Fruits And Vegetables That Start With C (Uses, Health Benefits, And Where To Buy Them)

Consuming fruits and vegetables regularly is the best and natural source of minerals, fiber, and vitamins. It will help you meet the recommended daily balanced diet your body needs.

A meal rich in fruits and vegetables will protect and prevent diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Eat at least 3 or 5 different types of fruits and vegetables, respectively. Watch how your health, skin, and lifestyle thank you.

Fruits That Start With C (Uses, Health Benefits, And Where To Get Them)

When talking about fruits, we are referring to a whole variety of edible, sweet-flavored, vitamin-rich plants. There are a whole lot of fruits starting with the letter C, some of which are coconut, cherry, cashew, currant, etc.

Let’s discuss some of these fruits, their nutritional value, and where to purchase them.

1. Cantaloupe (Cucumis melo var. Cantalupensis)

The cantaloupe belongs to the same family as the water melon and honeydew melon. It is a juicy orange summer fruit. When it comes to recognition, the cantaloupe fruit doesn’t get as much as it should be given. Stores like Amazon, Aldi, and Louisiana Fresh sell these fruits.

Uses of cantaloupe.

1. They can be used to make juice extracts.
2. Their seeds may be sprinkled on soups, salads, desserts, etc.
3. Cantaloupe seeds may also be mixed with other nuts for increased nutrient content.
4. The whole fruit can be eaten plain for satisfaction and nutritional purposes.
5. They may be made into cantaloupe smoothies.
6. The fruit may be roasted.

Cantaloupe has health benefits.

1. Because of their high water content, they keep the body hydrated.
2. The presence of fiber, potassium, and Vitamin C makes it very important for heart health.
3. Cantaloupe aids in the reduction of colorectal cancer due to the presence of fiber.
4. Antioxidants present in cantaloupe help fight inflammation and oxidative stress, which in turn reduces the risk of cancer.
5. Zeaxanthin and lutein are basically the antioxidants that give fruits and vegetables their yellow or red color. When mixed with vitamin A, they play a key role in protecting your eye health.

2. Canistel Fruit (Pouteria campechiana)

The Canistel fruit and pumpkin flavors are comparable, even roasted potatoes. The fruit is originally from South Mexico and is grown in the Americas, Africa, and Asia. It is predominantly referred to as “egg fruit” due to its ripe egg yellow skin.

Uses of canistel fruit

1. Canistel flesh may be used as a replacement for sugar in many recipes.
2. It may be used as an ingredient in mixed drinks.
3. They may be used in eggnog.

Canistel’s health benefits

1. Canistel fruit provides enough soluble fiber required by the body.
2. A bright yellow color indicates a sign of beta-carotene, which reduces the risk of all diseases caused by degenerating muscular cells, especially in old age. particularly, cataract.
3. Research shows that fruit is rich in minerals like calcium, iron, and phosphorus, which are good for bone health.
4. The presence of vitamins indicates that the fruits aid in boosting the immune system.
5. Canistel fruit contains vitamin A, vitamin C, and beta-carotene, which are very effective antioxidants in preventing the development of cancerous cells.

3. Cashew (Anacardium occidentale)

Scientifically known as Anacardium occidentale, an evergreen shrub or tree belonging to the sumac family. The cashew is grown for its edible seeds, popularly called cashew nuts. They are grown on a large scale in Brazil and India.

Uses of cashew fruit.

1. Cashew nuts are most commonly consumed as a food.
2. They may also be used to produce medicine.

Health benefit of cashew fruits

1. Cashew fruit to maintain brain health and enhance its functionality.
2. They aid eye health and clarity of vision.
3. Cashews sometimes act as catalysts for digestion.
4. It aids weight loss and can treat obesity.
5. They are good for healthy teeth and gums.
6. It helps in the treatment of diabetes.
7. Consuming cashew nuts prevents gallstones in the body.

4. Cherries (Prunus avium)

These fruits make the list of the most loved fruits. When we talk about cherries, we are not just talking about how delicious they are, but all the health benefits they provide. Walmart, instacart, Whole Foods Market, and the fruit sections of supermarkets sell cherries.

