Natural Fat Burners: Vitamin C-Rich Foods

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.

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.

Pineapple

Vitamin C level: 79 mg
Serving: 1 cup

Brussels Sprouts

Vitamin C level: 75 mg
Serving: 1 cup raw

Kiwifruit

Vitamin C level: 72 mg
Serving: 1 fruit

Papaya

Vitamin C level: 188 mg
Serving: 1 fruit

Bell Peppers

Vitamin C level: 117 mg
Serving: 1 cup raw

Strawberries

Vitamin C level: 85 mg
Serving: 1 cup

Broccoli

Vitamin C level: 81 mg
Serving: 1 cup raw