Do you remember the last time you had an orange or a bowl of strawberries? These fruits do more than just satisfy your sweet tooth; they’re packed with Vitamin C, a key player in keeping you healthy.
Why Do I Need Vitamin C?
Your body can’t make Vitamin C, so you need to add Vitamin C-rich foods to your diet or take a Vitamin C supplement. Because Vitamin C is crucial: it helps your body heal wounds, absorb iron, and keep your skin and gums healthy. It’s like your body’s repair worker, fixing everything from bruises to boosting your defense system against colds.
What Happens If I Don’t Get Enough?
Not getting enough Vitamin C can leave you feeling tired, with sore gums and slow-healing wounds. In really bad cases, it can lead to scurvy, which sounds old-fashioned but is still a concern today if your diet isn’t right. That’s why a daily dose of Vitamin C is so important.
Who Is at Risk?
People who might not get enough Vitamin C include the elderly, those who eat very little variety, smokers and passive smokers, babies fed evaporated or boiled milk, and people with certain medical conditions that affect how nutrients are absorbed.
10 Vitamin C Rich Foods
Eat plenty of these foods to ensure you’re getting enough Vitamin C through your diet:
- Red and green bell peppers
- Pineapple
- Kohlrabi
- Citrus fruit like oranges and grapefruits
- Guava
- Kiwifruit
- Broccoli
- Strawberries
- Brussels sprouts
Conclusion: Easy Health Hack
Eating foods rich in Vitamin C is an easy way to help your body stay healthy. Whether it’s adding slices of tomato to your sandwich or swapping your snack for a juicy kiwi, keeping up with your Vitamin C could be the simplest health hack you try all year!
References
https://www.webmd.com/vitamins-and-supplements/ss/slideshow-vitamin-c-deficiency
https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminC-HealthProfessional/
https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/vitamin-c-deficiency
https://www.prevention.com/food-nutrition/g20511745/9-foods-with-more-vitamin-c-than-an-orange/