Uses of cherry

1. The fruit may be used as food or medicine.
2. The fruit may be used to prevent several health conditions.

Health benefit of cherry

1. They help the body to function optimally by providing the necessary nutrients like potassium, vitamin C, fiber, and other important nutrients.
2. Cherries are rich in anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can support overall health conditions and lessen the risk of chronic disease.
3. Consumption of tart cherries increases overall exercise performance.
4. Cherry fruits are endowed with potassium and polyphenols, which are excellent antioxidants for healthy hearts.
5. Studies have shown that the powerful anti-inflammatory properties of cherries are beneficial to arthritis and gout patients.

5. Chestnuts (Castanea)

These are fruits of the Castanea species. Although linked to Italian cuisine, the fruit is grown most predominantly in Asia. They are valued for their sweet taste and the ductility with which they can be consumed. You can get your chestnuts online from Chestnut Charlie, Chestnut Growers Inc., Valley Chestnut, etc.

Uses of chestnut

1. They may be used as food.
2. Chestnuts have medicinal uses too.

Chestnut’s health benefits

1. Antioxidants and minerals such as magnesium and potassium are present. Chestnuts aid heart health.
2. They are a good source of fiber for the body, which aids in the digestive process.
3. The fiber content in chestnuts also keeps the sugar level at equilibrium.
4. They provide essential nutrients to the body as they are endowed with amino acids, fatty acids, phenols, antioxidants, and vitamin C. They also contain different vitamins and minerals like vitamin E, vitamin A, vitamin B complex, iron, calcium, manganese, zinc, copper.

6. Clementine

Citrus Clementina is a hybrid of both willow leaf mandarin orange and sweet orange. Its nomenclature was given in honor of a French missionary, Clément Rodier, who first discovered and propagated the species in Algeria. Amazon and Instacart market these fruits.

Uses of clementine

Clementine fruit is a very good source of vitamin C for the body as it helps to provide dietary functions to the consumer.

Clementine fruit: Benefits for health.

1. The fruit is a good source of antioxidants, which may improve skin health and appearance.
2. They may increase your fiber intake.
3. Clementine is an antioxidant-rich food.

7. Caimito Fruit

This fruit has a green or purple skin on the outside but a white fleshy and juicy inside. When split, it takes the shape of a star. The skin is not edible due to its latex covering. The pulp surrounding the seed is a whole lot edible, with a sweet and refreshing taste. They are available at Miami Fruit Market, Tropical Fruitbox, Amazon, etc.

Uses and health benefits of caimito

1. They contain a good amount of fiber, hence they are used to improve digestive health.
2. They are high in vitamin C.
3. Fiber content helps to keep blood sugar under control, hence fighting diabetes.
4. Assist in preventing iron deficiency anemia.
5. They are rich in antioxidants.

8. Coconut

This is the fruit of the coconut palm (cocos nucifera). The trees of coconut are often considered the most naturally widespread fruit trees in the world. The coconut fruit is a drupe fruit, not a true nut, and similar to other fruits, it has three layers. The outer skin( mesocarp) is usually green or brown in color.

Uses of coconut

1. They may be eaten plain in their raw state for satisfaction and contain refreshing water inside the seed.
2. Coconut whites are usually introduced in a dish known as coconut rice.
3. The oil extracted from coconut has medicinal purposes.

The health benefits of coconut.

1. Application of coconut extract to the skin may increase its protection function and also have an anti-inflammatory effect.
2. Coconut oil reduces asthma symptoms.
3. Some research proves that coconut oil reduces the growth of bacteria.
4. Coconut may aid in the control of blood sugar.

9. Cape Gooseberry

They may also be called ground or golden berries. These little green fruits are tart and sour, taking on the flavor of a salty olive rather than a berry. It is a South American plant originally from Colombia, Peru, and Ecuador, belonging to the nightshade family. To purchase your Cape gooseberry, you may visit the fruit section of your supermarket, Walmart, or even online stores.

Uses of cape gooseberry

1. The gooseberry may be freshly eaten or cooked and may be used for both sweet and savory dishes.
2. They may be utilized to make jams, chutneys, and sauces.
3. This gooseberry may also be utilized for yogurt, ice-cream, and savory sauce products.

