For anyone managing type 2 diabetes, protecting your heart is non-negotiable. And now, new research suggests that something as simple as eating more vitamin C–rich foods—like bell peppers, strawberries, and leafy greens—could make a meaningful difference.
The Study
In a recent study published in BMC Nutrition, researchers from the University of Verona looked at 200 adults with type 2 diabetes. They measured blood levels of vitamin C and tracked how much fresh fruit and vegetables participants were eating.
Here’s what they found:
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About 1 in 8 participants had a vitamin C deficiency.
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Those with lower vitamin C levels were significantly more likely to have cardiovascular disease.
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Even after accounting for other risk factors (like age, weight, and kidney function), the link between low vitamin C and heart issues still held up.
Why This Matters
Vitamin C isn’t just for immunity. It’s a powerful antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage caused by oxidative stress—a process that’s elevated in people with diabetes and closely tied to heart disease.
And while supplements exist, this study underscores the importance of getting vitamin C from real food. Whole produce offers a complex mix of nutrients that likely work together to support heart health in a way pills just can’t replicate.
The Bottom Line
If you’re living with type 2 diabetes—or just looking to care for your heart—a simple step you can take today is to eat more fresh, colorful produce.
Some great choices high in vitamin C:
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Red bell peppers
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Strawberries
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Citrus fruits
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Broccoli
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Kale and spinach
It’s not about chasing perfection—just making sure your plate has more of what your body (and heart) truly needs.
Want to eat more for your heart? Start here:
- 8 Heart Healthy Dinner Recipes for a Strong Ticker
- We Asked Two Cardiologists for Their Top Heart Health Tips
- 9 Swaps to Get Rid of Inflammatory Foods, Say Dietitians
The post Can Vitamin C Help Protect Your Heart? Here’s What Science Says appeared first on Clean Plates.