Molly-Mae's favorite lunch is packed with vitamins and antioxidants that help combat illnesses.

Molly-Mae Hague has unveiled one of her go-to lunch pairings — ideal for those in need of an afternoon pick-me-up. In her recent YouTube video, titled 'First vlog of the year', the Maebe founder shared her current obsession with toasties, which she enjoyed alongside a nutritious side dish.

In her latest video, Molly-Mae revealed that she was preparing a cheese and ham toastie for her lunch. "Honestly, I can't remember what I did before I owned a toastie maker," Molly-Mae admitted. "I have two of them now, but this particular one is my favorite. I really enjoy whipping up toasties for my midday meals."

She mentioned, "I'm enjoying a bit of tomato soup alongside that." Later in the video, Molly-Mae disclosed, "Soup isn't exactly my favorite; I don't love it that much, but when paired with a toastie, I can definitely appreciate it."

Certainly, many individuals relish the combination of a toastie and soup during lunchtime. It's a timeless duo. While some argue that it serves as the ideal comforting meal on a chilly winter day, it can also present a nutritious option for those aiming to boost their vitamin C levels.

Vitamin C serves as a powerful antioxidant that safeguards cells against free radicals, which can harm cells and lead to various health issues. Additionally, it plays a crucial role in maintaining the health of skin, bones, cartilage, blood vessels, and connective tissues. By bolstering the immune system, Vitamin C also aids in the absorption of iron and copper, and it may assist in lowering inflammation levels in the body.

Healthline explains: "Tomato soup is an excellent source of antioxidants, including lycopene, flavonoids, and vitamins C and E, among many others. Consuming antioxidants has been linked with a lower risk of cancer and inflammation-related diseases, such as obesity and heart disease.

"Furthermore, studies indicate that the antioxidant properties of vitamin C and flavonoids could offer protection against type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and neurological disorders." Tomatoes are also a great source of potassium, an essential mineral for maintaining heart health. In fact, they provide roughly the same amount of potassium as a medium-sized banana. Additional advantages of incorporating tomatoes into your diet include:

• Tomatoes are rich in potassium, which is essential for relaxing blood vessels
• Tomatoes contain vitamin A and other carotenoids, which are important for maintaining eye health
• The carotenoids in tomatoes may help prevent UV damage
• They are rich in vitamin K, which helps with blood clotting and bone health

If you enjoy shop-bought soup, it's worth looking out for high salt and sugar levels, as this can make the soup an unhealthy option for you. Alternatively, the British Heart Foundation's website features healthy soup recipes you can batch cook at home.

One delicious option is a roasted tomato and lentil soup that can be kept in the freezer for as long as three months. For those who aren't fans of tomatoes, there are plenty of other flavorful alternatives available.

As for toasties, Healthline says grilled cheese sandwiches and the like can be enjoyed in moderation. "They are high in calories, fat, sodium, and low in fibre. Nevertheless, that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy them in moderation," the experts explain.