Summer may have left us, but there is no need to feel down in spirit as the cooler days of autumn start to bite. The secret to keeping the sunshine feeling in your body and mind is to subtly tweak your diet and lifestyle to take you gradually into the new season.
Summer salads are being replaced with immune boosting soups; stir fry’s and stews, ready to fight off the inevitable slew of winter bugs ready to greet us. And lucky for us autumnal foods are among the most nutritious as they have had the summer months to amass a wealth of nutrients. Keep an eye on my blogs for what’s in season and recipes to incorporate each into your diet.
Vitamin C – Why Do We Need It?
Vitamin C is one of the best known vitamins for being able to fend off colds. It is needed for a healthy immune system, wound healing, bleeding gums, healthy skin and the absorption of iron. It is also one of the building blocks for collagen, the support structure for your skin. Failing to get enough vitamin C can cause inflammation of the gums, scaly skin, nosebleed, painful joints, and other problems associated with scurvy. As vitamin C helps with the absorption of iron, it is important you include some vitamin C rich foods in your diet while increasing foods containing iron. As vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant, studies have shown it can reduce your risk of cancers that strike the mouth or digestive tract.
Vitamin C can be found in the following foods:
- Fruits – oranges, lemons, grapefruit, limes, kiwis, strawberries, & melons
- Vegetables – broccoli, carrots, sweet potato, peppers, tomatoes & dark green veg
Recipes containing vitamin C:
- Honey & Lemon Soother
- Sweet Potato & Red Lentil Soup
- Berry and Chia Smoothie
- Chicken & Ginger Stir Fry
Discover more of our delicious recipes here