Vitamin C Rich Foods: 6 Important Must Know Sources

If you’re looking for ways to boost your immune system and stay healthy, you may want to consider adding more vitamin C rich foods to your diet. Vitamin C, also known as Ascorbic Acid, is an essential nutrient that plays a crucial role in maintaining your overall health.

It helps your body produce collagen, which is important for healthy skin, bones, and connective tissues. It also acts as an antioxidant, protecting your cells from damage caused by harmful free radicals. Luckily, there are plenty of delicious and nutritious foods that are rich in vitamin C.

In fact, you may be surprised to learn that some of your favourite foods are excellent sources of this important nutrient. In this article, we will look more closely at 6 amazing vitamin C rich foods that you must know about if you want to stay healthy and feel your best.

But for those who are keen on the quick and easy road, why would you want to know about vitamin C rich foods when you could just dose up on vitamin C tablets? There are some very good reasons we will explore here. Let’s dig into that.

Why look for Vitamin C Rich foods?

It’s not just about the vitamin C content in the foods. It’s the whole package here that matters. For example, consider the concentrations of certain health-related products, like vitamin and mineral supplements.

The beneficial effects of an orange for the vitamin C content it contains (along with potassium, folate, magnesium, antioxidant properties not directly associated with vitamin c, and more) when compared to a Vitamin C tablet are different. 1 2

The higher concentration of vitamin C in the tablet is needed because essential support from things like potassium, folate, and magnesium is typically missing. 3

Potassium and magnesium help to carry vitamin C across the cell membrane, while folate helps to activate the enzyme responsible for vitamin C absorption. 4

Additionally, potassium helps to regulate the amount of vitamin C in the body and serves as a cofactor for some enzymes that use vitamin C. Potassium is required for the activity of the sodium-dependent vitamin C transporter, which is responsible for the uptake of vitamin C by cells. 5

Additionally, potassium is a cofactor for some enzymes that use vitamin C as a substrate, such as collagen hydroxylase, which is required for the synthesis of collagen. 6

In short, it’s about what comes with the natural source of goodness in vitamin C-rich foods that makes them a winner compared to a synthetic option. Nature knows best!

Top 6 Vitamin C Rich Foods

If you are looking for ways to boost your immune system, the most vitamin C rich foods you can find are a great place to start. Here are six amazing choices that you must know about:

Oranges

Oranges are perhaps the most well-known source of vitamin C. One medium-sized orange contains about 70 milligrams of vitamin C, which is more than 100% of the recommended daily intake (RDI) for adults according to some sources, while just below the RDI according to others. 7 8 9

Oranges are also a good source of fiber and other essential nutrients.

Kiwi

Kiwi is a small fruit that packs a big punch when it comes to vitamin C. According to some sources, one medium-sized kiwi can contain as much as 70 milligrams of vitamin C, which is more than 100% of the daily recommended intake for adults.

Kiwi is also a good source of fiber and potassium.

vitamin c rich foods

Guava

Guava is a tropical fruit that is rich in vitamin C. One medium-sized guava contains about 228 milligrams of vitamin C, which is more than 200% of the daily recommended intake for adults. 10

Guava is also a good source of fiber and other essential nutrients.

Red Bell Peppers

Red bell peppers are a colorful and delicious way to get your daily dose of vitamin C. One medium-sized red bell pepper contains as much as 150 milligrams of vitamin C, depending on sources, which is more than 200% of the daily recommended intake for adults. 11

Red bell peppers are also a good source of fiber and other essential nutrients.

Broccoli

Broccoli is a cruciferous vegetable that is packed with vitamin C. One cup of cooked broccoli contains as much as 80 milligrams of vitamin C, depending upon sources, which is more than 100% of the daily recommended intake for adults.

Broccoli is also a good source of fiber and other essential nutrients.

Papaya

Papaya is a tropical fruit that is rich in vitamin C. One medium-sized papaya contains about 90 milligrams of vitamin C, which is more than 100% of the daily recommended intake for adults. 12

Papaya is also a good source of fiber and other essential nutrients.