Nutritional benefits

1. Cape gooseberry has low calories and fat content but is rich in fiber, copper, manganese, potassium, and Vitamin C.
2. Due to their high fiber content, they help protect against type 2 diabetes, obesity, heart disease, etc.
3. They are also rich in antioxidants like phytonutrients, vitamin E, and vitamin C, which aid in protecting the brain, combating aging, etc.
4. These berries aid in controlling blood sugar.

10. Calamansi Fruit

This fruit is half the size of a lemon with an almost round shape. It may sometimes be called “Philippine lemon” or “calamondin.” The middle pulp and juice are the orange color of a tangerine with a very thin orange peel when ripe. Each fruit has about 8 to 12 seeds in it. You may get your fruit from Walmart, Amazon, Instacart, etc.

Uses

1. It may be used to flavor food and drinks.
2. The whole fruit may be frozen and used as ice for fruit juice.
3. An extract from this fruit may be used to make a favorable juice like lemonade.

Health benefit

1. The fruits help to boost the immune system.
2. It aids in weight loss.
3. They help to detoxify the body and stimulate growth.

Fruit is very healthy because it helps to boost the immune system and regulate body conditions. Make sure to include them in your meals and consume them in an appropriate proportion.

Vegetables That Start With C (Uses, Health Benefits, And Where To Buy Them)

There is a very long list of vegetables starting with the letter “C”. There are different ways you can eat them and many ways to prepare them. You don’t have to have the same meal every month of the year. Below are some of them.

1. Cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata)

Cabbage is one of the nutritious vegetables that is very underrated. It has a similar structure to lettuce, but they are actually not the same thing. It is related to cauliflower and broccoli. They all belong to the Brassica family of vegetables. It has different varieties; they all show their differences in color, size, and shape.

Among the numerous benefits it has, cabbage is enriched with lots of minerals and vitamins; antioxidants that help to prevent inflammation; vitamin C; insoluble fiber; and a very potent substance known as anthocyanins, which keeps the heart in check and reduces cardiovascular diseases.

Cabbage is grown in most countries because it does not really need much soil to do well. It comes in purple, green, white, and red. It can be used in dishes like coleslaw and kimchi. Fresh cabbage is available at Walmart supercenters, Baja Ranch Markets, and public supermarkets.

2. Cactus (Cactaceae)

Cactus plants are very prominent in America and are mostly grown in Arizona and California ( southern part ). They are eaten simply because of the nutrients and medicinal values they offer.

Consumption of the pads and fruit of cactus can supply the body with necessary antioxidants that aid in getting rid of infections and stabilizing cholesterol levels. It contains iron and vitamins C and A that help in controlling inflammation in the body and is regarded as a good immune booster.

It is low in saturated fats and cholesterol. However, the nutritional value of cactus may change if you fry, roast, or cook it with oil or salt. Purchase cactus from any preferred grocery store, cactus store, Amazon, or Etsy.

3. Carrot (Daucus)

Carrots are orange-root plants. They were first cultivated in Afghanistan and then developed in central Europe. They also have other species that come in different colors, like yellow, red, and purple.

This vegetable is very popular in many countries. It contains a little bit of sugar that gives it the sweet taste, but can also have a bitter aftertaste.

Many skin care therapists use the extraction from carrots to make body oils. It is very rich in vitamin A, antioxidants, carotenoids, anthocyanins, lutein, lycopene, and beta-carotene. These properties are what make it good for the eyes, bones, diabetes control, and immune system boosting.

Too much of everything is bad. Do not consume too many carrots. Or else, the beta-carotene property in it can change your skin to an orange-yellow color, which is medically known as a carotenemia condition. It is also not recommended for people who have hypothyroidism.

You can harvest carrots in your garden or purchase them from Amazon, Whole Food Markets, Target, and eBay.

4. Caigua (Cyclanthera pedata)

Caigua is a native of the northern parts of Chile and Peru. Its name was derived from the Quechua language, and it is also called achuqcha. This vegetable is used medicinally and is also used in making fresh juice.

Cyclanthera pedata has so many health benefits, which include treating and lowering cholesterol levels, respectively. It also serves as an anti-inflammatory and manages hypertension.

To fully enjoy the hypoglycemic effect Caigua has to offer, purchase it fresh from Walmart supercenter, Amazon, Etsy, Instacart, or from any other grocery store you prefer.

