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Fish And Garlic
We all know fish can be a healthy protein alternative, but adding garlic to it can make it even better -- and not just in flavour. A study at the University of Guelph in Ontario found that, while LDL cholesterol levels dropped while subjects took garlic, and fish oil capsules reduced triglycerides (though raised LDL), when the two were combined, both triglycerides and LDL were lowered. Just keep a mint or two around for after the meal.
Orange Juice And Oats
It's the breakfast of champions, particularly for those who want to lower their risk of heart attacks. The Vitamin C in orange juice works with the phenolic acid in oatmeal (which should always be whole oats, not processed) to help protect against the LDL cholesterol that can build up in arteries, as reported in The Journal of Nutrition.
Apple And Chocolate
Sure, it sounds too good to be true to be able to include chocolate in this list, but apples (with the skin on) often contain quercetin, an anti-inflammatory flavonoid that helps protect against things like allergies and heart attacks. Dark chocolate, on the other hand, contains catechin, which is an antioxidant that helps protect against hardening arteries. Put the two together, which was found by a study at the University of Singapore to be a dish that helps declog arteries and thin out platelets, a combination great for the heart -- in limited quantities, of course.
Lemon And Green Tea
Green tea contains a huge amount of catechins, those antioxidants that have been shown to help combat cancer. It was found at Purdue University that when Vitamin C is added, in the form of a squeeze of a lemon slice or just some citrus juice, it actually increases the amount of catechins the body can absorb. In fact, it's the lemon's acidity that helps the catechins work in the body at all.
Brussels Sprouts And Oil
Cooking up those Brussels sprouts with some olive oil could help your vision for years to come. The lutein contained in Brussels sprouts protect the eyes, and when combined with a small amount of fat (as possessed by olive oil), it can be better absorbed by the body.
