberries if you love the juicy red fruit.

3. Egg and cheese

A glass of milk is generally enough to maintain strong bones. Interestingly, calcium and vitamin D work in synergy to help in making bones healthy. So, an egg and cheese sandwich, a frittata or an omelet are better options than just a glass of milk. While egg yolks contain vitamin D, cheese has calcium in it.

4. Oatmeal and water

This might already be a part of breakfast for many, but you might be doing it wrong. Oatmeal cookies and a warm bowl of oatmeal are a good combination for health, but be sure to drink plenty of water too, suggested the expert. She said that the oats need to absorb water in order to work properly and provide their many benefits. Oatmeal is a good source of fibre which aids in reducing blood cholesterol levels and helps in keeping you full longer.

5. Tomatoes and olive oil

Tomatoes give life to many dishes. Cooked tomato products like homemade tomato sauce, tomato soup, and tomato paste are the best sources of lycopene, which is an antioxidant. According to Sharma, it helps in making one’s heart healthy and may lower the risk of colon cancer. Simply mix it with heart-healthy monounsaturated olive oil for maximum absorption.

Once you head to the kitchen, make sure you get the healthy food combinations right.