Food & Recipes

Recipe Rx: 3 Ways to Cook Pork

Pork Tenderloin Pantry Picks continued...

Wheat Pita Treat

Whole-wheat pitas are a tasty way to sneak more whole grains into your diet and get more potential protection against heart disease and diabetes. But it's important to read labels closely to ensure that you're getting the real thing. Look for brands that list “100% whole wheat” on the label, such as Kangaroo Salad Pockets, Toufayan Bakeries Pitettes, and Flatout Artisan 5 Grain Flax Fold It Flatbread.

Your Main Squeeze: Lemon Juice

Lemon juice offers a hefty dose of vitamin C and potent antioxidant compounds known as limonoids, which research suggests may fight mouth, skin, and lung cancers. And because it lends dishes a tart kick, lemon juice can be a substitute for salt. O'Neil prefers the bright flavor of freshly squeezed lemons, but in a pinch, she suggests stocking your fridge with the lemon juice from Sunkist and ReaLemon, or Sicilia, an Italian brand some supermarkets carry.

Low Saturated Fat

O'Neil keeps canola oil in her pantry because of its impressive fat profile: It contains the least saturated fat of popular cooking oils and provides heart-healthy monounsaturated and omega-3 fats. It also stands up to medium-high temperatures, making it a good choice for sautéing, and its subtle flavor doesn't overpower foods. Her favorites include Wesson and Pompeian OlivExtra, a blend of canola and extra-virgin olive oil.

Cumin on In

This peppery spice, a staple of Mexican and Indian cuisine, is a decent source of iron and aids digestion, possibly by stimulating the release of pancreatic enzymes. O'Neil uses McCormick and Spice Islands cumin, readily available in most grocery stores. She recommends keeping spices in a cabinet away from heat and light and using them within six to nine months for best flavor.

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