Vitamin C is well known for its ability to boost the immune system and help fight off the common cold. Promising new research also shows that it may be effective at preventing heart disease, minimizing the risk of cancer, and stabilizing blood sugar levels. With so many benefits, it makes sense to add this essential nutrient to your diet.
If you are like most people, you probably immediately think of oranges when you think of good sources of vitamin C. Although oranges are a fantastic source of vitamin C, you may be surprised to learn that there are many other fruits and vegetables that are even higher in this well-known vitamin. The following list takes a closer look at five healthy foods that are positively packed with vitamin C:
1. Bell peppers. Both red and green bell peppers are excellent sources of vitamin C. Red peppers have slightly more vitamin C than green peppers. However, both are a great option if you are looking for a way to boost your intake of this particular vitamin. Try slicing them up into strips and dipping them in salad dressing for a healthy snack.
2. Broccoli. If you are looking for a low-calorie way to meet your daily vitamin C requirements, broccoli could be the perfect solution. Try steaming this healthy vegetable in your microwave and sprinkling it with a little bit of salt and pepper for a delicious, healthy treat.
3. Strawberries. Snacking on strawberries can be a great way to increase your vitamin C intake. These bright red berries have countless health benefits, making them a great addition to any balanced diet. The only downside to strawberries is that they can spoil rather quickly. Fortunately, you can get the same health benefits from frozen berries as you can from fresh berries. Try having a bowl of frozen strawberries with a little bit of sugar sprinkled on top for dessert instead of cake or cookies.
4. Kale. Years ago, kale was best known for being a salad bar garnish at local steakhouses. These days, however, it is considered to be a superfood. More and more people are getting on board with eating this leafy green vegetable. It is incredibly rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C.
One fun way to incorporate more kale into your diet is by making Kale chips. All that you have to do is remove the stems from the kale and tear the rest of the leaves into small pieces. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and spray them with olive oil. Sprinkle a little bit of salt on them and bake them in an oven until the edges start to turn brown. When you take them out, you will have crisp, delicious treats to snack on.
5. Pineapple. If vegetables aren’t your thing, you can also get more vitamin C by eating pineapple. This tropical fruit is not only an excellent source of vitamin C but also is high in bromelain, a digestive enzyme that makes it easier to digest protein. It has also been shown to reduce inflammation, making pineapple a great choice if you suffer from any inflammatory health conditions.
These five foods are all fantastic sources of vitamin C. Don’t feel like you are limited to eating oranges if you want to increase your vitamin C intake. Although oranges are traditionally associated with vitamin C, there are many foods that actually have a much higher vitamin content. Adding the foods on this list to your diet can help improve your health by ensuring that you are getting enough of this essential vitamin each and every day.