We often sprinkle olive oil or black pepper over salads, without considering their benefits. These ingredients are not just for flavor. They can also help you absorb vitamins and minerals more easily from your food.
Nutrient Absorption is Important
You may not get all the nutrients from foods that are rich in vitamins and minerals. Sweetcorn is a good example. The kernels of sweetcorn are loaded with vitamins, fiber and protein. If not properly chewed, nutrients are trapped inside the outer hard shell, and they pass through the digestive system unutilized.
David Julian McClements explains that chewing releases the rich nutrient flesh so the body can digest.
What is the role of the food matrix?
The food we eat is not just vitamins and minerals. The complex matrix formed by proteins, carbohydrates, and fats affects the release of nutrients.
The fat-soluble vitamins A, D E and K face a new challenge. These micelles trap vitamins in tiny droplets, which then deliver these nutrients directly into your intestinal cells.
If Supplements aren’t Enough
Some people have difficulty absorbing nutrients because of conditions such as celiac, Crohn’s or pancreatitis. Supplements may be helpful, but pills are less effective at absorbing vitamins than food. Scientists have been experimenting with liposomes and nanoparticles in order to mimic the natural process of vitamin absorption.
McClements’ research found that tiny droplets of fat in salads increased the absorption by 20%. Black pepper increased absorption by blocking intestinal transporters which normally return nutrients to the digestive system.
Ancient Wisdom meets Modern Science
Black pepper and tiny fat drops in olive oil or milk help to carry vitamins, while the black droplets ensure that more nutrients reach your bloodstream.
These simple ingredients can help you boost the nutritional content of your everyday meals, promoting overall health and taste in an easy, natural way.