5. Cassava (Manihot esculenta)

Cassava is a vegetable grown for its roots (tubers). It was first grown by the South Americans and contains a lot of carbs and calories. Countries like Thailand, Indonesia, and Nigeria appreciate cassava very much because of the diversity of meals they can use it for. It has a very high tolerance to drought and can be able to withstand difficulties when growing.

In some countries, cassava is known as yuca or manioc. It has different varieties—sweet and bitter. Tapioca starch is obtained from cassava. Therefore, to reduce the starch, you have to properly wash, cook, and soak.

Manihot esculenta is rich in vitamin C, which reduces oxidative stress and helps the functionality of the body’s immune cells. It protects the skin from damage by stimulating collagen. Cassava is available at Walmart, Amazon, and any grocery or tuber store in your area.

6. Cauliflower (Brassica oleracea var. botrytis)

Consuming more vegetables has been confirmed to minimize the risk of being obese, diabetic or having heart complications. Cauliflower has high fiber and water properties, which are very important for reversing constipation, keeping the digestive tract in check and reducing the risk of having cancer.

As a cruciferous vegetable, cauliflower is very rich in antioxidants and essential vitamins. It strengthens the bones, maintains your cardiovascular health and is good for aiding the circulation of food in the bowels.

However, for every advantage, there must be a corresponding disadvantage too. Since the fiber content in cauliflower is high, it can lead to an increase in bloating. The high vitamin K content in it is not good for people using blood thinners. This is because vitamin k causes clotting of blood.

Cauliflower can be used to make pizza and can be purchased at Walmart Supercenter, Amazon, Tridge, or any other grocery store or market.

7. Celery (Apium graveolens)

Celery is a crunchy and crispy vegetable that is not really considered by so many people to be used. It has a number of supplements in it, which include antioxidants, vitamin c, flavonoids, polysaccharides, vitamin A, minerals, and apiumin.

It has a low glycemic index and sodium content, which means it will go easy on your sugar level. Consuming celery aids in decreasing stomach ulcers by modulating secretion in the stomach and improving the stomach lining.

Just a cup of celery contains about 4 grams of both insoluble and soluble fiber. It also contains about 90% water, which aids your digestive system. Purchase fresh celery sticks from Amazon, Walmart supercenter, Etsy, or any grocery store around you.

8. Chicory (Cichorium intybus)

Chicory has been cultivated for so many years now in most areas of the world. It is a perennial plant. It is given to livestock as food and also to humans because of the nutritional benefits it offers. It looks just like a dandelion and comes in a variety of colors, like pink and white.

The chicory plant offers so many nutrients, such as carbohydrates, minerals, protein, and so many more. It can be used as an ingredient in cooking, hair growth cream, making alcohol, and as a good sugar substitute.

If you are suffering from gallstones, make sure you seek medical advice before consuming the chicory. This is because it can deter bile production in the body system.

Even if you have no medical complications, you may want to limit the quantity of chicory you consume because the inulin supplements found in it can cause too much gas or bloating in your digestive tract.

You can shop for chicory at Amazon, eBay, Etsy, or any grocery store or supermarket close to you.

9. Corn (Zea mays)

Corn is one of the most used, refined, and beloved vegetables. It is very popular in the United States and is used for so many occasions; movie dates, parties, breakfast, and relaxation. Especially when changed to popcorn, cornflakes, chips, or other simple and cozy meals.

However, many elderly people do not appreciate corn because it contains a lot of carbohydrates and sugar.

The plant was first cultivated by southern Mexican farmers a long time ago. Then it was taken over and grown by Americans (in the southern and northern parts). There are the yellow, blue, black, and white varieties of corn.

Corn improves your gut system and reduces your risk of having ailments like heart failure, cancer, and diabetes. The fiber in corn gives you a satisfying fill and also serves as a food for the bacteria that cause colon cancer in the digestive tract.

It is a good source of carotenoids, which are good for the eyes. You can easily plant corn in your garden or purchase it from Tridge or any other grocery store around you.

When purchasing or eating vegetables, make sure you go for the freshest and most nutritious. Also, eat them according to medical advice if you have any health challenges.