Secret cures hidden in your kitchen cupboard, from immune-boosting bouillon cubes to skin-soothing peanut butter.

WINTER viruses and insects are spreading across the country, but there is a way to stay healthy by simply getting into your kitchen cupboards.

Luckily, fueling your body from the inside to fight off the bad stuff doesn’t have to cost a fortune if you know. what to buy.

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Laura Stott looks at the best cheap supermarket products you can buy to help you cope with common cold weather worries, all for around a pound.

Bouillon cubes – immune system booster

NUTRITIONAL broth is inexpensive to make or buy, will warm you up and is perfect for winter protection. health.

Experts agree that its vitamin, amino acid and mineral density can strengthen your immune system and prevent the spread of colds and flu by boosting levels of vitamins A, B, K and E, as well as providing beneficial calcium, selenium and zinc.

Buy a ready-made dish from the supermarket or make your own by simmering chicken, beef or pork bones along with vegetables and herbs in a large saucepan over low heat for 20 minutes.

You can even dissolve a bouillon cube in boiling water. advantages.

Try: Asda Beef Bouillon Cubes (12 pack) R80.

Sushi – vitamin B12

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A tray of sushi wrapped in nori seaweed can provide you with beneficial vitamin B12.

It has been scientifically proven to benefit those suffering from depression or anxiety caused by seasonal affective disorder or winter blues.

Increasing your B12 levels will also help strengthen your immune system to fight off seasonal viruses.

Seaweed, used as an ingredient in most supermarket sushi packs, contains a compound that has been shown to reduce viral load, and some studies also suggest it may shorten life expectancy for colds.

Swap the sandwich for sushi once or twice a week, or substitute pre-made salty seaweed chips instead.

Try: Tesco vegetable sushi, 55g, £1.30.

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Eggs – zinc and vitamin D

ONE study has found that the mineral zinc can help reduce life expectancy from colds by as much as 30 percent.

To control pests, it is wise to ensure that you have enough of these foods in your diet.

Oysters are one of the best known dietary sources of zinc.

But not only is it an acquired taste, they won’t be cheap to fork out for either.

Instead, level up with eggs.

Large provides about seven percent of the recommended daily value of zinc.

So whether you fry, boil, or whip up a few for an omelet, they’re a great way to stay healthy this winter.

Try: Medium free range eggs (pack of six) £1.60, Sainsbury’s.

Corn flakes (or any fortified flakes) – iron.

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A CUP of cornflakes for your winter breakfast can be just as good for your health as buying a winter multivitamin.

Most British cereals are fortified with vitamins and minerals, making them a great way to increase your intake of essential natural nutrients such as iron, calcium, vitamin B6 and folic acid.

Iron means energy levels by increasing the level of red blood cell proteins and improving blood circulation when the temperature drops.

A standard-sized bowl of cereal from the supermarket contains almost 3 mg of iron – the same as a serving of spinach.

Try: Morrisons corn flakes, 79 rub.

Sardines – vitamin D booster

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National Health Service The guidelines recommend that all adults in the UK increase their intake of foods rich in vitamin D or consider taking a 10mg daily supplement from October to March.

Vitamin D is critical for bones, teeth and muscle health, but our body cannot do this naturally without enough sunlight.

Food sources include oysters and fillet steak, but one rich source is available for less than £1.

Canned sardines contain about 40 percent of an adult’s recommended daily value in one can, making them a great, healthy budget buy.

Serve them on toast, toss them with pasta sauce, or enjoy them on pizza.

Try: Aldi sardines in tomato sauce, R49.

Jacket potatoes – potassium

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The humble earthing fruit is NATURALLY rich in potassium and vitamin C and is the perfect winter warmer.

They cost pennies but help strengthen our immune system, fight off infections and provide the comforting starchy carbohydrates that many of us need for energy at this time of year.

About 100 g of potatoes contain 20 mg of vitamin C and 421 mg of potassium.

But whether you choose fried, boiled, or chips, for maximum benefit, be sure to leave the skin on.

Jacket dipping is ideal, and you can add baked beans for protein and fiber.

Try: Roast potatoes (four) R59, Asda.

Peanut butter – vitamin E

IF you suffer from itchy, flaky, dry and cracked skin in winter, increase your vitamin E levels, which is a vital component for keeping your skin healthy.

It helps the skin retain water and naturally improves moisture levels.

All nuts are an excellent source, but can be expensive.

A jar of own brand peanut butter from the supermarket will save you pounds.

About two tablespoons contain nearly 20 percent of an adult’s recommended daily intake of vitamin E and taste great.

Low-sugar jars are even healthier for you.

Try: Tesco Crunchy Peanut Butter, 340g, £1.09.

Canned tomatoes – vitamin C

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VITAMIN C helps strengthen our immune system so we are more likely to get rid of those pesky colds and flu.

It will also combat rough and itchy seasonal skin conditions.

A medium-sized tomato contains 17 percent of an adult’s recommended daily intake of vitamin C, and tomato sauce is a great way to boost it.

To get the most benefit, use fresh tomatoes by making spaghetti sauce, scattering them over lasagna, or dicing them and adding them to stews.

Or stock up on canned Toms for the winter.

Try: Sainsbury’s canned chopped tomatoes, 400g, 47 rub.