How do you get your vitamin C? When some people think of vitamin C, they think of those small, roundish, orange tablets they receive get from the hospitals or pharmacists, oftentimes along with other drugs. While that is indeed vitamin C, it is not the only source of vitamin C. In fact, if you get your vitamin C from other sources, you would not have to rely on those tablets at all. The recommended daily value (DV) for vitamin C is 90 mg.
Vitamin C is one of the essential nutrients our body needs. Some of the benefits of vitamin C include
- It helps to maintain healthy skin and bones.
- It reduces the risk of heart disease.
- It prevents iron deficiency.
- It boosts immunity.
- It enhances the function of the brain.
- It has antioxidant properties, meaning it helps fight free radicals, and much more.
From what we have seen, the intake of vitamin C is very essential to our survival. It is not just something we need on occasions or only when we are ill. It is something we require daily. Vitamin C is so important that lacking it can lead to a condition called Scurvy.
So today, we would be looking at some vitamin C rich foods here in Nigeria.
1. Miyan Kuka
Miyan Kuka is a Nigerian dark green soup that is popular in the Northern part of Nigeria. The soup is mainly prepared with powdered baobab leaves. Baobab leaves are absolutely rich in vitamin C. Baobab pulp is rich in vitamin C, with 40 gram accounting for 84% of the DV. The leaves are also loaded with calcium.
2. Ewedu Soup
Ewedu soup is a popular delicacy from the Yoruba parts of Nigeria. The soup is mainly prepared with jute (ewedu) leaves, botanically known as Corchorus Olitorius. Jute leaves are incredibly rich in vitamin C, with 100 grams of jute containing 33mg of vitamin C. Eating ewedu soup is a great way to get more vitamin C into your system.
3. Pawpaw
Who does not like pawpaw? It is sweet and very nutritious. Pawpaw or papaya is one very rich source of vitamin C. 100g of pawpaw contains about 59mg of vitamin C, which is about 65% of your daily needs. 100g of pawpaw is about one serving, meaning you can get your daily supply of vitamin C from just pawpaw alone. Besides vitamin C, pawpaw also contains other nutrients as well that have a lot of health benefits.
4. Orange
Many people already think of orange as a source of vitamin C, because of its taste and colour, and they are not wrong. Orange is a good source of vitamin C and other nutrients as well. 100g of orange contains about 53mg of vitamin C, which is about 59% of your daily needs. So, why don’t you enjoy an orange today? You can eat it just the way it is or decide to juice it to get the most juice out of it. Whichever way you choose to enjoy your orange, just make sure you have it fresh.
5. Guava
Not many people enjoy guava, but it is a very nutritious fruit. The vitamin C content in guava is one of the highest in any fruit. 100g of guava gives you about 228mg of vitamin C, which is about 254% of your daily need. With that amount, just having guava regularly would supply your body with all the vitamin C it needs. If you do not enjoy eating guava, then you can blend it along with other fruits to make a smoothie. Guava leaves are also said to be high in vitamin C.
6. Bell Peppers
Bell peppers, also called tatashe in South-West Nigeria, contain more than just hot, spiciness. They are also rich in vitamin C. 100g of bell pepper gives you about 128mg of vitamin C, which is about 142% of your daily need. You do not have to go heavy on the bell peppers. Just use it as you would normally do and you will still get all the vitamin C you need from it.
7. Potatoes
While it may seem like an unlikely source, potatoes are relatively rich in vitamin C. 100 grams of potatoes, contain 19.7 mg of vitamin C. Sweet potatoes are good for babies, and have many other nutritional benefits.
8. Tomatoes
Tomatoes are an excellent source of vitamin C and other antioxidants. 100 grams of tomatoes contains 14 mg of vitamin C. You’ll get vitamin C out of a medium tomato, if you eat it raw. Vitamin C levels go down when you cook tomatoes. However, an antioxidant called lycopene goes up when it is cooked. Nonetheless, you can enjoy fresh tomatoes, tomato paste, and tomato juice to satisfy your vitamin C needs.
9. Corn
Corn is loaded with fiber and contains vitamin C. One cup (164 grams) of sweet yellow corn contains 15.3 mg of vitamin C, which is 17% of the daily value (DV).
10. Cabbage
Cabbage is an amazing source of the ever-so-important vitamin C, which is vital for maintaining a strong immune system. Eating cabbages may also protect against heart disease, certain cancers and vision loss. 100 grams of cabbage contains 36.6 mg of vitamin C, 33% of the DV.
YOU SHOULD ALSO READ:
- 5 Healthy Whole Grain Foods in Nigeria
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- 13 Healthy Nigerian Foods Rich In Magnesium
- 8 Nigerian Foods That Are Rich In Folic Acid
- 12 Nigerian Foods That Boost Breast milk Production
- 8 Healthy Nigerian Foods for Babies
