When life gets business, eating the right foods to get all the nutrition we need can be a challenge. And if you are a family caregiver, then life is pretty much always busy! And the challenge can be even greater during the cold or wet weather when it is harder to get outside and get some vegetables and fruits.
Vitamin C is a vitamin that we as humans cannot produce on our own, so we will need to get it from other sources like foods and supplements. If you are looking for ways to boost your vitamin C intake, keep reading!
Why do we need vitamin C?
Vitamin C helps with the development and function of various body parts and iron absorption and storage. Vitamin C helps support our nerves, heart, brain and muscles as well as help mitochondria which are responsible for energy production in our bodies. In addition, Vitamin C is an antioxidant that helps protect our bodies from cell damage.
Foods packed with vitamin C
If you are looking to boost your intake of vitamin C, the best way is to eat the foods that are rich in it. Here are 6 foods you may want to add into (or increase amounts of) your diet.
Cantaloupe
This fruit has over 200 mg of vitamin C in a medium-sized melon, so it is a great way to get a lot of vitamin C in just one snack.
Citrus fruits
You know how it is encouraged to include lemon in your water or tea drink some orange juice with your breakfast? This is because, among other benefits, they are rich in vitamin C. Almost all citrus fruits have really high amounts of vitamin C, and there tends to be even more in the juice.
Broccoli
This may come as a surprise, but broccoli contains just as much vitamin C as an orange does. In addition to vitamin C, broccoli actually contains an amazing amount of other vitamins and minerals, so it is a really good food to incorporate into your diet.
Kiwi
This adorable little fruit has an entire recommended daily amount of vitamin C in just a single serving. Adding just a little bit of kiwi into an already balanced diet may have a really positive effect on your health and vitamin C levels.
Bell Peppers
Peppers are low in calories but are high in vitamins and nutrients, including vitamin C. Bell peppers are excellent sources of nutrients and have a nice, sweet flavour. Bell peppers come in different colours, depending on the variety and how long they are kept on the vine to ripen. Red peppers, the ripest kind of bell peppers, tend to have 1.5 times the amount of vitamin C that green bell peppers, the unripe peppers, have. Bell peppers are also rich in fibre and can really help digestion.
Red cabbage
While this vegetable may not seem as exciting as some of the other foods rich in vitamin C, it can readily be added to salads for some colour or just eaten raw for a crunchy snack. While it does not have a strong flavour, the crunch factor is a great addition to spruce up your meals.
Contact Vera Home Care today
Did you know that home care workers can assist in things like healthy meal planning and preparation?
If you have a loved one who could use some extra help and would like to learn more, contact VERA Home Care today!