Vitamin C is one super important, naturally-occurring nutrient. From preventing colds and flu, rebuilding tissue, bones and blood vessels, to boosting the body’s ability to synthesize calcium and other minerals, Vitamin C is something we want to be eating more of on a daily basis.
In fact, studies are now confirming the need for Vitamin C to boost brain function, heal from injuries and recover from illness. A potent antioxidant for neutralizing free radicals, a diet lacking Vitamin C may cause health problems over time. In fact, the Food & Nutrition Board at the Institute of Medicine recommends that we eat vitamin c foods on a daily basis, with men getting 90mg and women getting 75mg daily.
The following list of foods high in Vitamin C will help teach you how to super-charge your diet with a major dose of this essential nutrient.
1. Strawberries
One of the tastiest and healthiest berries on the planet, strawberries are extremely high in Vitamin C. Strawberries aren’t just a vitamin c food, however, they’re also high in fiber and the antioxidants responsible for reducing oxidative stress and protecting the heart from excess LDL cholesterol. Just one serving holds about half of your daily vitamin C needs.
2. Acerola Cherry
The Acerola cherry, Malpighia punicifolia, is a small red fruit that is packed with vitamin C! In fact, it holds about 65x the amount of vitamin C than an orange. Just a single cherry holds all of your recommended amounts of vitamin C. It’s recommended to eat fresh, raw acerola cherries, but you can also buy it in powder form.
3. Citrus Fruits
Oranges, grapefruits, lemon and limes! Citrus fruits pop a powerful Vitamin C punch. Peel one medium orange for a whopping 70mg. A small glass of OJ has up to 93mg of vitamin C, and a small glass of grapefruit juice has up to 70 mg of vitamin C. Even though oranges are probably the most popular vitamin C food, it doesn’t have the highest amount in it.
4. Papayas
Papayas are another food high in vitamin c, with one serving holding 100% of your daily needs. Try throwing some in your next smoothie or yogurt. This bright fruit it also high in Vitamin A.
5. Blackcurrant
With its deep dark purple hue, its easy to imagine that this fruit would be high in Vitamin C. Blackcurrants hold around 180mg per serving, as well as plenty of potassium, iron, vitamin B5 and phytochemicals.
6. Kiwi
Hailing from New Zealand, it may surprise you to learn that this small bright green fruit has more Vitamin C than an orange! They are also high in flavonoids and has as much potassium as a banana. Studies have shown that children who ate these Vitamin C-rich fruits experienced stronger respiratory tract than children who did not.
7. Bell Peppers
Bell peppers are another food high in vitamin C, as well as beta carotene. In fact, these colorful veggies have been studied for the cardio-protective health benefits, and have also been shown to prevent cataracts, blood clot formation and may help us reduce our chances of heart attacks and strokes. One half cup of raw red pepper holds over 140 mg of vitamin C. All bell peppers are high in Vitamin C, but yellow are the highest and red peppers come in second.
