It is possible to boost your immune defenses through a suitable diet, essential oils and other food supplements. (photo credit: Getty Images)
Between falling temperatures, shorter days and the change of time, morale and fitness are often at half mast. Lean meats, vegetable oils, fatty fish… Our tips for giving yourself a little boost at this time of year.
Tip #1: rely on vegetable oils
To stock up on energy despite the winter, it is preferable to consume vegetable oils rich in omega 3, 6 or 9. Rapeseed and sunflower oils are very affordable and are easily found for less than
2 euros
per liter at Carrefour (partner The Corner *). These oils have the other advantage of facilitating the assimilation of fat-soluble vitamins, such as vitamins A, D, E and K.
Tip #2: Eat lean meats
To stay fit, sufficient protein intake is essential. To avoid gaining too much weight during the winter, choose lean meats such as white meat or eggs. According to the latest report from FranceAgriMer, the average price of chicken per kilo including tax is estimated on October 24, 2024 at
6,34 euros
. As for eggs, you can buy very fresh ones, straight from the farm, for only
1,50 euro
the 6.
Tip #3: legumes to get through winter
Meat is not the only way to stock up on protein. Seasonal legumes will help you maintain your energy. Lentils, chickpeas, beans and other beans are your allies to get through winter. Their low fat and carbohydrate content also works to reduce blood sugar spikes that can make you tired and does not increase cholesterol levels. You can eat them fresh, but also canned or frozen. If the method of conservation has an influence on the sale price, it remains much lower than
10 euros
and a kilo.
Tip #4: oily fish for vitamin D
Faced with a lack of sunlight, it is not impossible to find yourself deficient in vitamin D during the winter. This is the opportunity to eat fatty fish, such as sardines and mackerel. You can find fresh sardines from Brittany for
8,90 euros
per kilo. As for mackerel, its price per kilo is between
4.10 and 5 euros
on average according to FranceAgriMer. Salmon can also be an interesting option, the kilo being, depending on the weight of the fish, between
9 and 9.50 euros
recalls FranceAgriMer. Vitamin D is essential for the absorption of calcium in the body, but it is also a front-line player in our natural defense system.
Tip #5: dried fruits rich in magnesium
Magnesium helps prevent fatigue and promotes optimal functioning of the nervous and muscular system of the human body. It also helps maintain good bone and dental health, so it is essential to consume it to face the change of season. To benefit from it, eat dark chocolate, with a high cocoa content (minimum 70%). The price of a tablet is approximately
1,99 euro
at Carrefour. You can also rely on dried fruits such as dried bananas, dried figs or even dates. Some brands, like Daco Bello, offer mixes of all dried fruits combined with ginger or almonds and other cashew nuts for less than
3,50 euros
the 200 gram sachet.
Vitamins and essential oils to boost your immune system
As winter approaches, rely on essential oils and vitamins to stay in shape. Vitamin D, for example, can be bought in pharmacies in the form of ampoules for less than a
fifteen euros
. Sleep being essential during this period, you can use melatonin capsules to make it easier to fall asleep. These products are sold from
4,50 euros
. Don’t hesitate to take a little marine magnesium treatment, it relaxes and helps you sleep. Iron capsules can also be a good support. During winter, eucalyptus essential oil is the ally to have. Acting on the ENT sphere, it is activated in the event of a reduction in immune defenses. Tea tree is known to stimulate white blood cells due to its antibacterial properties. As for thyme essential oil, it is rich in phenols, which helps block viruses and bacteria. These products are sold between
4 euros and 5.50 euros
the bottle. Finally, half a lemon squeezed when you get up allows you to stock up on vitamin C as soon as you wake up. In lukewarm or hot water, its “detox” virtues are even more effective.
*If you are a BoursoBank customer, you benefit from an advantage with these brands through The Corner. Access the discounts reserved for you: Carrefour.
If you are not (yet) a BoursoBank customer, discover The Corner good deals here.
Also read:
Good Italian products sold in supermarkets at low prices
Does eating organic really cost more?
Anti-waste tips: how to recycle your leftover cheese?
