This Is The One Healthy Food You Should Always Have In The Pantry

So, what is the one healthy food you should always have in the pantry? Well, they come in small cans and very different varieties and are not always on the list of peoples favorite foods, but they should be. The answer.....sardines!

Stock up on sardines in your pantry and try for at least one can a week. A lot of people are not fans of the little fish, perhaps because they were not introduced to them at a young age. In our house we always had cans of them in the cupboards because my father was very much a Scandinavian and they love there sardines!

I recall at a very young age eating them on Saltine crackers and grew fond of them. We would have them mostly as a snack in between meals, but some people make a meal out of them. Sardines can go nicely on a Caesar salad or even on a slice of toast. They come in so many varieties now, like in mustard, lemon, spicy jalapeño or just good old fashioned olive oil (my personal preference).

Sardines. While they’re not as popular or glamorous as salmon, canned sardines are an excellent choice to include in your diet on a regular basis. Current dietary guidelines suggest eating eight to 12 ounces of seafood per week for optimal health. However, close to 90 percent of Americans do not reach this target. Sardines notably provide around 1,800 milligrams of EPA and DHA omega-3 fatty acids to support brain health and cognition. Given that they are also rich in selenium, they stimulate selenoprotein synthesis. Selenoproteins are critical for preventing oxidative stress and maintaining optimal brain function. They also provide iron, niacin, phosphorus, potassium, zinc, vitamin E, B12, and more.

If you have never sardines it might seem like a tough ask. They are not the most pleasant looking treat. Mostly you will see the body of the sardines pressed together with a half a dozen packed in the can "like sardines" as the saying goes. Don't let their looks deceive you, they taste a lot better than they look. They're usually on the salty side, with a hint of brininess and their tiny bones are edible so you don't have to pick around them.

I do suggest you stay with a higher quality can, don't opt for a generic or cheap brand of sardine. There are lots of specialty canneries these days that only serve the best sardines. You will pay slightly more, but the benefits in taste and health are well worth it.

When it comes to living healthy, Massachusetts and Rhode Island are at the top of the list.

In fact, Rhode Island happens to be #1, according to a new study done by sports nutrition brand, MyProtein, while Massachusetts rounds out the Top 10 at #10.

Research was conducted by MyProtein to determine the best places for leading a healthy lifestyle, ranking all 50 states, as well as Washington, DC, for three different factors, including availability and affordability.

According to their study, the number of gyms per 100,000 people and the percentage of residents living within a 10-minute walk of a park were considered in terms of availability.

MyProtein compared the cost of a gym membership, tennis court rental, and healthy grocery shop with the average salary in each state to determine affordability.

By the way, New Hampshire came in 14th, and as for dead last, that honor belongs to West Virginia.