Eggs are eggactly what you need – especially when they are in this eggciting little dessert. They are a great source of high quality protein, they contain 13 essential vitamins and minerals, all nine essential amino acids, selenium, phosphorus, riboflavin, lutein and choline. Silk tofu has many of the same properties as eggs, it also contains protein, essential amino acids, selenium and phosphorus. Eggs have definitely laid their goodness in these eggceedingly tasty layers.
An incredibly, refreshingly, nutrient filled drink that not only quenches your thirst but feeds your health. Watermelons are made up mainly of water but also contains vitamins A, B6 and C, not to mention amino acids and antioxidants. So hydrate your body, get rid of toxins and give your skin a boost. Cheers or Kanpai (Japanese for ‘dry the glass!’) – a very good sentiment for this type of drink.
A cold yet hot ice-lolly – not for the faint hearted if lots of chilli flakes are added! Popular pineapples are full of goodness as well as flavour, they are the only source of the plant compound bromelain. Bromelain is linked with improved immune function, prevention of cancer and digestive health. Pineapples contain Vitamin C, an antioxidant, folate and trace minerals. Be cool and get a hot chilli ice lolly.
Whether you say tomayto or tomahto, whether you consider the tomato a fruit or a vegetable, one thing is for sure, tomato dishes are an essential for men – several studies have supported the link between lycopene in tomatoes and the prevention of prostate cancer. Obviously all of us, young and old will benefit from these fruits which are bursting with essential goodness – Vitamin C, fibre, folic acid, potassium and choline all help support heart health as well as other conditions. Tomatoes are also a great source of the antioxidants beta-carotene and lutein, which along with lycopene are vital for eye health. Combined with Nori(a seaweed), a high nutrient provider, this delicate dish is simply a bundle of health.
This recipe is a great example of how a vegan or gluten-free diet doesn’t mean a restrictive one. Quinoa is ‘out of this world’ for goodness and may quite literally be ‘out of this world’ in the future! Nasa science investigations are experimenting to assess germination of Quinoa in microgravity, this proves how valuable a source of nutrition this seed is. Quinoa is a perfect provider of protein, this is determined by the fact that it contains all the essential amino acids. It is high in antioxidants that neutralise the free radicals that harm our body and it also has other numerous health benefits. What may soon be a celestial body should surely be pronounced correctly – Keen-wah!
A healthy flavoursome take on an Italian classic. Nutritional yeast has a nutty cheesy flavour making it a good alternative for a vegan diet, especially as it is a complete protein. Other benefits are all the B vitamins which are important for everyone’s health but more so for those on a vegan/vegetarian diet. This yeast is rich in Selenium which helps to repair cell damage therefore helping to reduce the risk of cancer. It has anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties, it improves digestion and as it is rich in folate pregnant women should include this in their diet. Just a few reasons to get familiar with this cosmopolitan dish.
You don’t want to supersede these Super seeds with anything else, they provide you with so much nutrition. Flaxseeds have been eaten for thousands of years, they are a plant-based source of omega-3 fatty acids which according to various studies help to reduce blood pressure and cholesterol levels, support heart health and help to prevent some cancers, not to mention protecting against cognitive decline. Flaxseeds contain high levels of mucilage gum, this is a gel-forming fibre that is beneficial for intestinal health, this gum keeps food in the stomach for longer allowing more absorption of the food’s nutrients. Fennel seeds contain dietary fibre so these also benefit intestinal health. Both seeds have antioxidants that fight the harming free radicals as well as many vitamins. Enjoy a super Chanukah.
A great gluten-free recipe for a daily staple that has other benefits too. Sorghum is an important grain because it gives an alternative to wheat for those who need a gluten-free diet, it is usually eaten as a whole-grain which keeps the hull and its’ nutrients intact. Sorghum contains selenium and niacin which are thought to help in the prevention of cancer. Flax seeds are especially good for digestion because of its’ mucilage gum content which forms like a gel in the intestinal tract, while cider vinegar is proven to improve insulin sensitivity and to reduce blood sugar levels for those with Type 2 diabetes. For those bread lovers out there, here is a great excuse to have a healthy egg on toast for breakfast, a healthy fish and salad sandwich for lunch and a healthy bean and vegetable soup with a chunk of this tasty rustic bread for dinner. You’ll know which side of your bread is buttered with this recipe!
Give a warm welcome to this cool smoothie. Mint has traditionally had a role in welcoming guests throughout history, and by many different cultures. The ancient Greeks rubbed mint leaves on the dining tables to greet guests, mint tea is offered to guests in the Middle East and many cultures boil the leaves to freshen the air. This is also the recipe to say goodbye – to stomach problems – mint has a soothing effect on the digestive tract, relieving symptoms of indigestion, cucumber too is high in fibre, also good for digestive health and pineapple contains a digesting enzyme that is unique to pineapples, Bromelain. Bromelain is know to be good for brain health, also, when you are cooking one of our delicious meat recipes, the meat can be tenderized with pineapple because the Bromelain breaks down the meat proteins. Cucumbers are cool too, they are mainly water, 95% in fact, making them ideal for hydration. Cucumbers contain polyphenols called lignans which are considered helpful in lowering the risk of breast, ovarian and prostate cancers. Be prepared to be bowled over by this smoothie!
What a way to start your day, a healthy bowl of nature’s fruit and nut bounty. Bananas aren’t only full of vitamins and minerals but numerous bioactive compounds that have antioxidant qualities. Walnuts contain phytonutrients that have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits, research has shown that most of the foods we usually eat do not contain some of these phytonutrients. An unusual form of Vitamin E is found in walnuts and studies have found it provides heart protection. Who would have thought that the walnut was so unique!
This sunrise smoothie is a colourful burst of vitamins and minerals to help protect your health. The flavonoids and vitamin A in carrots, oranges and mangos protect the eyes and help protect against many cancers. Oranges are a great source of fibre which improves the function of the digestive system. There are many more health benefits to gain from this sunny start to the day.
This recipe not only looks fantastic, but it is fantastic for you in many ways. Let’s look at your heart, grapes contain phytonutrient resveratrol which is great for heart health, strawberries, heart- shaped for a reason, contain anthocyanins which are associated with heart health as well as being what gives fruit and flowers their colour. Pecans contain monounsaturated fats that help prevent coronary heart disease. All this and more, vitamin C, folate, manganese, potassium, fibre to name just a few.