5 healthy ingredients you need in your life

With a love of food and interest in healthy living, sourcing natural, nutritional ingredients for my kitchen is something I love doing, which is why it was hardly a challenge to put together a list of 5 healthy ingredients you need in your life. Although I like trying lots of different products at home, there are a few pantry staples that I’ve discovered and now just can’t live without. These foods are an essential part of my daily cooking, and here’s why they should be yours, too.

1. Raw coconut oil

Rich, buttery and filled with exotic coconut flavours, this is the oil that transformed my roasted vegetables and livened up my desserts. High in healthy fats, raw virgin coconut oil adds a creamy taste to any dish – and you only need a small amount of it too! The bonus for me is that you can also buy a flavourless cooking butter version, which is perfect for those who don’t like coconuts.

2. Cashews

Cashews are one of my favourite nuts, and are healthy miracles packed with calcium, magnesium and antioxidants. Whether I’m eating some for a snack or putting them in a recipe, I just can’t get enough of them. Perfect for raw desserts or sauces, cashews can be used to make a delicious cream alternative, which is great if you’re looking to cut out dairy or try something different. For a health boost, I also like sprinkling them into my salads or stir-fries.

3. Spirulina

Among all the superfood powders, spirulina is undoubtedly the one I use most. It’s high in protein, iron and vitamin B, providing nutrients that are great for a morning drink or post-workout snack. As a fan of smoothies, I always add spirulina to my green concoctions to give a deeper colour. With its rich tone it’s also great for livening up your homemade recipes, so try adding a spoonful into some energy bars or brownies for a real superfood kick!

4. Sprouted bread

Ridding cheap, basic loaves of bread from my life was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. Most breads contain an endless list of unnecessary ingredients, which I discovered after trying pure, sprouted versions. Switching to sprouted breads made completely from grain was not only a decision that my taste buds appreciated, but also my body. Sprouted breads from rye or spelt are really filling and have a rich flavour, perfect for your morning toast or as part of a nutritious sandwich for lunch.

5. Almond milk

Something I use in many of my recipes and meals at home, almond milk makes the perfect substitute for the dairy variety. With its mild taste and silky texture, it’s perfect for pouring on top of cereal or even using in cakes. Ideal for adding moisture and mild creaminess to any dish, you can enjoy this versatile milk sweet or savoury and, at only 60 calories per cup, it makes a lighter milk alternative that also contains calcium, vitamin D and vitamin E. Definitely a healthy must-have; I can barely go a day without it.