8 products rich in vitamin C

And it should. Vitamin C contributes to your health from head to toe – from teeth and tendons to skin and scrapes to bones and blood. And of course, don't forget the vitamin's famous antioxidant duties, as it valiantly fights off free radicals. So how do we ensure we have enough of this important vitamin? We eat a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables. The following foods are loaded with vitamin C and should be regulars at mealtime.

Red and green bell peppers

The orange is the poster fruit of vitamin C, and in the next slide, you’ll see it's worthy of the distinction. But, believe it or not, red bell peppers contain even more vitamin C than oranges. 

Oranges and orange juice

No surprise here. One medium orange contains 117 percent daily value of vitamin C, and three-fourths a cup of OJ packs 155 percent. Like many fruits and vegetables, oranges are also a great source of fiber, which helps with digestion and may also lower cholesterol and blood sugar levels.

Grapefruit and grapefruit juice

Mix up your citrus routine by trying the orange’s tart cousin, the grapefruit. A three-fourths cup of grapefruit juice packs 117 percent daily value of vitamin C, while half a medium grapefruit has 65 percent. Just take it easy on the sugar if you’re sweetening this citrus.

Kiwi

There’s a lot of vitamin C packed in this little fruit. Peel away its skin, and you’ll find 107 percent daily value of vitamin C, along with plenty of fiber and vitamin K, which helps with blood clotting.

Broccoli

This hearty vegetable is loaded with the good stuff: fiber, folate, potassium, magnesium and vitamin K. Broccoli also boasts plenty of vitamin A, which helps keep skin, teeth and eyes healthy, as well as – you guessed it – vitamin C. 

Strawberries

What’s a better sweet, seasonal treat than strawberries? There’s a ton of fiber packed into these little fruits, and vitamin C.

Brussels sprouts

Vitamin C is just one of the many nutrients this veggie boasts. A side of Brussels sprouts will get you plenty of vitamins A and K, as well as folate, potassium and manganese. In terms of vitamin C, a half cup of cooked Brussels sprouts yields 80 percent of the daily value.

Tomatoes and tomato juice

Tomatoes are loaded with vitamin K, potassium and lycopene – a phytochemical that helps protect your skin from sun damage. A medium raw tomato boasts 28 percent daily value of vitamin C, and three-quarters of a cup of tomato juice contains 55 percent. 

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