What synergy is recommended when consuming cooked Ugwu to enhance the body's uptake of its plant-based iron?

Pairing with a source of natural Vitamin C like tomatoes or lemon/lime juice

Although *Telfairia occidentalis* is considered a potent natural blood tonic due to its high iron and folate content, plant-based (non-heme) iron absorption can be limited by certain dietary factors. To significantly boost the bioavailability and absorption efficiency of this crucial iron, a specific dietary pairing is recommended. The optimal method involves intentionally combining the cooked *Ugwu* with natural sources of Vitamin C, such as tomatoes, lemon juice, or lime juice, which are frequently incorporated into Nigerian soups or vegetable preparations. Vitamin C significantly enhances the conversion of ferric iron into its more readily absorbable ferrous form, thereby maximizing the tonic effect on red blood cell production.