In January 2009 record numbers of workers phoned in sick - 2.4 million citing colds and flu. While a healthy diet, regular hand-washing and drinking plenty of fluids sees most people through, blackcurrants could be the secret to a tasty recovery.

Blackcurrants are rich in plant chemicals known as anthocyanins which give the immune system a boost when you need it most. Research at The Common Cold Centre in Cardiff affirmed that even drinking hot Ribena helps you out a great deal - it's cheap, safe and effective.