Spinach and other leafy greens contain good levels of iron, which has a positive effect on serotonin and dopamine levels to boost mood.

This delightful lemon custard pie is light, creamy and sure to please your family and friends at your next dinner party. Lemons are an excellent source of vitamin C and free radical-fighting antioxidants.

These delicious crepes are perfect for
a weekend breakfast or healthy dessert. Oats are a great source of resistant starch. This is a type of fermentable prebiotic fibre that provides fuel for the good bacteria in the gut and ensures the health and integrity of the gut lining. Berries, particularly dark berries like blackberries and blueberries, are an excellent source of anthocyanins. This potent antioxidant enhances immune function and can reduce inflammation and premature skin ageing.

Wild rice is not actually related to rice — it’s a seed of an aquatic grass. This nutrient-dense food is a great source of protein, fibre, magnesium and zinc. Wild rice is also high in protective antioxidants that help reduce the risk of many chronic diseases. Salmon is one of the richest food sources of omega-3 essential fatty acids EPA and DHA. These healthy fats are extremely important for optimal brain function, memory and mood. Eating a diet containing omega-3s will help lower your risk of depression and can improve mood.

Orange sweet potatoes are one of the best sources of beta-carotene. This important nutrient is converted into vitamin A in the body, which is used to maintain healthy eyes and good vision. Beets are considered a heart-healthy vegetable. Beets are high in nitrates, which have been found to help reduce blood pressure and improve blood flow by dilating blood vessels and arteries.

Chickpeas are naturally rich in galacto-oligosaccharides. This is a type of soluble prebiotic fibre that is fermented in the large intestine to produce short-chain fatty acids, namely butyrate, which play an important role in protecting our gut health.

This healthy gluten-free cake delivers plenty of dietary fibre to support gut and cardiovascular health, along with protein and calcium for bone health. You will also get a good dose of beneficial unsaturated fats, which are important for supporting healthy cardiovascular function and reducing high cholesterol levels.

Tiger nuts, also known as earth almonds, aren’t actually nuts. They’re tubers that have a chewy almond-like taste. Tiger nuts are a good source of protein and beneficial fats along with resistant starch fibre that acts as a prebiotic. Including tiger nuts with meals can help improve satiety and reduce blood-sugar level spikes.

This lovely, fresh salad provides plenty of beta-carotene, which is converted into vitamin A in the body, required for good eye health and vision. You will also get a good dose of vitamin C from this dish, which is important for collagen production and for maintaining healthy skin and a strong-functioning immune system. Quinoa is a highly nutritious seed that is rich in protein and dietary fibre to help keep you regular and promote healthy blood-sugar levels.

Olives are rich in heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, namely oleic acid, together with vitamin E and antioxidants that have an anti-inflammatory action to help support cardiovascular health.

Pistachios are a great source of prebiotic fibres that feed our beneficial gut bacteria so they grow and thrive. Dark chocolate is considered a mood-boosting food. Cacao contains phenylethylamine, the same chemical that’s created in the brain when you’re in love. It has a natural anti-depressant effect and can help lift your mood.

Including cruciferous vegetables like cauliflower in your daily diet can help reduce your risk of developing cancer. Cruciferous vegetables contain a compound called sulforaphane that has been found to boost the liver’s ability to detoxify carcinogenic and other toxic substances.