Six natural superfoods and how to enjoy them

Britannia Living has teamed up with chef and founder of the Cocoa Box Lisa Marley to delve into the superfood trends for 2017. These ingredients are beneficial in so many ways, improving brain performance and sleep, boosting immunity, fighting fatigue and lowering blood pressure.

1. Beetroot – this vibrant vegetable is important for heart health. It also increases energy, can help prevent migraines, aids digestion and is good for brain function, mood and healthy blood vessels. Add it pickled to a salad or spiralize to tempt the kids.

2. Avocado oil – high in oleic acid, which reduces blood pressure, this helps burn fat and aids digestion. It’s so easy to use; simply swap it for your usual oil of choice.

3. Spirulina – an algae that grows off the coast of Hawaii and Mexico, it’s packed with iron to help with muscle and brain function. It can also alleviate inflammation so try adding it to smoothies or porridge.

4. Blueberries – a great breakfast ingredient or snack, these berries are full of antioxidants, vitamin C and fibre.

5. Dark chocolate – yes, you read that right, dark chocolate also contains antioxidants including flavanois, which lowers blood pressure and boosts overall heart health.

6. Almonds – the most nutritionally-dense nut, almonds can help maintain a healthy heart and are a great mid-morning snack or try almond butter on granary toast.

Check out the Britannia Living Facebook page for Lisa’s latest recipe video series and for more info on the appliances, visit www.britannialiving.co.uk

Valcucine exhibits at LivingKitchen

Back in January, Valcucine displayed its latest designs at the LivingKitchen Show in Cologne. Blending its three core values of wellbeing, innovation and timeless durability, each kitchen demonstrated an ease of use and practicality. Highlights included the V-Motion Kit, a patented automation system with new opening and closing systems, as well as sensor control for taps and lights (www.valcucine.com)

Crown Imperial introduces new colour additions

For its Furore gloss collection, Crown has launched an array of eye-catching and subtle colours including midnight blue and cashmere. Perfect for open-plan living, the handless central island combines storage with cooking and prep space in one. With fitted furniture in classic and contemporary designs as well as interior cabinet colours and soft-close drawers and units, there’s something to suit every space. Check out the new Colour Explorer online to try out your own shade selection (www.crown-imperial.co.uk)

Ikea launches recycled kitchen fronts

Kungsbacka is a range of kitchen doors from Ikea, which are made from recycled PET-bottles and sustainable wood. The bottles, which themselves are made from polyethylene therephalate, aren’t often recycled and end up as landfill waste. Initially launching in a matt-look anthracite but with new colours coming in the future, the collection is available from February in all stores and online (www.ikea.com)

Elica’s hidden extraction is clean and contemporary

Pandora is a new downdraft extractor with unique black glass or stainless steel surrounds. Eliminating the need for motor lifts, it’s also the first downdraft to offer full black trim and is raised and lowered by a simple soft-touch mechanism. With a 76cm width, it comes with an integrated motor or a remote motor for high power at low noise levels (www.elica.com)

What type of hood do I need?

Talking of hoods, designer cooker hood specialist BEST has created a simple visual to help consumers understand the best fit for their kitchen (www.besthoods.co.uk)