What are the health benefits of increasing the intake of vitamin C? This water-soluble vitamin is found plentiful in fruits and vegetables. Vitamin C works to help create important enzymes for food digestion. Research studies indicate vitamin C may be important to protect cells from free radicals in our bodies, thus reducing the risks for developing cancer and cardiovascular disease. Vitamin C increases the bio-availability of iron, which helps individuals to absorb iron and avoid anemia. When shopping for produce to help increase your vitamin C intake, think “color”. For example, shop red (apples, strawberries, tomatoes), yellow (grapefruit, yellow bell peppers, guava), green (honeydew melons, peas, broccoli), and orange (cantaloupe, oranges).