Christmas is coming and the Satsumas are getting fat……. The arrival of Christmas hails peak season for citrus fruit.  These succulent juicy fruits are not only delicious and a great stocking filler they are also rich in vitamin C.

Vitamin C is loved by nutritional therapists as it is a fantastic antioxidant.  Antioxidants protect the cells and tissues in the body from damage.  One of the most visible signs of tissue damage is our skin ageing, which is why antioxidants are often mentioned in skin care advertising.

It is not just our faces that vitamin C protects, but it also protects the cells inside our body from damage.  We have long understood its immune benefits, and often hear of people dosing up on orange juice when they have a cold.  But the benefits of optimal levels are also linked to wound healing, bone health, cardiovascular health, arthritis and even cancer prevention.

Even though vitamin C has some great potential health benefits, it does not mean that we should be bathing in orange juice or taking unlimited supplements.  Because even though serious side effects are rare, high amounts can cause stomach pain and diarrhoea.

The best way to get our daily amount of vitamin C is through our diet, so making sure you have 5 (ideally 7) portions of vegetables and fruit a day is a good start.  Contrary to popular belief the Satsuma (and all other citrus fruits) is not even in the top 5 for vitamin C content.  Eating plenty of peppers (coming in at number 1), kale, spinach kiwi, broccoli, berries, citrus fruit (number 7) tomatoes and peas.

Please do not reach for the fruit juice as a quick fix, as this has a great deal of fructose (the sugar found in fruit) in it and the health benefits diminish the longer the juice is in the carton.

So maybe start your day with a mug of hot water and a slice of lemon, have a portion of fruit at breakfast – berries are a great choice, and you can have either fresh or frozen (defrosted of course!).  Try adding a few slices of peppers to nibble on at lunchtime, and remember to include green vegetables with your evening meal.

So rounding up on our festive fruit……..A Satsuma is not just for Christmas it is for life.

Fiona Stephen is a nutritional therapist based in  London. Find out about the nutritional therapy packages available or contact Fiona Stephen Nutrition to discuss your requirements.