10 Verastile Vegan Staple Foods

10 Verastile Vegan Staple Foods

Living la vida vegan has so many health benefits. You burn fat, you lose weight until you return to your unique and healthy weight. Your skin and hair become stronger and younger looking, and your heart is healthier. Your mind is quicker, your immunity system is boosted so you fight infection and disease, and your entire body looks and feels better. Keep the following 10 vegan staples in your plant-based pantry and you ensure all of those health benefits are delivered with every meal.

1 - Avocados - You actually need to get fat in your diet, and the avocado provides high levels of healthy fat. It can be eaten raw or cooked, made into guacamole or other flavorful pastes, and low-cost accompanies its delicious taste and versatility.

2 - Nuts, nuts and more nuts - Put simply, vegans are nuts about nuts. Like most of the other foods on this list, nuts are super versatile and super healthy. They add healthy fat and protein to every meal.

3 - Apple cider vinegar - This healthy vinegar can be used as the base of a delicious, nutritious salad dressing. You can also combine it with nondairy milk to create a tasty alternative to buttermilk.

4 - Extra virgin olive oil - A recent report shows that extra virgin olive oil is not always that. Make sure you choose a brand that bears the seal of the California Olive Oil Council, International Olive Oil Council or Australia Olive Association. You can also look for PDO, POD or PGI certification, meaning the destination of origin has been validated. An extremely versatile vegan staple.

5 - Maple syrup - Hey, you've got to get your sweetener somewhere, and it's hard to beat the sweet maple syrup and its many uses in the vegan food pantry.

6 - Sriracha - Yummy, hot, spicy and vegan. That about says it all.

7 - Onions - If you want to make an argument that the onion delivers the most attractive combination of low-cost and extreme versatility for vegan cooking, I would probably agree with you.

8 - Garlic - Just like the inexpensive onion, garlic adds a healthy, low-calorie "kick" to literally hundreds of vegan eating possibilities.

9 - Carrots - Great for keeping your eyes healthy, the humble carrot also helps prevent cancer, slows down aging, makes your skin stronger and younger looking, detoxes your body and lowers your risk of stroke.

10 - Kale, spinach, chard and other leafy dark greens - The list of enzymes, healthy minerals, phytonutrients and immunity boosting marvels in these dark green leafy vegetables would fill an entire page. Cooked, eaten raw, in a smoothie, juice or salad, or on a sandwich, leafy dark greens are versatile, healthy and tasty.

By J Russell Hart