Don’t overlook these handy “little things” in your pantry to stay healthy during the holidays and everyday life.
1. Greens
Nutritionists emphasize the importance of including vitamin-rich greens in your diet year-round. No dish should be without dill and parsley, watercress and cilantro, sorrel and lamb’s quarters, arugula and basil. You can even grow these natural antioxidants right in your kitchen. To keep cut greens fresh, store them in a container with water—this method is better than wrapping them in plastic wrap.
2. Herbes de Provence
Aromatic herbs from the alpine valleys are a hallmark of French cuisine and an essential component of Mediterranean recipes. The bold, spicy flavor and unique aroma of dried herbs hold the secret to the culinary masterpieces of Provence. Soups and broths, salads and baked goods, fish and meats in stews and steaks are easily recognized by their origins thanks to the combination of fragrant herbs in exclusive blends. These include rosemary and thyme, sage and basil, tarragon and marjoram, lavender and 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 class of vegetable 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 a matter of pressing the olives, straining the juice, and letting it sit at room temperature to preserve the natural aroma of these “antioxidant” fruits. Olive oil 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. Government standards regulate the dry matter content in tomato pastes to be no less than a quarter of the product’s weight. The characteristics of tomato paste include low calorie content (102 kcal per 100 grams) and a high level of lycopene, which has antioxidant properties and helps prevent cancer and cardiovascular diseases. Tomato paste provides a feeling of fullness and is the perfect companion for meat and pasta, used in pizzas, stuffed cabbage, 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 coat a piece of meat with mustard before cooking, the fibers will be tender, flavorful, and juicy, preventing the juices from escaping during cooking. Mustard enhances the flavor of marinades and sauces.
6. Sea Salt
To avoid clogged arteries, it’s wise to eliminate table salt from your diet and replace it with sea salt. Nutritionists stress that sea salt contains beneficial iodine (important for your thyroid) 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 sauces and marinades. A teaspoon of flavored vinegar contains only 5 calories. For a leaner diet 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 advantages of garlic include its low calorie count (4 calories per clove) and its ability to enhance the flavor of even plain bread. Plus, this product has a long shelf life and can be stored dry or canned.
9. Olives
Canned olives are packed with vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats. Mediterranean residents rarely suffer from cardiovascular diseases because they include this powerful antioxidant in their daily diet. You won’t find a better preventive measure against atherosclerosis, heart attacks, and strokes. 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 and can be combined with other grains, salads, and soups. Plus, the cost of this overseas superfood inspires wishes for health and abundance in the New Year!