16 of the Best Vitamin C Recipes to Beat the Common Cold (2024)

The risotto recipe is packed with one of the best vitamin C foods for kids

Think vitamin C is only found in oranges? Think again. Boost those immune systems with these Vitamin C foods for kids that will upgrade your family’s daily dose of this all-important vitamin, starting with breakfast all the way through dessert. Doing this might even help stave off some of the impending sick days we know are on the horizon. From healthy Dole Whip to irresistible Brussels sprouts, these foods are high in vitamin C and worthy of any winter menu.

One-Pot Cheesy Cauliflower Pasta

Bacon Brussels Sprouts with Garlic Parmesan Cream

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Brussels sprouts are an excellent choice if you want to boost your vitamin C consumption. And if you're looking for a recipe that'll be a winner with kids and adults alike, you're in luck. This dish is a comfort food classic, sporting bacon, anda cheesy sauce. Click on over toOat & Sesamefor more!

Healthy Dole Whip

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If you're a fan of Disneyland's Dole Whip, we've got a double dose of good news. We have a recipe that not only promises a healthy version of your favorite treatbut also includes a good dose of vitamin C, thanks to pineapple. Grab your Mickey Mouse earsand get the recipe from Almost Supermom.

Broccoli Cheddar Risotto

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Broccoli actually has more vitamin C than an orange, so it's a great green bet for your family's diet! This recipe fromSavory Tooth is a kid-friendly way to welcome broccoli to your dinner table—and it doesn't require constant stirring!

Zucchini Pizza Casserole

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Zucchini is a good source of vitamin C (the skin especially), and this recipe is great for a quick and delicious dinner. It has themelty cheese and pepperoni of your favorite pizza, but with a healthy twist. Best of all, it's a dump-and-bake kind of meal! Get the recipe from The Seasoned Mom.

Lemon Chicken Veggie Bake

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Oranges may get a lot of the vitamin C glory, but lemons are a powerhouse source, too. The best way to take advantage? This one-dish meal that’s homey, tasty, and bursting with lemon flavor.Get the recipe here.

Broccoli Tots

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If your tots love tots, you've got to give this version, courtesy ofGimme Delicious, a try. Here, broccoli is the star, along with its hefty dose of vitamin C. Plus, they're baked, not fried, and perfect for a snack or main meal.

Roasted Cauliflower Corn Chowder

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Cauliflower has a surprising amount of vitamin C, but the trick is finding a kid-friendly recipe spotlighting this particular veggie. Cue this chowder that pairs roasted cauliflower with sweet corn, bacon bits, and cheesy goodness.Get the recipe from Valerie’s Kitchen.

Stuffed Red Peppers

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Just acup of red bell peppers has a whopping amount of vitamin C and this recipe uses whole peppers in a super delicious way! They’re also so easy to make that kids can even help out.Get the recipe here.

Mango Smoothie Bowl

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This colorful smoothie bowl isn’tjusta beautiful way to start your day. It’s also chock-full of healthy fruit, including vitamin C-rich mangos. And if you don’t live in a tropical climate? Just grab the majority of your ingredients from the frozen aisle.Get the recipe from Downshiftology.

Salmon Teriyaki with Pineapple Salsa

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We have just one word for this salmon dish: yum! It gets points for being easy to whip up, and there’s also a pineapple salsa full of fresh flavor and vitamin C. It sounds like a dinner winner to us! Get the recipe from Dinner at the Zoo.

Strawberry Agua Fresca

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There are tons of ways to enjoy strawberries and their sweet vitamin C benefits, but we’re partial to this three-ingredient agua fresca. It’s a perfect summer drink (or a perfect drink if you want to pretend that it’s summer).Get the recipe from Lola’s Cocina.

Crispy Kale Chips

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We salute you if you've got a kid who will eat kale chips. This homemade version is ultra-easy to make and features all the fantastic nutritional perks of kale (including vitamin C!). Get the recipe here.

The Green Goblin Smoothie

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Not only can you prep all the ingredients for this smoothie ahead of time, but you can also feel good about those ingredients (Think healthy superfoods: spinach, oranges, pineapple, and banana.). Get the recipe here.

Kiwi Popsicles

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Did you know kiwi is a killer source of vitamin C? It also makes an excellent popsicle—and this no-fuss recipe is proof! Grab dixie cups and frozen peas (yes, peas!), and you’re halfway to enjoying a delish frozen treat.Get the recipe here.

Coconut Tangelo Rice Pudding

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The vitamin C train doesn't have to stop at dinner. Give your dessert the extra boost with this delicious creamy coconut tangelo rice pudding recipe from Boulder Locavore. Tangelos (a hybrid of mandarin oranges and tangerines) have a tangy kick that pairs well with creamy coconut milk.

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16 of the Best Vitamin C Recipes to Beat the Common Cold (2024)

FAQs

How much vitamin C to fight a cold? ›

The likelihood of success may vary from person to person. Some people improve, while others do not. Taking 1000 to 2000 mg per day can be safely tried by most people. Taking too much can cause stomach upset.

