Staple Health Foods from a Vegan Connoisseur

Okay, so maybe I am not a connoisseur...

However, I would love to share some of the healthy foods I regularly consume that make me feel good and have many health benefits!

1. Kombucha has been scientifically tested and "can improve resistance against cancer, prevent cardiovascular diseases, promote digestive functions, stimulate the immune system, reduce inflammatory problems."
Tea, Kombucha, and health: A review. Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/248425525_Tea_Kombucha_and_health_A_review [accessed Mar 05 2018].

It's basically fermented tea, so it has probiotics (healthy gut bacteria), vinegar, acid and sugar in it. It tastes amazing, has a fizzy texture, and I have found it helps with my own digestion.

Some brands to try: 

GT'S Kombucha - Mystic Mango flavor (sweet!); Tantric Turmeric flavor

Rise Kombucha - Blueberry & Maple (SO GOOD); Hibiscus & Rose Hips

Brew Dr. - Ginger Turmeric; Clear Mind; Love

You can get Kombucha at basically any grocery store. Whole Foods and Sprouts carry lots of options!

2. Oatmeal is a staple food in my diet. It is super filling because of the protein and fiber, and you can pair it with practically any fruit, seed, nut butter, or jam! (Okay, maybe not melon...)

You can read more about the MANY health benefits here: http://healthyeating.sfgate.com/benefits-eating-oatmeal-morning-4112.html

3. Chia seeds, to those who have never tried them, may seem a but odd. When submerged in liquid, they produce a gelatinous film around them, making them a great ingredient for vegan puddings! They are one of those "superfoods" that you always hear about, but aren't really sure why they are good for you. They have lots of fiber, healthy fats, antioxidants, calcium, iron, and magnesium! Plus, they have your essential fatty acids (that my mom always raves about), omega-3 and omega-6. Read more here: https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000727.htm

4. I almost always have baby spinach on hand, because it tastes so fresh and can be paired with almost any meal. Everyone knows spinach is healthy, but if you want to read more, look up this article "Functional properties of spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.) phytochemicals and bioactives" by Joseph L. Roberts and Régis Moreau.

5. Apples. "An apple a day keeps the doctor away," blah blah blah... No, seriously! Apples aid in digestion, can help prevent cancer, improve intestinal health, have a good amount of iron, and a low glycemic index (won't spike your blood sugar levels)! Yayyyyyy apples :)

Thank you for reading—I hope you enjoyed!

A bientôt!