Getting your dose of “C” isn’t just for fighting off colds. This amazing nutrient has many benefits from younger looking skin, helping our tissues heal, to keeping a healthy immune system. But don’t run for the glass of orange juice! There are better, more delicious ways to include more “C” in your diet without the damaging effects of sugar, and summer is the perfect time to explore it. How does this one water soluble nutrient do so much?
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that has many benefits to our health. It is used by the body for synthesis of collagen (think younger looking skin), plays a crucial role in the repair and regeneration of tissues and muscles (great for summer sports & surgeries), blood vessels, and for protecting one of the most vital organs in our body, the liver. Our liver cannot eliminate the toxins that accumulate without vitamin C, allowing it to remain healthy to keep performing its crucial role in protecting our body from disease. So where can we find this wonderful nutrient in the summer?
Oranges usually come to mind when thinking of vitamin C, but there are actually better sources and one’s that may surprise you. Hint: think of those light summer salads. Yes, dark leafy greens actually have a high content of “C”, as do broccoli, kale, parsley, cabbage, red bell peppers, and cilantro. Of course there are many fruit options too, like strawberries, kiwi, pineapple, grapes, lemons, and pink grapefruit. These are just some of the many delicious options, so whatever you choose, be sure to add them daily. Vitamin C is a water soluble nutrient meaning our body does not store it, so load up that basket with your own family favorites.
There are plenty of sources to satisfy even the pickiest eaters. Find creative, cooling ways to add them to your summer menu, like adding sliced strawberries to a green salad with a vinaigrette dressing, or making a fresh green juice or smoothie (recipe) in the morning (see my favorite recipe below). For the kids in the family, real fruit ice pops make a great treat (click here for recipe).
Summer is the perfect time to begin adding more “real” cooling foods, so plan a trip to your local farmer’s market, health food co-op, or farm and stock up!
