Don’t overlook these handy “little things” in your kitchen pantry to stay healthy during the holidays and everyday life.
1. Fresh Herbs
Nutritionists emphasize the importance of including vitamin-rich herbs in your diet year-round. No dish should be without , , watercress, cilantro, sorrel, lamb’s quarters, arugula, and basil. You can grow these natural antioxidants right in your kitchen. To keep cut herbs fresh, store them in a container with water; this method is better than wrapping them in plastic wrap.
2. Herbes de Provence
Fragrant herbs from the alpine valleys are a hallmark of French cuisine and an essential component of Mediterranean recipes. The bold, spicy flavors and unique aromas of dried herbs hold the secret to the culinary masterpieces of Provence. , , salads, baked goods, fish, and meats in stews and steaks are easily recognized by their distinctive blend of aromatic herbs. This includes rosemary, thyme, sage, , tarragon, marjoram, lavender, oregano, lemon balm, and mint. Herbes de Provence will boost your immune system and infuse your meals with the power of nature.
3. Olive Oil
Extra Virgin is the highest grade of olive oil, considered the most natural and beneficial. It is a staple of the Mediterranean diet, known as the healthiest in Europe. What are the benefits of unrefined, cold-pressed olive oil? Its acidity is at the lower end, barely reaching 1%, which indicates high quality. This calorie-dense and safe product is made from fresh olives without heat treatment or mechanical filtration. Essentially, it’s not cooked; the extracted olive juice is filtered and left at room temperature, preserving the natural aroma of these “antioxidant” fruits. energizes salads and adds a zesty flavor to fried fish.
4. Tomato Paste
In industrial terms, tomato paste refers to tomato pulp that has been stripped of seeds and skins and concentrated to a dry substance. The state standard regulates the dry matter content in tomato pastes to be no less than a quarter of the product’s weight. Tomato paste is characterized by low calories (102 kcal per 100 grams) and a high lycopene content, which has antioxidant properties and helps prevent cancer and cardiovascular diseases. Tomato paste provides a feeling of fullness. This ideal companion for meats and dough is used in pizzas, stuffed cabbage rolls, stews, and borscht.
5. Mustard
Mustard breaks down fats and activates metabolic processes. Folk medicine uses this spicy condiment for treating and preventing colds. Thanks to curcumin (the compound that gives mustard its golden color), this spice exhibits anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. If you rub mustard on a piece of meat before cooking, the fibers will be tender, flavorful, and juicy: the juices won’t escape during cooking. Mustard enhances the flavor of marinades and sauces.
6. Sea Salt
To avoid clogged arteries, it’s advisable to eliminate table salt from your diet and replace it with sea salt. Nutritionists stress that sea salt contains beneficial (important for thyroid health) and about 60 minerals that will enrich your favorite dishes: salads, soups, sides, and more. However, to preserve these beneficial ingredients, avoid cooking with it; add sea salt to finished dishes instead.
7. Flavored Vinegar
Add spices and aromatic herbs to vinegar to create a beneficial product that improves circulation. Use it to dress salads and in and marinades. A teaspoon of flavored vinegar contains only 5 calories. For a leaner body and cleaner arteries, use this product instead of oil and sour cream.
8. Garlic
This folk remedy against viruses and bacteria has proven effective in treating and preventing the flu. Additionally, garlic can help lower blood pressure (it contains sulfur). The benefits of lie in its low calorie count (4 calories per clove) and its nutritional value (it adds flavor even to plain ). Plus, this product has a long shelf life and can be stored dry or canned.
9. Olives
Canned olives are rich in vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats. Mediterranean residents rarely suffer from cardiovascular diseases because they include this powerful antioxidant in their daily diet. There’s no better prevention for atherosclerosis, heart attacks, and . Moreover, canned olives have a long shelf life. You can mash olives into a paste to make healthy sandwiches that satisfy hunger from breakfast to dinner.
10. Quinoa
This American grain contains two to three times more protein than our traditional grains: 15% per 100 grams, compared to 7.5% in rice and 3.5% in corn. Quinoa is an excellent alternative to dietary oatmeal; it can be combined with other grains, salads, and soups. Plus, the cost of this exotic superfood inspires wishes for health and prosperity in the New Year!
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