7 Pantry Essentials Dietitians Always Have On Hand


As a dietitian, I often recommend – and include in my own diet – foods that provide the biggest nutritional bang for the buck. These powerhouse picks go above and beyond simply satisfying hunger. They also help prevent diseases, according to research. So, check out seven of the hardest-working foods that nutrition pros like me always have on hand. How many are in your pantry?

Canola and Extra-Virgin Olive Oils

With recent headlines stating, “Butter Is Back,” you may be confused about what fats are best for your health and whether or not saturated fats like those found in butter, bacon and red meats aren’t as bad as we once thought. However, the overwhelming research shows that keeping saturated fat limited (along with added sugars and other low-quality carbs) reduces risk for heart disease, chronic inflammation,Type 2 diabetes, age-related declines in memory and cognition and even certain types of cancer. 

In fact, a recent study from the Harvard School of Public Health revealed that replacing just 5 percent of one’s calories from saturated fat with polyunsaturated fats or monounsaturated fats reduced risk for coronary heart disease by 25 and 15 percent, respectively. 

Since canola oil has among the lowest saturated fat of all cooking oils, I always have it on hand. What’s more, a study published last year in the journal Diabetes Care found that people with diabetes who ate alow-glycemic diet with canola oil experienced better blood sugar control compared to those who ate more whole-grain carbs and less unsaturated fats. The researchers concluded that canola oil helps keep blood sugar levels more stable.

EVOO is my second oil in my pantry because it’s high in monounsaturated fat and contains beneficial phenolic compounds. It’s the primary fat of the Mediterranean diet, which has numerous reported health benefits. Recent research finds a significant reduction in breast cancer risk among postmenopausal women in Spain who adhered to a Mediterranean diet rich in extra-virgin olive oil.

Enjoy: Light and neutral-flavored canola oil is perfect for salad dressings, sauteing and baking because it only amps up the flavors of other ingredients. EVOO is best for dipping and making robust-flavored salad dressings.

Dried Plums