All of us know how essential Vitamin C is for our immune system health. Vitamin C is also needed for normal growth and repair of body tissues. The best way to get enough Vitamin C is through food. Fortunately, there are many Vitamin C rich foods that we can consume every day to stay healthy this spring season. In fact, it’s important to keep a great supply of these foods in the fridge all year round, but especially in spring, when many people suffer from vitamin C deficiency. Enjoy learning about delicious Vitamin C rich foods to eat more this spring and make sure you consume a few of them daily.
1. Cherries
Rich in Vitamin C, cherries are a great natural healer. Consuming cherries helps improve immunity, prevent inflammation, and they can even help you sleep better. Snack on cherries raw, add them to your smoothies, or make an ice cream with raw or frozen cherries and bananas in the blender. Yummy!
2. Cucumbers
Another excellent source of Vitamin C is cucumbers. You can use them in your smoothies, raw wraps, juices, and eat them as a healthy snack. Cucumbers are 95% water, rich in potassium, and are great for belly inflammation. Many people add a few slices of cucumber to plain water to enhance drinking water.
3. Red bell peppers
One of my favorite foods rich in Vitamin C, red bell peppers are perfect for snacking. They are low in sugar and naturally sweet. One red bell pepper contains more than your daily Vitamin C requirements. I love to use them in my salads, stir-fries, soups, and eat them raw. When you cook red bell peppers, the Vitamin C content is lowered so I recommend eating them as a snack or a topping to get the most benefits.
4. Oranges
I’m sure most of you were waiting to see oranges on this list, right? So, here they are, tasty and Vitamin C rich oranges. They are probably the most known source of Vitamin C to eat. Oranges also contain 60% of your daily calcium requirement. I love blood oranges since they are naturally sweet and have an amazing taste. Add oranges to your smoothies, salads or eat them raw as snacks. Always purchase oranges whole rather than as a juice. Orange juice lacks vitamins and it’s very high in sugar that can lead to blood sugar swings and cause weight gain.
5. Carrots
Carrots are an excellent source of beta-carotene, fiber, magnesium, and Vitamin C. Consuming carrots can help boost your immune system, keep your eyes healthy, and help you manage your blood glucose levels. Consume carrots cooked or raw, and make sure you eat them every day to get the most benefits. One of my favorite snacks is baby carrots with peanut butter. Give it a try. It’s a healthy and oh-so delicious snack!
6. Tomatoes
Who doesn’t like tomato? I believe everyone loves this tasty veggie. Consuming tomato daily is great for you. It’s rich in Vitamin C as well as the antioxidant lycopene. While roasting tomatoes in the oven increases the lycopene content, it reduces their Vitamin C content. In spring, I recommend eating them raw and stay away from canned tomatoes to avoid metal toxins. Remember, your body needs only healthy nutrients.
7. Pineapple
To tell the truth, I don’t like the taste of pineapple, but if you do, feel free to eat it on a regular basis to get your daily intake of Vitamin C. Pineapple contains enzymes that reduce bloating and aid digestion. It also contains water that will help you stay hydrated. If you have low blood sugar levels, eat pineapple in minimal amounts since this tropical fruit contains sugar.
8. Romaine lettuce
Another excellent source of Vitamin C is romaine lettuce that provides more than your daily requirement in one head. Romaine lettuce is also high in Vitamins A and K, omega 3 fats, though it’s technically fat-free. You can add it to your smoothies, salads, and it’s a great alternative for wrapping your lunch sandwich. You can also make a Romaine lettuce juice.
9. Turnips
One of the best and tasty Vitamin C foods to eat more this spring is definitely turnips. They are a fantastic source of Vitamin C and have plenty of health benefits. You can roast them or add them to your spring salad. Turnips are low in carbs, and they are well-known as an anti-viral veggie.
10. Berries
Yes, all berries are an amazing source of Vitamin C, and they are low in sugar. Some of my favorite everyday fruits in spring and year round are strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries. They are all rich in Vitamin C. You can also consume goji, camu-camu, acai, or maqui that are high in Vitamin C and contain more antioxidants. Berries are great for your immune system, heart, brain, and your digestion.
Sure, there are other fantastic foods rich in Vitamin C. I mentioned some of my favorite foods to eat more in spring and you can feel free to add your favorite Vitamin C rich foods to this list. Do you consume any of these delicious foods that are high in Vitamin C daily?