Benefits of Vitamin C Rich Foods

Boosts Immunity

One of the most well-known benefits of vitamin C is its ability to boost your immune system.

Vitamin C helps your body produce white blood cells, which are essential for fighting off infections and diseases.

Ascorbic Acid affects how cells in our immune system grow and work. In this study, Researchers considered how Ascorbic Acid influences different types of cells in the immune system.

The conclusion was made that Ascorbic Acid helps T cells grow and mature. Although there is arguably limited information on how Ascorbic Acid levels work inside cells in a living body, we do know that the levels of Ascorbic Acid inside cells can be more than 1000 times higher than in blood plasma. 13

By consuming vitamin C rich foods, you can help strengthen your immune system and reduce your risk of getting sick.

Promotes Skin Health

Vitamin C is also essential for promoting healthy skin. It helps your body produce collagen, which is a protein that gives your skin its elasticity and firmness.

Consuming vitamin C rich foods can help improve the overall appearance of your skin, reduce the signs of aging, and even help prevent skin damage caused by the sun.

vitamin c rich foods - happy girl

Helps in Iron Absorption

Vitamin C also plays an important role in helping your body absorb iron. Iron is an essential mineral that helps transport oxygen throughout your body.

By consuming vitamin C rich foods along with iron-rich foods, you can help your body absorb more iron and prevent iron deficiency anemia.

Reduces Risk of Chronic Diseases

Consuming vitamin C rich foods can also help reduce your risk of chronic diseases. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that helps protect your cells from damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can cause oxidative stress, which is linked to chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes.

Overall, consuming vitamin C rich foods is essential for maintaining good health. By incorporating these foods into your diet, you can help boost your immune system, promote healthy skin, improve iron absorption, and reduce your risk of chronic diseases.

How to Incorporate Vitamin C Rich Foods into Your Diet

If you want to incorporate more vitamin C into your diet, there are many delicious and healthy options to choose from. Here are a few simple ways to add vitamin C rich foods to your meals:

  • Add citrus fruits like oranges, grapefruits, and lemons to your morning smoothie or yogurt bowl.
  • Snack on fresh berries like strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries throughout the day.
  • Incorporate leafy greens like kale, spinach, and collard greens into your salads and stir-fries.
  • Roast or grill bell peppers, broccoli, and cauliflower for a tasty side dish.
  • Enjoy a kiwi or papaya as a sweet and refreshing snack.
  • Make a salsa or guacamole with tomatoes, onions, and cilantro for a vitamin C packed dip.

Remember, it’s important to eat a variety of fruits and vegetables to ensure you’re getting all the nutrients your body needs. Try to incorporate at least one vitamin C rich food into each meal or snack throughout the day.

FAQs

What foods are highest in vitamin C?

Some of the foods that are highest in vitamin C include oranges, kiwi, guava, red bell peppers, broccoli, and papaya. These foods contain more than 100% of the recommended daily intake of vitamin C per serving. Other good sources of vitamin C include citrus fruits, berries, leafy greens, and tomatoes.

What fruit has most vitamin C?

Guava is the fruit with the most vitamin C, with one medium-sized guava containing about 228 milligrams of vitamin C, which is more than 200% of the daily recommended intake for adults.

What is vitamin C good for?

Vitamin C is good for a variety of health benefits, including boosting immunity, promoting skin health, helping in iron absorption, and reducing the risk of chronic diseases. It is an essential nutrient that plays a crucial role in maintaining overall health by helping the body produce collagen, which is important for healthy skin, bones, and connective tissues, and acting as an antioxidant, protecting cells from damage caused by harmful free radicals.

Are eggs high in vitamin C?

A normal egg contains no vitamin C. While eggs are a good source of many other nutrients, they are not a source of vitamin C. 14

How much vitamin C should you consume daily?

According to the National Institutes of Health, the recommended daily intake of vitamin C for adults is 75-90 mg for women and men, respectively. However, some studies suggest that higher doses of vitamin C may have additional health benefits.

Can you consume too much vitamin C?

