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11 Vitamin C-Rich Foods That Are Natural Fat Burners

As cold and flu season winds down and bathing suit season picks up, get to know the surprising fat burner qualities of immunity-boosting vitamin C.

By Lauren Gelman
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In addition to fighting colds, vitamin C helps create collagen (and plays a role in healthy skin), may protect the heart, and helps destroy free radicals associated with certain cancers. But the new research on vitamin C as a fat burner is so promising that we named it one of 13 fat releasing foods in our Digest Diet book.

Most Americans consume too little vitamin C, and one study showed that adults deficient or depleted of vitamin C may be more resistant to losing fat. Conversely, people who had adequate vitamin C levels burned 30 percent more fat during a bout of exercise than those low in C! Munching on more of the following fruits and veggies can help you meet the daily recommended intake, which is 75 milligrams for women and 90 for men.

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Papaya

Vitamin C level: 188 mg
Serving: 1 fruit
Try it: Pineapple Papaya Slaw

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© George Doyle/Stockbyte/Thinkstock
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Bell Peppers

Vitamin C level: 117 mg
Serving: 1 cup raw

Try it: Turkey-Stuffed Bell Peppers

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© Monkey Business/Thinkstock
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Strawberries

Vitamin C level: 85 mg
Serving: 1 cup
Try it: Strawberry Mango Sorbet

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© iStockphoto/Thinkstock
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Broccoli

Vitamin C level: 81 mg
Serving: 1 cup raw
Try it: Cajun Spiced Broccoli

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© Hemera/Thinkstock
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Pineapple

Vitamin C level: 79 mg
Serving: 1 cup
Try it: Bean and Pineapple Soft Tacos

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© iStockphoto/Thinkstock
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Brussels Sprouts

Vitamin C level: 75 mg
Serving: 1 cup raw
Try it: Savory Brussels Sprouts

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© iStockphoto/Thinkstock
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Kiwifruit

Vitamin C level: 72 mg
Serving: 1 fruit
Try it: Kiwi Lime Gelatin

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© Martin Poole/Digital Vision/Thinkstock
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Orange

Vitamin C level: 70 mg
Serving: 1 fruit
Try it: Citrus Cornmeal Cake

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© iStockphoto/Thinkstock
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Kale

Vitamin C level: 53 mg
Serving: 1 cup cooked
Try it: Penne With Kale and Onion

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© Stockbyte/Thinkstock
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Cauliflower

Vitamin C level: 52 mg
Serving: 1 cup raw
Try it: Cauliflower au Gratin

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© iStockphoto/Thinkstock
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Tomato

Vitamin C level: 23 mg
Serving: 1 cup
Try it: Herb-Topped Stuffed Tomatoes

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Your Comments

  • http://www.facebook.com/syedrafay.zahoori Syed Rafay Zahoori

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  • Anonymous

    so love it  htt p://k3k.k.af

  • Anonymous

    Big fan of Vitamin C. Have been for years. Drink my OJ every morning.

  • Anonymous

    Big fan of Vitamin C. Have been for years. Drink my OJ every morning.

  • http://www.facebook.com/arshamsray Shams Aci

    Comment / Opinion :  Delightful to get aware of vitamin C miracles that foods containing vitamin C are fat burners and multiples of benefits they provide for healthy living lifelong.

  • Tootalou

    Might want to fix that first sentence. Vitamin C has not been proven to fight off colds or any other viral infections.

  • Mysticcrow

    BAD advice for those with latex allergies. Unripe or artificially ripened (standard procedure unless you go to an organic/health food store) papaya contains a latex like substance. If you have latex allergies, avoid papaya AT ALL COSTS unless you are positive the fruit is naturally ripened!

  • Mysticcrow

     I have latex allergies by the way. My warning applies to me.