Natural Pantry Staple - Vino!

A little bit of wine can add complexity -- not to mention antioxidants -- to sauce or desserts. Fruity reds (Pinot Noir and Zinfandel) are natural partners for duck and beef, while fragrant whites (Sauvignon Blanc and Riesling) work with lighter, herby fish and chicken dishes.

Natural Pantry Staple - Green Tea

Not just for an antioxidant-rich beverage anymore! Green Tea can be used for desserts, like green-tea gelato. It also makes a light, herbal marinade. Brew a pot, let it cool, then soak fish or chicken in the liquid before cooking.

Sea Salt - Natural Pantry Staple

Naturally evaporated, sea salt has more minerals and flavor than processed table salt. It adheres better to food than table salt, which means you need less to get the same flavor kick.

Natural Pantry Staple - Legumes

Chickpeas, black beans, lentils, and kidney beans all offer plenty of fiber and folate, which help strengthen your heart.

Nuts for the Natural Pantry

When it comes to nutrition, nuts like almonds (high in calcium, magnesium, and fiber), walnuts (packed with omega-3 fatty acids), pecans (full of vitamins B6 and E), and pine nuts (one of the best sources of protein in the nut family) rank at the top of the list.

Spices for the Natural Pantry

Spices such as ginger (great for digestion and the immune system), saffron (a heart-healthy antioxidant), and paprika (an anti-inflammatory) can transform a bland meal into something extraordinary. To increase your spice intake, try a curry blend (typically a combination of turmeric, coriander, cinnamon, cumin, and paprika, among others), which promotes perspiration and increases metabolism.

Starve Cancer-Improve Your Nutrition!

New research indicates that preventing cancer cell growth can be as simple as eating the right foods. Improve your nutrition know-how. Fill up on the following foods that starve cancer. Boy Choy, Cooked Tomatoes, Flounder, Strawberries, & Artichokes - yum-o!

Dried Herbs - Natural Pantry Staple

For those times when you can't get fresh herbs, keep dried thyme, sage, and oregano on hand to boost the flavor of nearly any dish. To maximize dried herbs' potential, don't skimp on price, and replace every four to six months.

Natural Pantry Staple - Chili Peppers

While chile peppers might not replace your morning OJ anytime soon, they have up to six times as much vitamin C as oranges, plus plenty of vitamins A and B. Capsaicin, the compound that makes chiles taste hot, reduces pain and stimulates circulation.

Frozen Fruit-Natural Pantry Staple

While fresh clearly has the advantage when it comes to taste, fruits like blueberries, strawberries, and mangoes remain antioxidant powerhouses even when frozen.

Natural Pantry Staple - Organic Tomatoes

In most cases, the fresher the vegetable, the healthier it is. Tomatoes are the exception. Your body can absorb more lycopene from the canned kind than from fresh uncooked ones; lycopene reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease and some cancers.