252 hearth recipes

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.

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.

Spicy lemongrass tofu pan-fried with Thai chili paste and fresh minced lemongrass. A 30-minute vegetarian and gluten-free main served over brown rice with steamed vegetables.

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

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.

Ginger is a well-known anti-inflammatory that can help manage arthritis pain and help combat oxidative joint damage. To boost the healing properties of this juice, add a small knob of fresh turmeric.

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.

Containing a wealth of vitamins C, A, and K, as well as calcium, magnesium, potassium, manganese, and iron, bok choy is a very nutritionally dense vegetable. Vitamin A, for instance, is essential for a properly functioning immune system, while vitamin C is an antioxidant that shields the body from free radicals. Bok choy supplies potassium for healthy muscle and nerve function, and vitamin B6 for carbohydrate, fat, and protein metabolism.

Mung beans are a great source of plant protein, fiber and minerals such as iron, zinc and potassium (needed to regulate blood pressure).

Salted caramel ice-cream and desserts have become standard on many restaurant menus in Singapore – as delicious as they are, they are not always the healthiest and are usually loaded with refined sugar and questionable fats. This very easy dessert will satisfy your sweet tooth, while giving you a boost of antioxidants, and magnesium. And the best part is that it can be ready in under 45 minutes (including freezing time).

Feel too lazy to cook? Try a quick delicious and refreshing salad, serve it with a few slices of crusty bread. A quick simple and tasty yet light meal within about 6 minutes.

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.

Creamy, decadent and ready in less than five minutes, this is a great chance to introduce superfoods, bananas and avocados to children 8 months and older. Rich in healthy fats necessary for skin health, brain function and maintaining a healthy weight. Cacao is high in magnesium and iron and when combined with a fat like coconut oil or avocado, it alleviates headaches and anxiety and boosts brain function.

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.

A scrumptious pasta salad that's both healthy and easy to make!

Full of vibrant, Moroccan flavours, these sweet potato and carrot 'fries' are a quick and delicious way to add a nutritious side to your main meal. Both sweet potatoes and carrots are rich sources of antioxidants. Sweet potatoes also contain manganese, an important mineral for stabilising blood sugar levels.