As a student of holistic nutrition, one of the questions I get asked the most is “how do I prevent myself from getting sick?” While there are many components that contribute to catching the common cold and flu, there are some habits that can help your body to function at its best. One healthy habit and a vital one at that is to consume an adequate amount of vitamin C. Now when I say vitamin C, most people automatically assume that oranges are the best source, and while they are a good option, I would love to share with you 6 fruits and veggies that are also great sources of this very powerful vitamin.

1. Grapefruit

One grapefruit contains about 75 mg of Vitamin C while one medium sized orange contains about 65 mg. Grapefruits are also commonly recommended to people trying to lose weight as they seem to decrease appetite and contribute to healthy digestion. The “C” in vitamin C actually stands for “citrus” - this is a good point to remember when looking to increase your daily intake.

2. Red Bell Peppers

Personally, I consider the red bell pepper to be the king of vitamin C as one large pepper contains the same amount of vitamin C as three oranges.

3. Kiwi

Kiwis are a tasty treat and have so many nutritional benefits. Of course, one of the benefits is being loaded with vitamin C, along with potassium.

4. Spinach

It’s no secret that spinach is a nutrient rich food. Spinach is a great source of iron, vitamin A, vitamin C, potassium and magnesium.

5. Broccoli

To obtain the greatest benefits from broccoli it should be consumed raw or steamed. Broccoli is not only a good source of vitamin C but also vitamin A, calcium and magnesium.

6. Strawberries

A delicious and nutritious treat! Strawberries are packed with vitamin C, iron and potassium.

Vitamin C has been linked to supporting the immune system and acting as a strong antioxidant. It is best consumed through the foods we eat, so it is important to ensure that your diet contains vitamin C rich foods. This vitamin is so useful to the body but unfortunately is not very stable, and cooking decreases the nutrient content, so ensuring your diet contains an array of raw foods is a good idea!