Do vitamin C packets actually work? ›

While scientific studies do show that vitamin C can prevent the intensity of some viruses, both doctors say that since the vast majority of people get enough vitamin C through diet, there likely isn't an added benefit in getting extra through Emergen-C (or similar products).

Can emergen-C prevent a cold? ›

Although many people take Emergen-C to prevent or shorten a cold, the scientific evidence showing it works is minimal. There's also mixed research about vitamin C's effectiveness in preventing or treating colds in the general population. If you still decide to take Emergen-C, keep it to one serving daily.

What vitamins are good for fighting a cold? ›

Self-Care for Common Colds: The Pivotal Role of Vitamin D, Vitamin C, Zinc, and Echinacea in Three Main Immune Interactive Clusters (Physical Barriers, Innate and Adaptive Immunity) Involved during an Episode of Common Colds—Practical Advice on Dosages and on the Time to Take These Nutrients/Botanicals in order to ...

How do I make my cold go away fast? ›

Cold remedies that work
  1. Stay hydrated. Water, juice, clear broth or warm lemon water with honey helps loosen congestion and prevents dehydration. ...
  2. Rest. Your body needs rest to heal.
  3. Soothe a sore throat. ...
  4. Combat stuffiness. ...
  5. Relieve pain. ...
  6. Sip warm liquids. ...
  7. Try honey. ...
  8. Add moisture to the air.

Does zinc really help a cold? ›

The study found that zinc shortened the time people felt sick from their colds. It also reported a lot of side effects. Compared with people who didn't take zinc, those who did commonly complained of upset stomach, problems with taste and mouth irritation.

Why avoid taking vitamin C at night? ›

Do not add too much vitamin C at the same time but should be divided into 3-4 times Drink/day at different times Avoid taking vitamin C at night before going to bed, because it can cause stimulation, excitement leading to insomnia.

Is 500 mg of vitamin C too much? ›

The upper limit for all adults is 2,000 mg a day. Although too much dietary vitamin C is unlikely to be harmful, large doses of vitamin C supplements might cause: Diarrhea. Nausea.

How to stop a cold when you feel it coming on? ›

This article lists 10 ways to help people feel better when they suspect a cold is coming.
  1. Drink plenty of fluids. Share on Pinterest Image Credit: MonaMakela/Getty Images. ...
  2. Get plenty of rest. ...
  3. Manage stress. ...
  4. Eat a balanced diet. ...
  5. Eat honey. ...
  6. Increase vitamin D levels. ...
  7. Take zinc. ...
  8. Take vitamin C.

What shortens the length of a cold? ›

Unfortunately, there is still no known cure for the common cold. However, you can reduce the duration of your illness by taking some promising vitamins and supplements, as well as engaging in good self-care. This includes vitamin C, Zinc, echinacea, and probiotics.

Can you fight off a cold with vitamin C? ›

Taking vitamin C every day to try to prevent colds won't protect most people from colds. It only slightly shortens the amount of time that they're ill. Starting to take vitamin C once you already have cold symptoms won't have any effect on your cold.

Does Airborne shorten a cold? ›

Anecdotally, there are many people who say Airborne works to prevent and shorten a cold. However, there isn't much scientific research that supports this.

Does Zicam actually work? ›

Summary. Oral Zicam products claim to help with cold symptoms and shorten the length of a cold, but there's limited evidence about how safe and effective they are. The current nasal Zicam products do not use zinc because of the potential for serious side effects—instead, the nasal formulas are plant-based.

What vitamin stops coughing? ›

Vitamin C

As an antioxidant, it has a significant role in protecting cells from stress caused by infections. Stocking fruits rich in vitamin C on your shelves would help you stay one step forward towards being cough and phlegm-free.

How can I boost my immune system to fight a cold? ›

10 Strategies to Strengthen your Immune System During Cold and Flu Season
  1. Get a flu vaccination. ...
  2. Wash your hands. ...
  3. Humidify. ...
  4. Get plenty of sleep. ...
  5. Drink lots of water. ...
  6. Good nutrition. ...
  7. Regular Exercise. ...
  8. Spend time outdoors.

Is 1000 mg of vitamin C too much? ›

Taking more than 2000 mg daily is possibly unsafe and may cause kidney stones and severe diarrhea. In people who have had a kidney stone, taking amounts greater than 1000 mg daily increases the risk of getting more kidney stones. When applied to the skin: Vitamin C is likely safe for most people.

What happens if you take 1500 mg of vitamin C? ›

The body doesn't store vitamin C, so overdose is not a concern. But it's still important not to exceed the safe upper limit of 2,000 milligrams a day to avoid stomach upset and diarrhea. Vitamin C is one of the “water-soluble” vitamins.

How much vitamin C should I take daily for a cold sore? ›

In herpes labialis, oral ascorbate-bioflavonoid complex (1000 mg water-soluble bioflavonoids and 1000 mg vitamin C in equal increments five times daily at first onset and continued 3 days) reduces outbreak of vesiculation and prevents disruption of vesicular membranes.

Is 500mg of vitamin C too much for a child? ›

According to the NIH, children between the ages of 1–3 years should not take more than 400 mg/day of vitamin C, children 4–8 years should not take more than 650 mg/day and children between 9–13 years should not exceed 1,200 mg/day.

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