Nutritionally Packed Staples That Are Must-Haves In Your Kitchen At All Times (2 of 3)

Frozen fish and meat

Nothing in the world is as convenient as frozen foods. You can store them for long periods and use them as per your needs. There is no stress over them going bad and are a savior when you are running low on ingredients.

Fish are power-packed with proteins and essential nutrients such as omega 3. Similarly, meat is one of the best things to get your protein needs met. You just can’t skip them if you want to lead a healthy life.

Don’t forget to adjust your freezer’s temperature if you plan on storing them. Despite being perishable, they can last for anywhere between five months to a year if kept at the ideal temperature which is 0 degrees Fahrenheit or -17 degrees Celsius.

Good fats (to be used for cooking)

For a long time, many had this notion that any kind of fat is bad. Thankfully, the myths surrounding nutrition are gradually unfolding. Good fats are as essential for our bodies as other macronutrients.

Including them in your diet is no trouble. Be it sautéing vegetables or improving the salad’s texture, quality oils come in handy at all times. But what makes them a must is the fact that they are crucial for absorbing fat-soluble minerals and vitamins from your food. Most of them, such as coconut or olive oil, are safe for over a year when stored at room temperature.

Spices and herbs

Isn’t the aroma of spices and herbs an instant stress reliever? They can even be used for making herbal teas. Moreover, they are just what you need to complete any dish. You can sprinkle some chopped-up parsley or rosemary for garnishing. Mint is a chief ingredient of many refreshing summer drinks. A pinch of cinnamon is just what a cup of creamy coffee needs to be perfect.

Not only do these aid in the digestion and absorption of our foods, but also have strong anti-inflammatory effects. And for those with diabetes, regular intake of spices can help to keep their blood sugar levels within limits.

Maple syrup and honey

Although many have ditched them for their sweetness, not only kinds of sugars are bad.

Naturally occurring sugars are digested and stored differently by our bodies as compared to processed sugars. We need to exercise moderation but there is absolutely no need to cut them out.

Maple syrup and honey are abundant in antioxidants and have excellent anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial characteristics. Apart from this, they also contain traces of magnesium and potassium.

We all crave sweet treats once in a while. These ingredients can be relied upon for such days.

You can drizzle some over your pancake or use it as a dip for your apple slices.

Fermented foods

Fermentation allows for the breakdown of indigestible nutrients in foods. This, in turn, makes it easy for our system to fully absorb them. Moreover, the good bacteria present in them significantly improve our gut health. They are also known to produce an anti-inflammatory effect and keep blood sugar levels in check.

Given that they last for fairly long periods, you can buy all kinds of them and relish them from time to time. Some of them such as pickles or sauerkraut are good even up to 18 months.

Plop a teaspoon of kimchi onto a salad, or add to your ramen for a better taste. You can even enjoy a cup of kombucha as an evening drink.