The secret medicines hiding in your kitchen cupboard – from immunity boosting stock cubes to skin soothing peanut butter

Despite the fact that winter viruses and pests are sweeping the nation, you may stay healthy by just opening your kitchen cabinet.

Fortunately, if you know what to buy, you can fuel your body from the inside out to fight off nasties without breaking the bank.

Laura Stott examines the finest inexpensive supermarket items that you can get for about a pound that will help you deal with common cold-weather concerns.

Stock Cubes – Immune System Booster

Healthy broth is inexpensive to prepare or purchase, will keep you warm, and is ideal for preparing your body for the winter.

By boosting levels of vitamins A, B, K, and E and giving beneficial calcium, selenium, and zinc, experts agree that its vitamin, amino acid, and mineral density will strengthen your immune system and prevent cold and flu bugs from taking root.

Make your own by cooking chicken, beef, or pork bones with vegetables and herbs in a big stock pot over low heat for 20 minutes, or purchase premade ones from stores.

For added benefits, you can also dissolve a stock cube in boiling water.

Try the 12 pack of Asda beef stock cubes for 80p.

Sushi – Vitamin B12

Sushi covered in nori seaweed can serve as a beneficial source of vitamin B12.

It has been clinically demonstrated to help those with anxiety or depression caused by the winter blues or Seasonal Affective Disorder.

The immune system will be strengthened to fend against seasonal viruses if B12 levels are raised.

A substance found in seaweed, which is a common element in supermarket sushi packs, has been demonstrated to lower viral loads and, according to some research, may also decrease the duration of a cold.

Once or twice a week, replace your sandwich with sushi, or use seaweed chips in place of ready-to-eat salty ones.

Try the 55g, 1.30 Tesco vegetable sushi.

Eggs – Zinc and Vitamin D

According to one study, the mineral zinc can reduce the duration of a common cold by up to 30%.

It makes sense to include a healthy amount in your diet to help fight germs.

One of the most well-known food sources of zinc is oysters.

They’re also an acquired taste, so spending money on them won’t be cheap.

Rather, use eggs to elevate your game.

About 7% of your recommended daily allowance of zinc is provided by a large one.

They are therefore a fantastic method to stay healthy throughout the winter, whether you boil, fry, or mix some up for an omelette.

Try: Sainsbury’s free-range medium eggs (six-pack) 1.60.

Cornflakes (or any fortified cereal) – Iron

You might be just as healthy with a BOWL of cornflakes for breakfast this winter as you would be with a winter multivitamin.

Since the majority of cereals in the UK are fortified with vitamins and minerals, they’re an excellent method to increase your consumption of natural elements like folic acid, calcium, iron, and vitamin B6.

When the temperature drops, iron promotes circulation and raises energy levels by increasing red blood cell proteins.

The iron content of a typical-sized bowl of store-bought flakes is nearly 3 milligrams, which is equivalent to a serving of spinach.

Try the 79p Morrisons cornflakes.

Sardines – Vitamin D booster

According to NHS guidelines, every adult in the UK should eat more foods high in vitamin D or think about taking a supplement containing 10 mg every day between October and March.

Without adequate sunlight, our bodies cannot naturally produce vitamin D, which is essential for healthy bones, teeth, and muscles.

Steak fillets and oysters are examples of food sources, however one rich source is accessible for less than one.

One can of canned sardines contains about 40% of the daily intake suggested for adults, making them a terrific, healthful, and affordable option.

Enjoy them on a pizza, on toast, or combined with pasta sauce.

Check out the 49p Aldi sardines in tomato sauce.

Jacket Potatoes – Potassium

The humble potato, which is naturally rich in potassium and vitamin C, is the ideal winter warmer.

They are inexpensive, but they help us fight off illnesses, strengthen our immune systems, and give us the comforting, starchy carbohydrates that many of us will need to get through this time of year.

You can get about 421 mg of potassium and 20 mg of vitamin C from 100g of potatoes.

Regardless of whether you choose boiling, roasted, or chipped tatties, be sure to leave the skin on for optimal health benefits.

The perfect potato is a jacket spud, and you can add baked beans for fiber and protein.

Try: Asda, Baking Potatoes (four), 59p.

Peanut Butter – Vitamin E

Increase your vitamin E intake if you have dry, chapped, flaky, itchy skin in the winter. Vitamin E is essential for maintaining healthy skin.

It naturally raises skin’s moisture content and aids in water retention.

Although they can be pricey, all nuts are a fantastic source.

Purchasing a jar of store-brand peanut butter will save you money.

Two teaspoons will taste fantastic and provide about 20% of the adult RDA for vitamin E.

Even better for you will be jars with less sugar.

Try the 340g, 1.09 Tesco crispy peanut butter.

Tinned Tomatoes – Vitamin C

Our immune systems are strengthened by vitamin C, giving us the best chance of avoiding those bothersome cold and flu viruses.

Seasonal skin issues that are harsh and irritating will also be addressed.

Tomato sauce is a fantastic method to obtain more vitamin C, and a medium-sized tomato delivers 17% of an adult’s recommended daily allowance.

Make a sauce for spag bol, add them to a lasagna, or chop them and use them to stews to get the most out of using fresh tomatoes.

Or prepare for the winter by stocking up on canned tommies.

Try the 400g, 47p Sainsbury’s canned chopped tomatoes.

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