Three cheers for this powerful micronutrient!

Florentin Catargiu/Getty Images

Also known as ascorbic acid,vitamin Cis a water-soluble vitamin thats often associated withboosted immunity.

But this popular micronutrient positively influences our health in many more ways.

kiwi smoothie

Photo:Florentin Catargiu/Getty Images

How Does Vitamin C Benefit the Body?

How Much Vitamin C Do We Need Per Day?

The Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL) for vitamin C for all adults is 2,000 mg.

If we consistently consume more than this amount, it can be detrimental to our health.

Common symptoms of excessive vitamin C intake include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal cramping.

Considering this, you ideally want to focus on whole food sources of this antioxidant before turning to supplements.

This amount should be similar across all orange varieties available at the grocery store.

Strawberries

Strawberry season is right around the corner.

Cantaloupe

Few things are as wonderful ascantaloupeslices during peak harvest season.

Its also a super source of vitamin C, with79 mg in one cup.

But acerola cherries are a stupendous source, withupwards of 1,000 mgin the same serving.