While vitamin C is generally safe, consuming too much of it can cause side effects such as diarrhea, nausea, and stomach cramps. Therefore, it’s important to stick to the recommended daily intake and not exceed it without consulting a healthcare professional.

Can vitamin C prevent or cure colds?

While vitamin C is known for its immune-boosting properties, there is no conclusive evidence that it can prevent or cure colds. However, some studies suggest that taking vitamin C supplements may shorten the duration and severity of colds in some people.

Conclusion

Now that you know about these six amazing vitamin C-rich foods, you can start incorporating them into your diet to enjoy their numerous health benefits. Remember to eat a variety of fruits and vegetables to ensure you get enough vitamin C and other essential nutrients your body needs to stay healthy.

Join the conversation on Instagram or Pinterest and share your thoughts.

References

  1. “Synthetic or Food-Derived Vitamin C – Are They Equally Bioavailable?” – A. C. Carr, M. C. M. Vissers, 28 October 2013 [MDPI] [Archive] ↩︎
  2. “Orange juice vs vitamin C: effect on hydrogen peroxide-induced DNA damage in mononuclear blood cells” – S. Guarnieri, P. Riso, M. Porrini, 30 October 2006 [British Journal of Nutrition] [Archive] ↩︎
  3. “Do Oranges Have Minerals?” – S. Williams, 11 April 2013 [SFG] [Archive] ↩︎
  4. “Vitamins and Minerals for Energy, Fatigue and Cognition: A Narrative Review of the Biochemical and Clinical Evidence” – A. Tardy, E. Pouteau, D. Marquez, C. Yilmaz, A. Scholey, January 2020 [PubMed] [Archive] ↩︎
  5. “Activity of a sodium-dependent vitamin C transporter (SVCT) in MDCK-MDR1 cells and mechanism of ascorbate uptake” – S. Luo, Z. Wang, V. Kansara, D.Pal, A. K. Mitra, 13 March 2008 [PubMed] [Archive] ↩︎
  6. “Encyclopedia of Food Sciences and Nutrition – Sodium Nitrite” pp 1475-1481 – B. Caballero, L. C. Trugo, P. M. Finglas, P. Belton, P. B. Ottaway, et al., Second Edition, 25 February 2003 [Academic Press] ↩︎
  7. “Vitamin C” – Department of Health and Human Services, 26 March 2021 [NIH] [Archive] ↩︎
  8. “Vitamin C” – Australian Government, Last Checked 4 April 2023 [Department of Health and Aged Care] [Archive] ↩︎
  9. “Vitamin C and your health” – Health Direct Staff, May 2022 [Health Direct] [Archive] ↩︎
  10. “Estimation of ascorbic acid, sodium, potassium and sugar contents in different stages of guava from” – K. Ahmed, N. Hassan, March 2018 [ResearchGate] [Archive] ↩︎
  11. “Determination of Vitamin C in Various Colours of Bell Pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) by Titration Method” – N. Nerdy, 8 November 2016 [ResearchGate] [Archive] ↩︎
  12. “Give your family the inspired goodness of Papaya” – Papaya Australia Staff, Last Checked 4 April 2023 [Papaya Australia] [Archive] ↩︎
  13. “Influence of Vitamin C on Lymphocytes: An Overview” – G. N. Y. van Gorkom, R. G. J. Klein Wolterink, C. H. M. J. Van Elssen, L. Wieten, W. T. V. Germeraad, G. M. J. Bos, March 2018 [PubMed] [Archive] ↩︎
  14. “The Golden Egg: Nutritional Value, Bioactivities, and Emerging Benefits for Human Health” – S. Réhault-Godbert, N. Guyot, Y. Nys, 22 March 2019 [PubMed] [Archive] ↩︎

Last Updated on 2 weeks by D&C Editorial Team

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About the Author

Matthew has been on an active journey towards living a healthy life from a young age. Influenced by his Grandmother, a practicing Naturopath who served her community from the 1940's to the 1980's, his views on living holistically were shaped from a young age. Growing up in different parts of Australia, his connection with the Ocean and a passion for sustainability comes through in everything he does and shares.

"I'm not a Doctor, and I don't play one on the Internet." - me

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