5 Healthiest Kitchen Staples

Keeping the right things on hand for quick meal prep can be key to a healthy diet. Always have these simple but nutrient-dense foods within arm's reach.

- STEFANI SASSOS

Sprouted-Grain Bread

This kind of bread is typically higher in protein, fiber and certain vitamins and minerals than others, and it has a yummy nutty flavor and a hearty texture. I like to keep mine in the freezer to preserve its freshness, as it spoils more quickly than breads with preservatives do.

Kefir

This tangy fermented beverage has a consistency between that of yogurt and that of milk, provides several vitamins and minerals and is great for gut health. Much of the immune system is housed in the gut, which may be why kefir supports the immune system and has even been shown to modulate it to suppress viral infections. Drink kefir straight or add it to smoothies and creamy dressings.

Canned Salmon