How do Vitamin C and iron present in water chestnuts contribute synergistically when consumed as part of a mixed meal like a stir-fry?
Answer
Vitamin C supports the body's utilization of the modest iron content.
While water chestnuts contain modest amounts of iron, their true value in nutrient uptake comes from synergy within a composite meal. The presence of Vitamin C alongside the iron is significant because Vitamin C is known to enhance the bioavailability of iron. This means that when water chestnuts are consumed alongside other iron sources (like leafy greens) and protein sources in a typical Asian stir-fry, the nutrients interact favorably, making the iron more accessible and better utilized by the body's digestive and metabolic systems.
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