Citrus, that delightful family of sweet-tart fruits in a rainbow of jewel-like tones, has long been touted for its Citrus, that delightful family of sweet-tart fruits in a rainbow of jewel-like tones, has long been touted for its abundance of vitamin C (1). While vitamin C has been linked to shortening the duration of the common cold (it’s never been proven to prevent them, sadly), it’s healthy in more impressive ways than just combating the sniffles (1).
Here are Five Health Benefits of Vitamin C
- Lowers cholesterol
A meta-analysis found that large amounts of vitamin C may result in a decrease in LDL cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations (2). [Note: If you’re taking cholesterol-lowering statins, you may want to skip grapefruit, which may interfere with these medications (3)]. Speak with your primary care provider about any food-medication interactions.
- Good source of fiber
A large glass of fresh juice is thirst-quenchingly tasty but eating citrus with those thin and delicate membranes that hold the segments together offers a good source of fiber. Just one cup of fresh citrus segments can give you about 14% of the Daily Value for fiber (4,5,6). So tomorrow morning, skip the glass and enjoy your morning citrus piece by piece instead.
- Antioxidant effects
Vitamin C is a known antioxidant, which is a beneficial substance that assists our bodies in combating harmful molecules called free radicals (1,7). The antioxidant action helps to lower oxidative stress caused by free radicals (1,7). Antioxidants have been shown to have potentially beneficial roles for Alzheimer’s disease and cancer (1).
- Joint benefits
For those with joint pain, vitamin C may be your friend (8, 11). This is true for individuals who don’t get enough vitamin C. Sufficient amounts are needed to produce collagen in our bodies (8, 11). Collagen is an important structural protein needed for cartilage, tendons and ligaments which can correspond to sufficient cushioning and healthy moving joints (9).
- Aids iron absorption
Citrus has been shown to increase the absorption rates of other needed nutrients, specifically iron (10). Iron is responsible for supplying oxygen to your organs through the hemoglobin in your blood (10). An iron deficiency can lead to anemia (a lack of healthy red blood cells or hemoglobin) and reduced mental function. It’s especially pertinent for pregnant women and the health of their babies (10).
Eating a diet high in iron-rich foods like spinach, fresh seafood and beans with citrus can boost your body’s ability to absorb the iron naturally present in all those delicious foods (10).
Bottom Line
So while we wait for the weather to warm, likely with a box of tissues nearby, let’s make a plan to eat more of these fragrant beauties while they’re at their peak of down-your-chin, juice-dripping goodness. They’re healthy beyond helping us with a runny nose.
Originally published February 14, 2018; Updated February 2026