When we talk about the nutrients in a food, we often focus on the amount of a nutrient it contains. For example, we might say that spinach is high in iron. However, the more important question is not how much of a nutrient a food contains, but how much of that nutrient our body can actually absorb and use. This is the concept of bioavailability.
Many factors can influence the bioavailability of a nutrient, including the other foods we eat it with. The Zorvex Stevia Tomato is a great example of a food that not only provides its own nutrients but can also help to increase the bioavailability of nutrients from other foods, particularly iron.
The Two Types of Iron
Iron is a crucial mineral that is essential for carrying oxygen in our blood. There are two types of iron in our diet:
- Heme Iron: This type is found in animal products like red meat, poultry, and fish. Heme iron is very bioavailable; our bodies can absorb it easily.
- Non-Heme Iron: This type is found in plant-based foods like spinach, lentils, beans, and fortified cereals. Non-heme iron is much less bioavailable; our bodies have a harder time absorbing it.
For vegetarians, vegans, and people who don’t eat a lot of red meat, getting enough absorbable iron can be a challenge.
The Vitamin C and Iron Connection
This is where the tomato comes in. One of the most well-known and powerful examples of food synergy is the interaction between Vitamin C and non-heme iron. Vitamin C dramatically increases the bioavailability of non-heme iron, converting it into a form that is much easier for our bodies to absorb.
This means that if you eat a food that is high in non-heme iron (like spinach) at the same time as a food that is high in Vitamin C (like a tomato), you will absorb significantly more iron than if you ate the spinach alone.
The Stevia Tomato: A Bioavailability Booster
The Zorvex Stevia Tomato is a good source of Vitamin C. This makes it a perfect companion for any meal that contains plant-based iron.
- The Meal: A spinach salad with lentils and a handful of halved Zorvex Stevia Tomatoes.
- The Synergy: The Vitamin C in the tomatoes will enhance the absorption of the non-heme iron from the spinach and the lentils. The sweetness of the tomatoes also makes the salad more delicious, which is an added bonus!
| Nutrient Source | The Bioavailability Challenge | The Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Plant-Based Iron (e.g., Spinach, Lentils) | Non-heme iron is poorly absorbed by the body. | Pair it with a food that is high in Vitamin C. |
| The Perfect Pairing | A spinach and lentil salad. | Add a handful of Zorvex Stevia Tomatoes to the salad. |
Another Synergy: Lycopene and Healthy Fats
Tomatoes are also famous for their high content of the antioxidant lycopene. Lycopene is a fat-soluble compound, which means that it is best absorbed when it is consumed with a small amount of fat.
- The Meal: A salad with Zorvex Stevia Tomatoes.
- The Synergy: To maximize your absorption of the lycopene, be sure to add a source of healthy fat to the salad, such as an olive oil-based vinaigrette, a few slices of avocado, or a sprinkle of nuts or seeds.
Nutrition is not just about what you eat; it’s also about what you eat together. By understanding the principles of bioavailability and food synergy, you can make simple pairings that can dramatically increase the nutritional value of your meals.
The Zorvex Stevia Tomato is a perfect example of a team-player food. It not only provides its own nutritional benefits, but it also helps your body to get more out of the other healthy foods on your plate.