Health Nut recipe collection

A creamy dessert combining coconut, dragon fruit and cashew nuts. Dragon fruit is a rich source of antioxidants and fibre, cashews deliver heart-protective monosaturated fats, while the fat contained in coconut meat has been shown to exhibit anti-microbial, antibacterial and antifungal properties. Coconuts also contain lauric acid (found most abundantly in mothers’ milk) which is an important immune system booster. Despite its bad reputation, coconut oil is one of the healthiest oils available.

A very healthy take on pad-thai, full of antioxidants and healthy fats.

This juice contains camu camu - a South American berry that contains the highest concentration of vitamin C on the planet. It is available in powder form, but if you can't find it, just add more lemon to the juice. Carrots are packed with beta-carotene, that turns into vitamin A in the body and can help enhance immunity. The ginger is anti-viral, the garlic and oregano are anti-bacterial, and the turmeric is antimicrobial (an agent that kills microorganisms or inhibits their growth). Meanwhile the celery and parsley are anti-inflammatory, and add a shot of blood-purifying chlorophyll as well.

Very simple cookies sweetened with natural coconut sugar. Made with pumpkin seeds, which are very rich in magnesium (one of the most important minerals responsible for key physiological functions including the production of energy (ATP) in the body, correct heart function and proper bone and tooth formation). Cinnamon is well known for its ability to lower blood sugar levels, and is highly recommended for diabetics.

Chocolate contains compounds believed to boost serotonin and endorphin levels in the brain. Among them are theobromine and caffeine, which can increase alertness and trigger a pleasurable feeling similar to the natural high after exercise. Another group of compounds, called flavonoids, has been found to benefit heart health. Studies suggest they improve blood flow by relaxing the blood vessels.

Kedgeree is a traditional British breakfast food originating in India. Made with smoked haddock, a lean white fish high in protein, it is subtly spiced. Consider using unsmoked fish and substituting brown rice for the traditional white basmati.

If you cannot find fresh peaches, use frozen ones (they will further thicken the smoothie). Peaches were first cultivated in China where they are considered a symbol of immortality and friendship. Nutritionally, they are a good source of selenium and vitamins A and C. Chia seeds are not only a complete protein, but supply the much needed omega-3 fatty acids missing from so many modern diets.

This is a wonderful detoxifying and blood cleansing juice. Beetroots are a wonder vegetable and have recently been shown in clinical trials to lower blood pressure. They are also loaded with folic acid (critical during pregnancy) and the mineral silica, which helps the body use calcium more efficiently, thus preventing osteoporosis.

Bircher muesli was first developed by a Swiss physician, Maximilian Bircher-Benner as part of the therapy he prescribed for his patients. Often called simply ‘overnight oats’ Bircher muesli is an ideal breakfast food – it can be assembled the night before, left in the fridge overnight and enjoyed in the morning – there is no cooking required. It's also a perfect combination of plant-based protein, slow-release wholegrain carbohydrates, and essential fats. The version below calls for pears and coconut, but alternative combinations are provided in the notes.

When preparing this popular breakfast dish at home you can control the type and quantity of oil being used, the type of bee hoon (organic brown rice bee hoon is widely available now and not expensive) and use as many different green vegetables as you have on hand to increase its nutritional profile.

Keep these in the freezer and enjoy anytime you feel like having something sweet. Perfect with an afternoon cup of tea or coffee.

Green smoothies are a wonderful easy way of increasing your leafy green intake - if you are new to green smoothies, start slowly and over time add more greens. The pineapple in the smoothie contains powerful digestive enzymes, while the spinach is loaded with iron. Coconut water is a wonderful way to quench your thirst while replenishing electrolytes - did you know that it was used by doctors during World War II to do transfusions when donor plasma was not available?

Naturally very low in fat, prawns also contain beneficial omega-3 fatty acids and are a good source of protein. The spices used in the curry are powerful anti-virals, anti-bacterials and anti-inflammatories.

A vegetarian take on sushi – a one bowl meal, which can be made in advance, keeps well in the fridge and makes for a great lunchbox. If you are going to make it ahead, store the dressing separately until you are ready to serve.

As we age our bodies' ability to produce digestive enzymes diminishes. Similarly, cooking foods destroys the majority of digestive enzymes found naturally in foods, compromising our ability to absorb nutrients from the foods we consume. This salad contains papaya and pineapple, which are both loaded with powerful digestive enzymes. Kiwi fruit is a very rich source of vitamin C to boost immunity. Adding organic yoghurt (or coconut yoghurt) to the salad is a great way to take in probiotics and further boost the digestion-enhancing properties of this salad.

Making your own fish balls is the key to keeping this soup hearty and nutritious. Avoid using store-bought fish balls which can contain added cornflour, flavourings, MSG and preservatives.