What nutrient should be paired with turtle beans to significantly boost the absorption of non-heme iron?
Answer
Vitamin C
While turtle beans are a notable source of iron, the iron present is classified as non-heme iron. A critical distinction of non-heme iron is that it is not absorbed by the human body as readily or efficiently as the iron derived from meat sources. To overcome this lower bioavailability, a specific dietary pairing is recommended. Consuming the beans alongside a source rich in Vitamin C—such as adding a squeeze of lime juice to a bean chili or serving them with side dishes containing bell peppers—significantly enhances the body's ability to absorb this essential plant-based iron.
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