The awesome antioxidant array within pears has been linked to decreasing the risk of numerous health problems, including heart disease and diabetes. This poached pear dish from The Beauty Chef by Carla Oates (Hardie Grant, £25) also contains a range of spices, all of which have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties too.

Autumn spice smoothie bowl with pear, banana and turmeric

Soak 30g rolled oats in water overnight, then drain any excess water before adding to a blender with 1 frozen banana, 30g almond butter, 1 pitted medjool date, 1/8 tsp black pepper, 125ml almond milk, plus 1 tsp each ground nutmeg, turmeric, cinnamon. Pour into a bowl and top with a sliced poached pear and other toppings of your choice.

By Katherine Watt