What are the Best High Vitamin C Foods?

The unfortunate detail of vitamin C is that the body does not store it, which means that it needs to be replenished constantly. Though supplements are available over-the-counter, it is usually best to get this nutrient fresh by consuming high vitamin C foods. This is usually an easy task since so many foods that are commonly found in most households contain lots of this vitamin, including popular fruits like oranges, strawberries, and cantaloupe. Vegetables are often also high in vitamin C, especially peppers, potatoes, and broccoli. Of course, certain vegetable and fruit juices, some spices, and fortified foods are all included in the list of high vitamin C foods.

Many people enjoy getting their dose of this vitamin by eating fruits, as most people already have at least a few of the most common vitamin C-rich fruits on hand. Strawberries, peaches, tomatoes, honeydew, oranges, and cantaloupe are all known for having high amounts of this nutrient. More tropical fruits may be less common in most households, but they are worth buying for their vitamin C, including mango, kiwi, papaya, and guava fruit. Though fresh fruits are considered the best kind of vitamin C foods, it is also possible to obtain this nutrient through juices made with these fruits.

Vegetables are also considered good vitamin C foods, though many people may not realize it. The type of vegetable known for being richest in this vitamin is the yellow sweet bell pepper, though sweet red bell peppers, green bell peppers, and hot green chili peppers also all contain vitamin C. In addition, potatoes, broccoli, jicama, onions, avocadoes, and radishes are also great sources of this nutrient. Of course, juices made from any of these vegetables can provide almost the same amount of vitamin C as the fresh versions.

It is helpful to learn the various methods for getting the most out of vitamin C foods, starting with the fact that it is best to eat these foods within a few days of being purchased since they have the most vitamins. Additionally, raw fruits and vegetables are better sources of vitamin C than cooked, boiled, canned, processed, and frozen kinds, as these procedures cause much of the vitamin to be depleted. The good news is that adding spices to any food can add a little extra vitamin C, as basil, oregano, cayenne pepper, chili pepper, parsley, and cloves all contain this nutrient. Finally, there are foods available at the store that are fortified with vitamin C, including some cereals and juices.