UPDATE: This post originally ran on January 9th but with all the snow we’ve gotten on the East Coast lately, we felt like we could use a nice boost of vitamin C to stay healthy!
It’s that time of year. Sickness time. The weather is cold, germs are a-plenty, and our immune systems are working overtime to keep us at our healthiest. You’re likely already aware of vitamin C’s effect on the immune system — it does wonders for it — so making sure that we get ample amounts of this into our system is a definite must. When I hear vitamin C, the first thing that comes to mind is…
Oranges. They’re full of it. In fact, 1 medium-sized orange has over 100% of your average daily value of vitamin C. But today I want to let you in on a little secret… there are plenty other fruits and vegetables that contain just as much – or MORE – vitamin C. Personally, I love oranges. I love the smell, the taste, and the mess I make while eating them… but sometimes it’s fun to mix it up. So, if you’re looking for a new way to get this incredible vitamin into your system, here are 5 non-orange ways to do it!
1. Brussels sprouts
One cup of these little nuggets is all you need, with 124% of your average daily value of vitamin C. Try sauteing some with a little garlic and olive oil. Mmm.
2. Kiwi
I’d have never thought that kiwi could be a good source of vitamin C. At just two inches in diameter, one kiwi supplies you with more than your daily allotment, at 102%! Should you find yourself somewhere vacationing somewhere warm, throw a kiwi or two into some frozen fruit pops to keep your immune system pumping before returning to the cold.
3. Bell peppers
Depending on the color, a bell pepper can offer you anywhere between 150% and 570% of your daily value — crazy! Yellow has the highest vitamin C content, and while green has the lowest in relation, we’re still talking an immense amount vitamin C, whatever the color. Get your fill with this delicious red quinoa chili.
4. Kale
One cup of chopped kale has 134% of your daily value of vitamin C, with almost an identical amount of vitamin A! We love love love kale around here, and recommend trying any (or all) of these: spicy kale chips, detox smoothie, kitchari, spaghetti squash and kale gratin.
5. Mix and match
Make yourself an immune-system-boosting meal by combining any of these into a delicious salad or smoothie! And in case you’re looking for some more ingredients to add, here’s a quick list of some more foods high in vitamin C!
Stay healthy, everyone!
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I eat just about all of those things daily, so I’m definitely on the right track :) Thanks for the informative post!
xo, Juliette Laura
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That’s amazing about the yellow bell pepper, I had no idea a veg able could contain so much vitamin C!! Thanks for the post, oranges can get kinda dull =)
xoxo Annejelina
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I like to throw in a kiwi with the skin into a smoothie or juice for some vitamin c and fiber
Cool! I hade no idea about the brussels sprouts. Thanks.
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I didn’t know that so many healthy foods have vitamin C! I love to add kale to my smoothies in the morning, its great to know I’m getting vitamin C by doing it along with the other benefits! Thanks xx
Alex
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I guess just eat lots of fruit and vegetables! Good for any time of the year.
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I also eat kiwis with the skin on in my smoothies!! great tips there!!
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Jalapeños have more vitamin C than an orange! I read this little tidbit on a chalk board in Bad Boy Burrito in Key West.