Unless you are a true “clean eating” advocate, your pantry likely is filled with items that would make true Paleo titans like Marc Sisson not too proud. The chips, cereals, cookies, pasta, bread, etc are commonly found in all of our pantries. While we here at NPE espouse a clean eating pantry and fridge, we understand that for many you, including myself, the aphorism that Jesus told Peter remains true, “The Spirit is Willing, but the Flesh is weak.” Since it is human to be flawed, let’s not focus on what you shouldn’t have…let’s focus on a few items that you MUST have because they are so healthy for you. These are the 6 must-have pantry items you must buy now!
6 Must-Have Pantry Items
In this quick article, I will include links to Amazon so you may purchase them now.
“The Colored Teas”
We have spoken extensively about green, tea, and black tea on this site and Occult Health News podcast. As a quick refresher, they all come from the same bush. When the bush is harvested determines the “color.” All are high in antioxidants, which fight against disease and cancer, and all have studies connecting them to heart health, better cognition, and even weight loss. The differences are subtle. Black tea tends to have the highest caffeine level and stronger taste compared to the other three; white tea is the opposite. Either way, just drink them 2-3 times daily.
Listen to Occult Health News episode on Which Tea is Best? for more info.
Recommended ones:
Numi Gunpowder Green Tea 100 Count
Numi Organic Black Tea 34 Count
Dark Chocolate Bars
High fat, high fiber, high nutrition
Cacao Beans are a superfood of superfoods when prepared correctly. Daily consumption of high percentage dark chocolate is linked to lowering blood sugar (insulin resistance), improving blood pressure and cholesterol, combatting weight gain, and better cognition as well.
Dark chocolate is another item full of phytonutrients and antioxidants. It is full of fiber and “good” fat. Remember, as a whole, fat doesn’t make you fat. Refined sugar and carbs do so don’t be frightened by the high fat levels. You don’t turn away coconut or avocado and those have a high-fat content.
Buy high percentage bars. 80-85%, preferably with minimal ingredients and organic. Don’t buy flavored ones either…way too much sugar.
Read our article on Review of Most Popular Dark Chocolate Bars.
Listen to Occult Health News episode review.
Recommended One:
Green & Black 85% Dark Chocolate, Box of 10. Hands-down best moderately-price bars on the market.
Vinegar
Vinegar is the “weapon of the God’s.” It is mostly created by the fermenting of alcoholic liquids, like apple cider or beer. The fermentation creates acetic acid which is a powerful antimicrobial agent, among other things. Apple cider vinegar is regularly touted as a liver cleanser, weight loss tool, and a vehicle to lower blood sugar and cholesterol. For these reasons you should ingest it daily, typically diluted in water.
Apple cider vinegar may also be used on wounds as an antimicrobial agent and used in your to clean it and make it lush. Vinegar, of course, can be used in salads as well. Many variations in the form of vinaigrette exist.
Any type of vinegar is a great household cleaner. The majority of cleaners sold are loaded with hormone disrupting, respiratory system-distressing, and even carcinogenic chemicals. There is no need to use them, for vinegar mixed with soap, backing soda, and water can destroy 95% of all pathogens. Use it…don’t lose it!
Read article on Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar.
Recommended Ones:
Bragg Apple Cider Vinegar with The Mother, 2 pack.
Giuste Sapore Balsamic Vinaigrette of Modena
Turmeric
Turmeric may be acquired taste, but it is one of the most potent spices on the planet. It’s active ingredient, curcumin, has extraordinary medicinal properties, in particular it is a renown fighter of inflammation and oxidation. It is so strong that studies show what high intake of it equals the efficacy of some anti-inflammatory drugs (like NSAIDs) without the side-effects.
Turmeric is also linked to improved brain function and cognition, lower risk of brain diseases, decreases your risk of heart disease, and fights against cancer. Moreover, it combats depression, dementia, and arthritis.
Most people ingest turmeric in the spice form, but you may also take it in tea form. Ginger Turmeric tea is a pretty popular herbal tea.
Read more about “super spices” like turmeric.
Recommended Ones:
Feel Good Organic Turmeric Powder
Gaia Herbs Turmeric Supreme Vegan Capsules
Republic of Tea Ginger Turmeric Tea Bags, 50 count
Coconut Oil
All-purpose weapon!
Another versatile weapon, coconut oil may be used in a variety of ways. People use it to clean their mouth, in the form of oil pulling; apply to their skin and hair to clean and moisturize; and in food. Endeavor to purchase a extra virgin, minimally-processed variety. When cooking with it, don’t use too much heat. Not as sensitive to heat as olive oil, it can begin to oxidize quickly.
Learn about the 5 Things You Should Do Every Morning. Hint: Oil Pulling is one of them.
Recommend Ones:
Viva Naturals Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil
Chia Seeds
Chia Seeds are an amazing arsenal in your pursuit of optimal wellness. Easy-to-use, easy-to-store, no pantry should exist without them. Why? Chia sees are tasteless. They are perfect chameleons in all assortments of foods/entrees. From salads to desserts, from breakfast entrees to snacks. Many people just put them in water to drink it.
These by-products of the Aztecs packs a great nutritional wallop. Just 1 tablespoon packs 5 grams of fiber and 5 grams of the “good” fats, mostly monounsaturated. It is one of those weird foods that are high in fat and fiber simultaneously, but low in carbs. So it’s the keto diet’s dream. But don’t be fooled. Anyone wanting to improve their health should be sprinkling these critters on every meal. Just a tad…not too much.
Recommended Ones:
Nutiva Organics Raw Chia Seeds
These 6 must-have pantry items you must buy now are a just a few of the instrumental ones. These 6 must-have pantry items are all great items to stash b/c they are non-perishable, relatively inexpensive, and pack a super nutritional benefit. OK, now that you’ve read this article, you know what you need to do. Go to the store!