A Better Way to Get Vitamin C (Besides Orange Juice!)
By: Melinda Hershey,
SparkPeople Blogger
1/19/2013 6:00 AM
: 49 comments
: 27,488 Views
With cold and flu season in full swing, most of us are trying to do all we can to avoid catching one of the nasty viruses floating around. Some swear by vitamin C-rich orange juice for warding off disease. Although the evidence about vitamin C's illness-fighting powers is conflicting, there's no doubt that it's still a good nutrient to consume. Since the body does not produce vitamin C, you must obtain it from outside sources to create and repair skin cells and fight off the effects of damaging free radicals. If you eat your veggies, though, it's not hard to reach your daily quota, since all fruits and vegetables contain vitamin C to some degree. That's right; orange juice isn't your only option for getting this important nutrient! Which type of produce will deliver the highest amount of vitamin C per serving: Red bell peppers, broccoli, kiwi, or oranges?
The Winner: Red Bell Pepper!
One serving of red bell pepper delivers a whopping 190 mg of vitamin C! Broccoli contains 132 mg, kiwi boasts 137 mg, and oranges come in last with 83 mg. According to the National Institutes of Health, the daily recommended value for vitamin C is 90 mg for men and 75 mg for women, so one serving of red bell pepper will more than cover your needs. The next time you feel a cold coming on, munch on some peppers instead of reaching for the orange juice! (In case you're wondering, 8 ounces of orange juice has 137 mg of vitamin C—but you're better off choosing a whole fruit or veggie instead for more fiber and less sugar.)
What's your favorite way to get vitamin C? How to you ward off illness in the winter?
The Winner: Red Bell Pepper!
One serving of red bell pepper delivers a whopping 190 mg of vitamin C! Broccoli contains 132 mg, kiwi boasts 137 mg, and oranges come in last with 83 mg. According to the National Institutes of Health, the daily recommended value for vitamin C is 90 mg for men and 75 mg for women, so one serving of red bell pepper will more than cover your needs. The next time you feel a cold coming on, munch on some peppers instead of reaching for the orange juice! (In case you're wondering, 8 ounces of orange juice has 137 mg of vitamin C—but you're better off choosing a whole fruit or veggie instead for more fiber and less sugar.)
What's your favorite way to get vitamin C? How to you ward off illness in the winter?
 You will earn 3 SparkPoints |
NEXT ENTRY > Easy Gluten-Free Lunch Recipes
Comments
- 4/28/2013 1:42:00 PM
Do not like peppers of any kind. - 1/23/2013 12:49:01 AM
What's the breakdown in Vit C between green and red peppers I wonder? Red are about twice the price :/ - 1/22/2013 11:11:40 AM
So this is GREAT NEWS!!!! - 1/21/2013 8:29:04 AM
I just bought deviled egg potato salad, and those annoying red bits are spoiling that salad for me.
I especially hate the seasoning black pepper, that really spoils food. Today my friend made homemade salsa and I was really looking forward to it. Well, she covered the mix with black pepper. I ate one chip and had to stop, such a bad flavor. I really wish the flavor wasn't so offensive. - 1/21/2013 3:23:01 AM
I put peppers in many of the dishes I prepare. But I must say I still love my
oj and oranges. - 1/21/2013 12:32:10 AM
But there are very different problems for folk preparing food from fresh than for folk who eat out or who use fast foods.
The latter can still work out a feasible meal.
The former have to work out their timing a bit more closely because they have the shopping, the preparation and the cooking. But all that gives more activity, too.
We all have flexibility, in that we can decide what to have, when, and how. - 1/20/2013 5:13:11 PM
Later: I was wrong. Red bell peppers are much more expensive per serving than orange juice, but they have so much more vitamin C that they give you more vitamin C than orange juice, not only per serving, but per dollar. - 1/20/2013 9:31:53 AM
- 1/19/2013 5:03:06 PM
Please Log In To Leave A Comment: Log in now ›