15 Ingredients Medical Doctors Always Add to Their Meals

Paprika

Doctors are all about healthy choices—picking foods that offer benefits like boosting energy, fighting diseases, and choosing ingredients that are nutritional powerhouses. We asked physicians to share what they are adding to their meals to stay healthy.
Smoked paprika brings a pop flavor to any dish. 'It's an especially good ingredient for bringing a smoky depth to vegan food, almost like bacon,' shares Linda Shiue, MD, an internal medicine physician and the Director of Culinary Medicine with Kaiser Permanente San Francisco. 'This is made from capsicums/peppers and contains vitamin A, beta-carotene and other carotenoids. As antioxidants, carotenoids prevent cellular damage that can lead to chronic health problems, such as cardiovascular disease and arthritis.' Learn about more these foods packs with antioxidants.

Turmeric

Turmeric is a potent anti-inflammatory, similar to pharmaceutical Cox-2 inhibitors like Celebrex, says Dr. Shiue. 'This is the golden orange spice ingredient that forms the base of curry powders. It can help with inflammatory conditions like arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease,' she says

Bulgur

A whole-wheat grain with a nutty taste that has been parboiled and then dried, bulgur can be prepared very quickly just by soaking in boiled water. 'It can be used any place you'd use rice, and it can also be served cold as a grain salad base,' Dr. Shiue says. 'Bulgur also a great food for diabetics because bulgur is high in fiber with a very low glycemic index, with little impact on blood sugar, unlike white rice.' 

                         

Cashew cream

Have you used cashew cream as an ingredient yet? Dr. Shiue calls this food 'a genius invention' that involves soaking raw cashews in water, then blending it with water to act as a plant-based substitute for cream or milk. 'It's a game-changer, allowing people who are avoiding animal products, dairy, and saturated fats to still enjoy the creamy flavor and texture. Like all nuts, cashews are rich in protein, fiber, iron and heart-healthy monounsaturated fat,' she continues.

       

Cumin

Another favorite ingredient for Dr. Shiue is cumin, which is a good source of fiber and minerals. 'It has many phytochemicals with antioxidant and possible anti-microbial activity,' she adds. 

Chia seeds

Looking for a superfood which can be added to many everyday items without much notice? Chia seeds may be your new go-to. 'Chia seeds can be added to smoothies, sprinkled on oatmeal and yogurt, mixed into baked goods and salad dressings or even making your own chia pudding is a great way to add fiber, healthy fats and protein,' says Caroline J. Cederquist, MD, bariatric doctor and founding physician of bistroMD, a weight-loss meal delivery service. 'Just one ounce of these tiny seeds houses 10g of fiber and 5g of protein! Fiber adds bulk to our digestive movements while also reducing the net carbohydrates of your food, aiding in blood sugar stabilization.'