“C” Heart Health Improvement

Vitamin C is rapidly finding new applications in heart health improvement.

Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that’s readily available in many fruits and vegetables.  Vitamin C is rapidly finding new applications in heart health improvement by protecting against endothelial dysfunction, reducing high blood pressure, and the blood vessel changes that precede heart disease.

Oranges are often the popular choice for vitamin C, but they aren’t the only source of this important nutrient. Whether you aren’t a fan of citrus, or are just looking to mix up your diet, these 10 foods have more than enough vitamin C to satisfy the daily recommendation.

  1. Pineapple– Trade your orange for some of this tropical fruit. One cup of pineapple contains 78.9 mg of vitamin C.Pre-cut pineapple chunks are readily available now in most grocery stores.
  2. Papaya– One cup of papaya has 88.3 mg of vitamin C.It’s also rich in antioxidants and vitamin A.  Adding a bit of papaya to your breakfast will make you feel like you’re on a tropical island.
  3. Brussels Sprouts– They may not be your favorite, but just one cup of Brussels sprouts has 74mg of vitamin C. Try roasting them with olive oil or just steaming them for a delicious side dish.
  4. Kiwi– One serving of this small, sweet fruit, contains 137.2 mg of vitamin C. Cut them in half and just scoop out the insides with a spoon.
  5. Mango– Who needs an orange when you’ve got a mango? One whole fruit contains 122.3 mg of vitamin C.Peel the skin off the mango cut chunks into your favorite yogurt for a sweet treat.
  6. Bell Peppers– It doesn’t matter which color you choose, bell peppers are a great choice when it comes to loading up on vitamin C. One medium red bell pepper contains 152 mg, while one medium green pepper contains 95.7 mg.
  7. Strawberries– One cup of the sweet fruit contains 84.7 mg of vitamin C. You can add them to just about anything from yogurt, to salads to chocolate!
  8. Kale– Just one cup of this leafy green kicks contains a whopping 80.4 mg of vitamin C, making a kale salad a great option for your health. Add bell peppers or strawberries and you’ll really be packing a Vitamin C punch!
  9. Broccoli– One serving of the cruciferous vegetable has 81.2 mg of vitamin C. Raw broccoli makes a great snack that satisfies your need for crunch, while steamed broccoli makes an easy side dish that goes with just about anything.
  10. Chili Peppers– If you like spicy, then chili peppers a great way for you to get your daily dose of vitamin C. Just ½ cup of chopped chili peppers contains 107.8 mg of vitamin C.  So, turn up the spice on dinner!

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