11 Vitamin C-Rich Foods That Are Natural Fat Burners

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.

1. Papaya

Vitamin C level: 188 mg

Serving: 1 fruit

Try it: Pineapple Papaya Slaw

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2. Bell Peppers

Vitamin C level: 117 mg

Serving: 1 cup raw

Try it: Turkey-Stuffed Bell Peppers

(Photo: George Doyle/Stockbyte/Thinkstock)

3. Strawberries

Vitamin C level: 85 mg

Serving: 1 cup

Try it: Strawberry Mango Sorbet

(Photo: Monkey Business/Thinkstock)

4. Broccoli

Vitamin C level: 81 mg

Serving: 1 cup raw

Try it: Cajun Spiced Broccoli

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5. Pineapple

Vitamin C level: 79 mg

Serving: 1 cup

Try it: Bean and Pineapple Soft Tacos

(Photo: Hemera/Thinkstock)

6. Brussel Sprouts

Vitamin C level: 75 mg

Serving: 1 cup raw

Try it: Savory Brussels Sprouts

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7. Kiwi

Vitamin C level: 72 mg

Serving: 1 fruit

Try it: Kiwi Lime Gelatin

(Photo: iStockphoto/Thinkstock)

8. Orange

Vitamin C level: 70 mg

Serving: 1 fruit

Try it: Citrus Cornmeal Cake

(Photo: Martin Poole/Digital Vision/Thinkstock)

9. Kale

Vitamin C level: 53 mg

Serving: 1 cup cooked

Try it: Penne With Kale and Onion

(Photo: iStockphoto/Thinkstock)

10. Cauliflower

Vitamin C level: 52 mg

Serving: 1 cup raw

Try it: Cauliflower au Gratin

(Photo: Stockbyte/Thinkstock)

11. Tomato

Vitamin C level: 23 mg

Serving: 1 cup

Try it: Herb-Topped Stuffed Tomatoes

(Photo: iStockphoto/Thinkstock)