By Harriet Mallinson | Published on December 9, 2017
At this time of year when we are desperately trying to battle colds, it’s highly likely we’ll be recommended by at least one friend to start gorging on oranges and grapefruits in an attempt to up our vitamin C consumption and cure the sniffles.
However, while citrus fruits are rightly famed for their vitamin C content, research shows that, for the most part, taking vitamin C won’t help the average person prevent a cold.
That’s not to say that the vitamin isn’t crucial in other ways. It’s vital for your body’s healing processes and is what’s needed to form blood vessels, cartilage, muscle and collagen in bones.
Vitamin C is water soluble so the body cannot store it and will get rid of any excess levels, hence our need to get as much as we can from fresh fruit and supplements. According to the Mayo Clinic, the recommended dietary reference intake for vitamin C is 65 to 90 milligrams a day for adults. The upper limit is 2,000mg a day.
Citrus fruits’ benefits don’t entirely revolve around vitamin C, however. They offer plenty of other health advantages.
For instance, the vitamin A in grapefruit can alleviate post-workout inflammation while limes can help clear malaria parasites. The majority contain in excess of 80% water so they’re good for hydration, too.
What’s more, citrus fruits are at their sweetest, juiciest and cheapest during the winter months, so stock up now!
MACROS have created an infographic to guide you through the various benefits of citrus fruits and when it’s best to eat them.
– RELATED: 15 Fruit And Veg You Should Be Eating –
Harriet is Editor of MACROS and perfectly capable of eating an entire log of goat’s cheese in one sitting.
