126 health nut recipes

Wolfberries are some of the most nutritionally dense superfoods on earth and have been used for thousands of years in Chinese and Tibetan medicine. They contain all the essential amino acids, making them complete proteins. They also have very high concentrations of vitamin C and 21 trace minerals necessary for health.

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.

Black rice, also known as forbidden rice, derives its name from when it was first cultivated for the sole consumption by the emperor in China. It is still cultivated in small quantities, and is not as popular as brown or white rice. However, studies have shown that the bran hull of black rice contains significantly more vitamin E than that of brown rice and more anthocyanin antioxidants than blueberries! It has a rich, nutty flavor and pairs beautifully in sweet dishes, such as this one where it is combined with coconut.

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.

This tropical fruit is not only beautiful to look at, but is also highly nutritious. It contains significant amounts of heart-healthy fibre, antioxidants, vitamin C and has been shown to keep blood glucose levels stable. Chia seeds provide a boost of omega-3 fatty acids.

Considered the national dish of Malaysia, nasi lemak is a breakfast staple in Singapore hawker centres, but is also recognised as one of the least healthy breakfast options - no surprise since lemak means 'fatty' and refers to the rich white rice cooked in coconut cream. When served with fried chicken, the dish really does pack a calorific punch. However, with a few tweaks and substitutions it is possible to create a healthier version of the dish to enjoy on weekends at home with family.

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.

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.

You can use any type of wholegrain rice you like - but try to stick to non-white. There are many wonderful whole grain rice varieties that would work well in this dish - brown rice, red rice, or black rice.

The ultimate health-boosting juice. Beets have been shown to effectively lower blood pressure and are a good liver detoxifier. Carrots are packed with beta-carotene and ginger is a natural anti-inflammatory.

A healthier take on a traditional Chinese recipe, with no MSG or food colouring, which are often added to commercially made versions.

A super-healthy take on the original German classic - guilt free! Made with antioxidant-rich raw cacao, healthy coconut oil and cacao butter, high-protein mesquite powder, and filled with juicy wolfberries, vitamin E-rich almonds, and other delicious toppings of your choice.

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.

A very simple dinner for when you don’t have a lot of time to prepare a meal. Use brown rice noodles instead of the white variety to take advantage of the additional fibre they contain. Add other steamed / fresh vegetables to make the meal more substantial.

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.