It is necessary to have healthy ingredients at home that you can use on a regular basis to fix healthy meals for you and your entire family.

They should be low in fat, salt and sugar with no added preservatives

Some of the healthiest cooking ingredients to have in your kitchen include:

1. Olive Oil

Canola oil has no saturated fat and is considered the most healthy oil by many authorities, including, the American Heart Association. It can be used in salads, for baking, and for pan cooking.

2. Non Fat Yogurt

Non-fat yogurt, especially Greek yogurt is a wonderful substitute for recipes that call for mayonnaise, or sour cream. They can be used to thicken a variety of sauces and also make a great snack or breakfast.

3. Onions and Garlic

It is possible to include onions in a number of recipes like soups, salads or in stir-fry. Onions have a very distinctive flavour liked by many people in their salads.

They help balance blood sugar for people struggling with this issue, such as, Diabetics and those diagnosed with pre-diabetes.

They contain anti-inflammatory benefits for those who struggle with allergies when they include them regularly in their meals.

Onions eaten in large amounts provide anti-bacteria properties for the body to fight harmful bacteria that may cause illnesses.

Garlic is related to the onion family and is high in selenium. It helps in reducing blood cholesterol that can cause problems in the heart. It is necessary to allow garlic to rest after chopping before cooking to obtain the maximum health benefits. It increases iron absorption which is essential in the production of red blood cells.

Furthermore it is believed to help in the fight against obesity.

4. Tomatoes

Tomatoes whether fresh or in a paste are a must have ingredient. They can be eaten raw in a salad or made into various sauces for a sumptuous meal.

The red pigment in tomatoes is called lycopene and promotes the production of collagen for gorgeous firm skin. Lycopene enables one to enjoy a good night sleep healing to the mind, body and soul. Tomatoes are also believed to help the skin fight against sunburn when eaten in abundance.

Tomatoes also lower the risk of osteoporosis by strengthening the bones when eaten regularly.

They also contain antioxidants necessary in the fight against cancer.

Drizzling olive oil on your tomatoes ensures you obtain additional nutritional benefits.

Finally, cherry and grape tomatoes are very low in calories, they can be eaten in abundance for snacking and with meals.

5. Herbs

Most fresh herbs contain strong aromas that make a meal enjoyable, and they can be grown on your windowsill and therefore be easily accessible to create healthy and delicious meals.

· Rosemary can be included in soups, for chicken dishes and in your cup of tea.

· Rosemary is believed to help improve the brain health of people who forget easily.

· Parsley is full of minerals and vitamins; additionally it adds color to a salad for a mouth-watering meal.

· Ginger is another herb that is good for the digestive health and is believed to settle an upset stomach. It can be dried and used in a tea to relieve a cold becauses it is known to open the sinuses for easier breathing.

· A number of people have used it to relieve pain in a tooth by chewing it.

6. Spices

Spices help to make meals more flavorful without any added fat and calories. Spices also have many health benefits.

Chili Peppers

Benefits:Antioxidant, Anti-Irritant Properties, Cold Remedy, Weight Loss, Heart Health. Digestion, Balances LDL Cholesterol and Triglycerides.

Turmeric

Antioxidant Loaded With Nutrients: Protein, Dietary Fiber, Niacin, Vitamins C, E and K, Sodium Potassium, Calcium, Copper, Iron, Magnesium and Zinc.

Benefits:Cancer Prevention, Arthritis Reliever, Diabetes Control, Heals Wounds, Alzheimers Prevention, Improves Digestion, Natural Liver Detoxifier, Weight Management, Reduces Cholesterol, Boosts Immune System.

Garlic

Used In Treating: Atherosclerosis, High Cholesterol, Heart Disease, and Hypertension.

Oregano

Benefits:Antioxidants for Immune System Support, Antifungal, Antibacterial, Anti-inflammatory Properties, Cancer-Fighting Effects and Upper Respiratory Infections.

Basil

Also Known As Saint Joseph's Wort, This Spice Is Rich In Antioxidants, Vitamins A, K, C, Magnesium, Iron, Potassium, and Calcium.

Benefits:Reduces Inflammation and Swelling and Has Anti-Aging Properties.

Thyme

A Wonderful Herb with Culinary, Medicinal and Ornamental Uses.

Benefits and Uses: Acne, High Blood Pressure, Protection from Foodborne Bacterial Infections, Colon Cancer, Breast Cancer and Yeast Infections.

Rosemary

Great Source of Antioxidants and Anti-Inflammatory Elements.

Benefits and Uses: Improves Digestion, Enhances Memory and Concentration, Neurological Protection, Prevents Brain Aging and Helps In Cancer Treatment.

Parsley

Nutrients: Vitamins K, C, A, Folate, Fiber, Iron, Anti-Oxidants.

Benefits and Uses: Heart Health and Protection from Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Ginger

Used In Antacid, Laxative and Anti-Gas Medications.

Benefits and Uses: Relieves Muscle Pain from Exercise, Chemotherapy Nausea, Ovarian Cancer, Asthma, High Blood Pressure, Painful Menstruation and Migraines.

Clove

Benefits and Uses: Diarrhea, Upset Stomach, Expectorant, Hernia, Bad Breath, Intestinal Gas, Nausea, Vomiting, Tooth Ache Pain, Topical Remedy for Pain, Mouth and Throat Inflammation.