There is something about having a fully stocked and organized pantry that makes us feel like we have got our lives together. And when that pantry is filled to the brim with healthy options like nut butter and chia seeds, it just seems like you have ‘adulting’ down to a tee. But there is more to this proudly domesticated feeling because what you have in your pantry is a direct reflection on your waistline and lifestyle you lead.
If you are new to the pantry organization game or have decided to turn over a healthier leaf, then you have come to the right place. We have created the ultimate list of healthy pantry staples that have a long shelf life and make for some delicious yet nutritious additions to your meals that you and your family will all enjoy.
Unfiltered Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar or ACV is one of the most versatile and delicious condiments you can have in your pantry. It is fantastic for adding some zing to salads and marinades and is a powerful all-purpose cleaner that removes stubborn grime and dirt.
Additionally, ACV is a staple in most DIY beauty treatments because it helps to even skin tone and seal in moisture and shine when used as a hair tonic. Even Cleopatra was said to use ACV religiously in her skin and hair care routine. But the best part of apple cider vinegar is it’s powerful health benefits.
Research has shown that it is a useful tool in reducing inflammation, combating pathogens, promoting weight loss, managing healthy blood sugar levels, and improving heart health.
These benefits are quite extraordinary, to say the least, however, it is important to know that drinking apple cider vinegar as a tonic every day to lose weight as some articles suggest can cause a lot more health problems, especially in the esophagus and stomach lining. If you are planning on using ACV as a weight-loss tool, it is better to use a high-quality apple cider vinegar supplement for everyday use.
Seeds and Nuts
You will be doing your taste buds and health a favor by stocking the pantry with fresh or lightly roasted nuts and seeds. They add a delicious crunch to exotic salads, yogurts, smoothies, oatmeal, and curries and also taste just as delicious on their own. They are the perfect in-between snack because they are filling and provide your body with essential vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids to keep your energy levels up during the day.
If you are prone to constipation, chia seeds and flax seeds are especially helpful in boosting your fiber intake and regulating bowel movements. These little nutrient powerhouses have a shelf life of around 1 to 4 months, making them the perfect staple to have on hand for all your meals.
Honey Or Blackstrap Molasses
Sugar has become one of the leading factors behind common diseases we see today such as diabetes and obesity. It is hiding in almost everything we eat. While avoiding sugar altogether is nearly impossible, you can control how much of it you eat.
In most cases, we add a teaspoon or two of refined sugar to cereals, baked goods, tea, coffee, and other treats like pancakes, this is not doing our health any favors. While there is no denying that a little sweetness brightens up the day, it doesn’t always have to be in the form of granulated table sugar.
Honey and Blackstrap molasses are a natural and deliciously sweet alternative that not only puts a little sunshine on your plate, but also benefits your health in many ways because they contain a variety of nutrients, vitamins, and antioxidants. Blackstrap molasses is great for sweetening marinades and sauces, while honey can be used as a healthy alternative to sugar in almost every dish.
Whole Grains
Whole grains like quinoa, brown rice, and oats are a versatile and healthy staple for most dishes that are packed with nutrients, fiber, and are low on the Glycemic Index (GI). Foods that have a lower GI score take much longer for the body to break down, meaning that they keep you feeling fuller for longer without causing a sudden spike in blood sugar levels the way other carbohydrate-rich or processed foods do.
Coconut Oil
Much like ACV, coconut oil is versatile, tasty, healthy, and filled with all the right stuff to keep your energy levels up and blood sugar levels in check. Coconut oil can be used as a cooking and baking agent, as a makeup remover, a shaving cream, and as a nourishing hair treatment.
Coconut oil also contains potent antifungal and antibacterial properties that help fight infections and keeps your immune system running at full capacity. If you are planning on stocking up on this incredible ingredient, it is best to look for cold-pressed, organic coconut oil.
Fresh Spices
There is a good reason why spice rhymes with life. Fresh spices liven up basic dishes with bold flavor and textures, and at the same time, they also provide the body with powerful antioxidants, phytonutrients, and plant compounds that fight off harmful molecules and reduce the risk of developing certain diseases.
Some of the best spices to stock up on include black pepper, cayenne pepper, and ground ginger, and garlic powder. In addition to these spices, turmeric should be a staple in everyone’s pantry. Turmeric offers a wide range of health benefits that outshine most herbs and spices including:
- Improved mood
- Improved heart health
- Alleviates symptoms of depression
- Reduces inflammation and pain
- May have anticancer properties
If turmeric powder is a bit too fragrant and spicy for your liking, you can still reap all these benefits and more by taking a quality turmeric supplement like Turmeric MD™ by Approved Science every day.
Canned Tuna
Who doesn’t love a good old fashioned tuna sandwich! It is a quick, easy, and exceptionally healthy product to store in the pantry. Helping yourself to a tin of tuna two to three times a week will give you a fresh fix of beneficial omega 3 fatty acids to keep your brain and heart in tip-top shape. Tuna is also relatively cheap and has quite an impressive shelf life of around 3 to 5 years! While most of us enjoy using canned tuna as a spread on bread, it can also be used in a variety of other dishes too. If you are feeling adventurous why not try whipping up a tuna salad, a tuna wrap, or perhaps a tuna lasagna? We promise that your taste buds won’t be disappointed!
The Bottom Line
Stocking your pantry with versatile and healthy staples is a great way to not only save money but also keep your health in check. There are so many different products, condiments, and spices out there that can be used to improve your culinary skill and up your beauty game without worrying about single-use plastics, parabens, and other artificial ingredients that are harmful to your health and the environment.