Health: 7 Foods with More Vitamin C Than an Orange
Who knew!
The orange has become the poster child for vitamin C intake. And while it is an excellent source, there are plenty of other foods that pack an even bigger punch. While vitamin C deficiencies have become more uncommon in the U.S., winter is an especially important time to ensure you’re getting enough of this immunity-boosting nutrient, especially when there’s a nasty flu going around! These seven foods make meeting the daily requirement (90 mg) an easy feat, and they all have more vitamin C than an average-size orange.
1. Bell peppers
Bell peppers are the greatest vegetable source of vitamin C, and depending on the color, they can pack almost 150 mg in a half-cup serving. Cooked red and green peppers give you the most vitamin C, while red and yellow are best for consuming raw. The best thing about bell peppers is their versatility; they can be seen across all cuisines from stir-fries to fajitas. They also make a great snack when served alongside your favorite hummus.
2. Guava.
There are several tropical fruits on this list, but guava earns the top spot with 206 mg of vitamin C per fruit! While guava is not a terribly common ingredient in American cuisine, it should find its way into your kitchen — it’s a great source of potassium and fiber, which aid in digestion and heart health. Try it in your next baking venture, or add some to your morning smoothie.
3. Chile peppers.
Chile peppers make a huge impact on your vitamin C intake, and just one green chile pepper contains 109 mg. Poblano and ancho chile peppers are two of the most popular varieties and make great additions to soups, tacos, condiments and more. If you don’t like the heat, opt for bell peppers instead.
4. Strawberries.
Just 1 cup of strawberries gives you more than enough vitamin C for the day. While we love a good orange in winter, strawberries are perfect during those warmer months when they are at their sweetest and brightest. We love using these red berries in everything from sweet treats to salads, as they are full of fiber and help satisfy a sweet tooth.
5. Kiwi.
The cute little kiwifruit doesn’t mess around when it comes to keeping your immune system happy and healthy. One large kiwi provides 80 mg of vitamin C, which nearly meets the daily requirement. Besides being an excellent immunity booster, kiwi is great for your eye health — its nutrients help prevent cataracts and macular degeneration.
6. Kale.
One cup of raw kale provides 80 mg of vitamin C, and also packs hefty doses of vitamin A, vitamin B and calcium. We love thinking outside the box when it comes to serving this healthy green veggie (like turning leaves into delicious, crispy chips!)
7. Papaya.
Papaya is famous in skin care for its anti-aging properties, but it also boasts anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory abilities. Like the other tropical fruits on this list, you can usually find it in a Latin American grocery store if you can’t find one at your local supermarket.
Health delivers relevant information in clear, jargon-free language that puts health into context in peoples’ lives. Online at www.health.com.
