With winter viruses lingering – as Christmas fast approaches – doctors recommend Brits incorporate Vitamin C in their diets because it helps us fight off the colds and flus
The number of cases of flu in adults is expected to rise as schools and nurseries close for Christmas – so Brits are urged to get Vitamin C into their diets.
The nutrient is vital to the body’s healing process as it helps protect the cells. This is important, doctors say, because there are new fears of a “quad-demic”, with flu, RSV, COVID-19 and norovirus all reaching record levels for this time in the year.
The NHS has offered flu jabs at football clubs, supermarkets and Christmas markets this month but plenty of effort can be taken at home to ensure the body is ready to fight off the colds and flus this festive season.
Contrary to popular belief, citrus isn’t the only – or even the best – source of Vitamin C. Bell peppers, for instance, boasts a higher concentration of Vitamin C and can be bought at most supermarkets. Bell peppers contain 80.4mg of Citamin C per 100g, outstripping lemons, which have just 53mg for the same weight.
The Mirror here publishes a full list of foods which contain enough Vitamin C which, blended with a diet also containing the likes of Vitamin D, Zinc, and Potassium, can bolster immunity this Christmas.
Key sources of Vitamin C
- Bell peppers – Bell peppers contain various vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin C. It is one of the richest dietary sources of this essential nutrient, though often overlooked.
- Broccoli – There’s a whopping 89.2mg in a 100g broccoli. This vegetable, which originates from Italy, can of course be eaten raw or cooked. Mix in your stir fry this winter and you and the family will reap the rewards.
- Lemons – The classics shouldn’t be sniffed at either. There’s 53mg of Vitamin C in one 100g lemon, so blend the fruit into your diet – either in sweet or savoury dishes – this winter to stave off the unpleasant bugs.
- Grapefruits – With 31.2mg in one 100g grapefruit, you can also rely on the fleshy, thick skinned treat to help keep you healthy. It is often consumed as grapefruit juice, though try baking cakes with it.
- Brussels sprouts: Well, it wouldn’t be Christmas without this vegetable, part of the cabbage family. So, it’s timely that this green gem will also provide Vitamin C – 100g of sprouts will actually offer 85mg of the nutrient, so pop a few more on your plate this Christmas.
As the NHS contends with a “quad-demic”, it is urging eligible people to get a flu jab this month. Shoppers in cities across England might spot mobile vaccination vans located in supermarket car parks, and there will be some walk-in clinics at football groups amid a busy festive period in the sport.
Minister for Public Health and Prevention Andrew Gwynne said: “Flu cases are putting a lot of pressure on the NHS, so it’s vital those eligible for the vaccine come forward to protect themselves and their loved ones.
“We’ve already seen over 27 million jabs delivered for flu, COVID-19 and RSV, but we know there’s more to do. With walk-in clinics and mobile vans available everywhere from supermarkets to football grounds to Christmas markets, it’s convenient and straightforward to keep yourself safe this winter.
“The best Christmas present you can give to your loved ones is to get vaccinated – book your flu jab today and protect yourself over the festive season.”
