Health Secrets: 20 Foods Rich in Vitamin C
Foods containing vitamin C or ascorbic acid are essential to include in your diet. It is still often taken lightly, but your body needs vitamin C to function properly.
Functions of Vitamin C

In addition to protecting the immune system, vitamin C also plays a crucial role in reducing the severity of allergic reactions and fighting infections.[1] An inadequate vitamin C intake can lead to bruising and slow wound healing.
Unlike vitamin D, which the body can produce naturally, ascorbic acid can only be obtained from food and supplements. Without making wise food choices, it will be difficult to meet your vitamin C needs.
For reference, adult men need about 90 mg of vitamin C, while adult women need 75 mg. Children aged 9 to 13 need 45 mg.[2]
What Foods Contain Vitamin C?
To meet the body's daily requirements, here are some foods you can prepare and eat.
Please note that the vitamin C content is per 100 grams of food.
1. Jalapeño: 118.6 mg

Although jalapeño is the richest source of vitamin C, it is difficult to eat large quantities because of its spiciness.
As an alternative, you can mix jalapeño with avocado to make a delicious salsa for dipping tortilla chips.
2. Kale: 93 mg

As a source of ascorbic acid, this vegetable also contains lutein and zeaxanthin, two antioxidants that reduce the risk of age-related vision loss.
3. Broccoli: 89.2 mg

Because it is so nutrient-dense, you can include broccoli in your breakfast, as nutrient absorption is higher in the morning.[3]
4. Bell Pepper: 80.4 mg

This vitamin C-rich food also plays an important role in maintaining digestive health because of its high fiber content.
5. Mustard Greens: 70 mg

One bowl containing 56 grams of mustard greens already meets 44% of your vitamin C needs.[4]
6. Bitter Melon: 55.6 mg

With just half a bitter melon, you can meet about 43% of your body's needs.
7. Water Spinach: 55 mg

With an abundant vitamin A content, accounting for 46% of its total nutrients, this vegetable also helps maintain eye health.
8. Cauliflower: 48.2 mg

The ascorbic acid content in cauliflower decreases when boiled. However, it still remains quite high at 44.3 mg.
9. Beef Spleen: 45.5 mg

This vitamin C-rich food also contains phosphorus, which is good for maintaining bone health. It also contains selenium, which helps maintain healthy hair and nails.
10. Tomato: 40 mg

The high ascorbic acid content in tomatoes can help reduce mouth ulcers and maintain dental health. A medium-sized tomato weighs 100 grams, so you can meet your nutrient needs by eating two tomatoes every day.[5]
11. Cabbage: 36.6 mg

Half a round cabbage already meets one-third of your daily ascorbic acid needs.[6]
12. Spinach: 28.1 mg

This vitamin C-rich vegetable also contains about 2.7 mg of iron. The combination of these two nutrients can optimize nutrient absorption in the body.
13. Clam: 22.1 mg

For seafood, foods rich in vitamin C are clams, which contain 36% vitamin C and are good for boosting immunity.
14. Turnip: 21 mg

Although its ascorbic acid content is not very high, preparing turnips with jalapeño to make Mexican-style pickles can create a vitamin C-rich side dish containing about 21 mg.
15. Sweet Potato: 21 mg

Roasting sweet potato will reduce its vitamin C content to about 15.1 mg.
16. Cassava: 20.6 mg

In addition to its abundant vitamin C, cassava also contains thiamine, an effective stress reliever.[7]
17. Potato: 19.7 mg

For those on a diet, potatoes not only meet ascorbic acid needs but also keep you feeling full longer because of their high fiber content.
18. Basil: 18 mg

To preserve its nutrients, you can use basil as a salad garnish mixed with tomatoes, olive oil, and shallots.
19. Zucchini: 17.9 mg

In addition to ascorbic acid, this vegetable can help lower blood sugar and insulin levels.
20. Green Beans: 16.3 mg

In addition to ascorbic acid, green beans also contain manganese, which helps support metabolism and acts as an antioxidant.
Remember, ascorbic acid is highly sensitive to high temperatures.[8] Processing methods such as roasting, boiling, or frying can reduce vitamin C content.
In addition to consuming foods rich in vitamin C listed above, you can take supplements such as Sido Muncul Vitamin C 500 mg. This way, you can ensure your daily needs are fully met.
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