Vitamin C

Vitamin C, as we all know is an immune bootsing, virus fighting nutrient. Whilst Vit C will not stop you from getting a virus, loading up on it may help reduce the severity of its symptoms. If I were to ask most people to name a food high in Vit C, the popular answer would be oranges. Whilst oranges do have Vit C, like many other health claims, it is generally down to marketing. There are many foods that have higher levels of Vit C than oranges. A medium sized orange has 69.7mg of Vit C. Chilli peppers (half cup) 107.8mg. One cup bell pepper 190mg three times more than an orange. One cup Kale 80.4 mg. Broccoli 132mg. One cup Papaya 88.3mg. One cup Strawberries 84.7mg. Small head cauliflower 127.7mg. Brussel sprouts 74.8mg. pineapple 78.9mg. kiwi x 2 137.2mg. Mango 122.3mg. Amla (indian gooseberry) has twenty times more Vit C than an orange. You can buy Amla powder online but be warned, it tastes disgusting which is why you can also get it in capsule form. Also worth noting; vit C is water soluble so you will lose or lessen this nutrient through cooking, so its best to steam your veg or eat your peppers raw. As well as giving your immune system a boost Vit C also aids the absorption of iron. Taking supplements is not the healthy option. It is always best to get your nutrients through whole foods, the way nature intended.