Lisa Guy

Orange fruits and vegetables such as mangoes contain beta-carotene, which is converted into vitamin A in the body. This important vitamin is needed to support healthy skin and immune function. Mangoes are also rich in zeaxanthin, an antioxidant that plays a protective role in eye health and helps reduce the risk of macular degeneration.

This light and lovely gluten-free cake is packed with good-quality protein to supply important amino acids to build and repair the body, make hormones and support lean muscle growth. Having protein with meals is important for maintaining a healthy weight by curbing hunger and sugar cravings and helping keep blood sugar levels balanced.

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

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.

Discover seven wholesome foods that not only nourish the gut microbiome but can be easily incorporated into meals the next time you are entertaining

Cauliflower, like other brassica vegetables, contains a group of phytochemicals called glucosinolates. These important compounds have been found to have anti-cancerous properties as they help reduce inflammation and detoxify carcinogenic compounds before they can cause damage to cells in the body.