HARNESS THE POWER OF VITAMIN C

Lutho Pasiya

OUR bodies need daily vitamin C for continued health. | ENJIN Pexels

Eating foods rich in this vital vitamin can boost the immune system and protect against chronic diseases

VITAMIN C is one of the most important nutrients our bodies need. It helps boost our immune systems. Consuming food rich in vitamin C could help protect us from several chronic diseases.

It is common for many of us to reach for vitamin C to help protect us from things like the common cold or flu.

This is because vitamin C has been shown to enhance cellular immunity by promoting the infection-killing ability of white blood cells. As a result, it is responsible for the proper functioning of the immune system. While it does not usually prevent infection, it can reduce the severity of cold symptoms and can shorten the duration of an infection.

But do you know which foods contain the most vitamin C that will help fight the flu this season?

Here are six vitamin C rich foods to fill your grocery cart with.

Citrus fruit

Eating fruit such as oranges helps build up your immune system and fight the common cold and flu. Vitamin C is thought to increase the production of white blood cells and these are key to fighting infections.

Because your body does not produce or store vitamin C, you need consume enough of it every day. Another reason to reach for citrus fruits to give you your daily dose.

Guava

Guava is a traditional remedy for a range of health conditions. It contains about four times the amount of vitamin C as an orange. They are also rich in vitamin A and also a great weightloss food.

Drinking guava leaf tea may help you fight off flu. Health experts say that guava leaf tea has shown promise as an antiviral agent for flu treatment. Researchers found that the tea inhibited the growth of the viruses that cause flu.

The antiviral effect of the tea may be due to the flavonols in the leaf, which are a natural antioxidant.

Mango

Mango has a sweet, tropical taste and can be eaten raw, made into salsa, grilled and added to smoothies for a take-me-away-tothe-beach treat for your taste buds.

It is also a great source of vitamin A, which as we know, plays a big role in boosting immunity and promoting healthy eyes.

Kiwi

Kiwis are one of the world’s most nutritious fruits and contains very high levels of vitamin C.

This sweet, green fruit is jampacked with antioxidant vitamins C and E. These not only help get rid of a cold or flu but are essential to preventing it in the first place.

Vitamin C increases the production of antibodies and white blood cells, which help fight infection.

Vitamin E is required for the production of immunoglobulins. These act as your bodies’ own personal bodyguards as they destroy all those pathogens that try to do you harm.

Kiwis should be eaten as soon as they are ripe as leaving them standing could decrease their vitamin C levels.

KIWI is one of the most nutritious fruits in the world and very high in vitamin C. | NATALIYA MEL Unsplash

Cauliflower

Health experts reveal that one cup of chopped, raw cauliflower is loaded with vitamin C, which helps prevent cellular damage, aids iron absorption, and reduces cholesterol.

Cauliflower, in particular, is a beneficial food to eat when you are sick because it’s also rich in glutathione, a powerful antioxidant that helps fight off infection.

Dip raw cauliflower florets in low-fat yoghurt, drizzle them with vinaigrette or add them to your favourite vegetable soup recipe.

Pineapple

Pineapple is loaded with vitamin C as well as bromelain, a digestive enzyme that helps break down food and reduce bloating.

It is a natural anti-inflammatory to help you recover faster. Eat it raw, grill it or add it to a smoothie to enjoy all the health benefits it provides.