We all know that fruits, vegetables, dark chocolates, legumes and protein have their benefits individually, but did you know that when paired with specific foods, those benefits get even better?

The list is endless, but here are 5 powerful combinations that will REALLY do the body good.

Kidney Beans + Green Bell Pepper -  For those who are cutting down on red meat you may think legumes and beans are the perfect iron-packed alternative. Problem is, only 2 to 20% of plant iron is actually absorbed by the body. Solution? The powerful vitamin C of green bell pepper forces your body to take in more of the mineral and increases absorption six-fold! 

Oatmeal + Orange Juice - Drinking vitamin C rich OJ while enjoying a bowl of non processed oatmeal cleanses your arteries and prevents heart attacks with two times as much effectiveness than if you were to ingest either breakfast staple alone. The organic compounds in both foods stabilize LDL "bad" cholesterol when consumed together.

Apples + Chocolate - Red apples are known to be high in anti-inflammatory flavonoids called quercetin. Chocolate contain the flavonoid catechin which acts as an antioxidant that reduces the risk for cancer and atherosclerosis. When paired together, these two powerhouses loosen clumpy blood platelets to improve cardiovascular health and provide anticoagulant activity. 

Kale + Lemon  - Vitamin C help make plant based iron more absorbable. When Lemon mixes with kale, the vitamin C actually converts much of the plant-based iron into a form that is similar to what is found in fish and red meats. 

Red Meat + Rosemary - We've all heard of the harmful carcinogens that produce when grilling over an open flame, but adding a little herb can actually temper the cancer-causing effects.

Rosemary contains the antioxidants rosmarinic acid and carnosic acid and lowers the amount of those cancer causing carcinogens that appear in charred meats. The hardy herb literally soaks up the meat's dangerous free radicals. 

Sources: menshealth.com greenlifepages.com mealprograms.com