Still using plastic containers for leftovers? Gastroenterologist shares 6 health purchases that are ‘worth every penny’

Still storing your leftovers in plastic takeaway containers? Or buying fresh fruit only to watch it spoil before you get around to eating it? Every once in a while, you come across a simple purchase that seems insignificant at first, but once you start using it, you wonder how you ever managed without it. From healthier food storage to easier ways of staying hydrated and getting enough fibre , certain everyday purchases can make it easier to build healthier habits.

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Dr Joseph Salhab, a Florida-based gastroenterologist and health content creator who specialises in digestive, liver, pancreatic, and nutritional health, has shared six health-focused purchases that are worth every penny and can make everyday life a whole lot easier.

In an Instagram video shared on August 22, the gastroenterologist highlights, “These are some of the simple things I actually think are worth spending money on. None of these needs to be expensive. They’re just simple things that can make healthy eating, hydration, digestion, bowel movements, constipation prevention, meal prep, and taking care of your gut a little easier.”

Many people may hesitate to buy frozen fruit , preferring fresh produce instead, because they assume frozen fruit has been sitting on supermarket shelves for weeks. However, this is a common misconception. Frozen fruit is cheaper and can have a longer shelf life while retaining its nutritional value.

Dr Salhab explains, “Convenient, lasts longer, and makes it much easier to get more berries, mango, dragon fruit, and other fibre-rich fruits into smoothies, yoghurt bowls, and meals without constantly throwing spoiled fruit away.”

If you own a good smoothie blender, healthy eating can become a whole lot smoother. Simply throw in your favourite healthy ingredients, give them a quick whizz and you have a nutritious drink ready to go, making it a convenient, time-saving and cost-effective way to add more nutrient-rich foods to your diet.

Dr Salhab highlights, “A decent smoothie blender. You don’t need anything fancy. A blender makes it ridiculously easy to combine fruit, kefir, yoghurt, chia, flax, oats, and other high-fibre foods into something you’ll actually consume.”

Owning a water filter can make staying hydrated easier while reducing your reliance on plastic water bottles. It can help you save money, cut down on plastic waste and reduce potential exposure to microplastics , while ensuring you have clean drinking water readily available throughout the day.

The gastroenterologist suggests, “A home water filter is an easy way to drink more water without constantly buying plastic water bottles. Hydration matters for digestion, constipation, and especially when you’re increasing your fibre intake.”

Fibre is an essential part of a balanced diet , yet many people struggle to meet even half of their daily requirements.