Before you gulp that daily glass of OJ, check out these 9 other surprising foods packed with vitamin C, an essential nutrient required for the development and maintenance of scar tissue, blood vessels, cartilage and more. It’s not all about the oranges anymore. You’re welcome!
Bell Peppers
High in vitamin C and beta carotene, these colorful veggies have been shown to prevent cataracts, and blood clot formation and reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke.
Did we mention that they’re also packed with vitamin C? In fact, one-half cup of raw red pepper holds over 140 mg of vitamin C.
Meanwhile, one cup of chopped green bell pepper contains less vitamin C at 120 mg -- still, that’s 200% of your recommended daily allowance.
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Kale
Just 100 grams of this dark leafy green contains 120 mg of vitamin C – more than twice as much as an orange.
The nutrition powerhouse also delivers a sizable dose of minerals and fatty acids.
Other dark leafy greens like turnip greens, swiss chard and spinach also contain good amounts of vitamin C and make for a great addition to any healthy balanced diet.
RELATED: 5 Beauty Benefits of Vitamin C
Chili peppers
A half-cup of chopped or diced chili peppers delivers 107.8 mg of vitamin C. Researchers from the University of Buffalo also found that capsaicin, the compound that makes gives them their kick, may help relieve joint and muscle pain.
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Brussels Sprouts
Sure, they’re not for everyone, but these baby cabbage-like veggies have a great vitamin C reputation. One serving of cooked sprouts contains almost 50 mg of vitamin C and is high in vitamin K, folate, vitamin A, manganese, potassium and dietary fiber.
Herbs
Fresh herbs like cilantro, chives, thyme, basil and parsley are high in vitamin C. Take for instance parsley. Just one cup has over 130 mg of vitamin C. Thyme, on the other hand, is loaded with 160 mg (per cup).
Tomatoes
Believe it or not, two average-sized tomatoes (cooked) contain just about as much vitamin C as an orange. Couple that with the red fruit's lycopene power and tomatoes become a vitamin C force to be reckoned with.
Kiwi
Ounce for ounce, this green fruit is a mean source of vitamin C.
In fact, it packs more vitamin C than an orange and more potassium than a banana. For every 100 grams of kiwi, you get about 92.7 mg or (155% DV) of vitamin C, which is around 65% more than is found in 100 grams of orange fruit.
RELATED: Feed Your Eyes Vitamin C For Cataracts Prevention
Papaya
Research shows that consuming this tropical fruit can help clear your sinuses, brighten skin, and strengthen your bones. One cup delivers 88.3 mg of vitamin C.
Pineapple
In addition to 78.9 mg of vitamin C, pineapple contains bromelain, a digestive enzyme that aids in breaking down food and reduces bloating. Bromelain also acts as a natural anti-inflammatory that can help you recover following a tough workout.
