Get the most from meals with Holly Johnson’s health-boosting hacks

1 Activate your nuts!

Nuts and seeds are naturally ‘locked down’ and contain phytic acid and enzyme inhibitors to safeguard them in nature and prevent them sprouting too early, but for us humans this means they can be hard to digest. Soaking things like cashews and almonds in water overnight makes those all-important vitamins more bio-available. If you’re not using them straight away, store them in the freezer or dehydrate them in the oven for 12 hours. For a more in-depth guide, visit foodmatters.com

2 SMASH UP YOUR CABBAGE

We all know cabbage is good for us, but when it’s fermented its health credentials are doubled. To make sauerkraut, thinly slice cabbage or any veg with a firm texture and low sugar content and place in a large jar with a good dose of salt. Knead, press and smash with a wooden tamper to release the juices (and your stress levels!) and create a brine, then cover over and leave in a cool, dark room for at least five days. Spice it up by adding ginger, garlic, red pepper flakes for Korean-style kimchi, or add apple, cinnamon and cloves for a warming winter treat. Tuck in and look forward to better digestion, improved mood and boosted immunity.