GETTING THE MOST OUR OF VITAMIN C FOODS

Some of the foods richest in vitamin C are kale, broccoli, Brussel sprouts, baked potatoes, red and green (especially red) bell peppers, strawberries and citrus juices.

Vitamin C is easily destroyed by oxygen and heat so beware of vitamin C supplements that are heat processed rather than cold processed. You could just be wasting your money.

Vitamin C is water soluble allowing it to seep out during cooking. Here are some tips to help you get the most vitamin C from foods.

• Eat fruits and vegetables raw or minimize cooking time and liquid. Stir-frying and steaming are preferred methods of cooking.
• Store in the refrigerator.
• Cut into large pieces instead of small or diced pieces. This minimizes exposure to oxygen.
• Cut just before eating when possible.
• When mashing potatoes, leave the skins on. Also add a little of the cooking liquid.
• Add vitamin C rich foods too casseroles. Some of the vitamin C will seep into the other ingredients.

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