May 17, 2021
Vitamin C is an essential vitamin, meaning your body cannot produce it therefore it must be acquired from foods.
It is a water-soluble vitamin which can be found in many different fruit and vegetables. Examples are citrus fruits, kiwi, cantaloupes, strawberries, red and green peppers, broccoli, dark leafy greens, parsley and many more that can be found by a quick search.
Some vitamin C deficiencies include bleeding gums, infections, poor wound healing, anemia and scurvy.
It is recommended to get your vitamin C in its natural form, from food rather than supplements so you are also getting the important bioflavonoids that are helpful in absorbing vitamin C. If you do need to supplement, make sure that it contains these important bioflavonoids such as citrin, hesperidin, rutin, flavonols, quercetin.
Vitamin C is used up by the body very quickly and any excess is flushed out. The total amount taken should be divided into multiple doses or you can use a time-released tablet. The RDA vary by age and are increased in times of stress or illness. Smokers should also increase their intake of this important vitamin as they often have lower vitamin C levels.
Vitamin C has many roles in the body and has been linked to many health benefits.
Benefits of Vitamin C
- It’s necessary for the growth, development and repair of all body tissues. Maintenance of cartilage, bones and teeth and helps with wound healing by the restructure and building of new healthy cells.
- It builds collagen, necessary for the absorption of iron which is essential at making red blood cells and transporting oxygen throughout your body.
- It also plays a role in the prevention and possible treatment of atherosclerosis. It has also been shown to reduce the formation of plaque and clots.
- It is a strong antioxidant and can strengthen your body’s natural defences against oxidative stress which is linked to many chronic diseases. It will boost your immune system by encouraging the production of white blood cells which are needed to protect against infection.
There are many different functions and benefits from Vitamin C which are so important. I encourage everyone to look into this important nutrient and discover the benefits it can give you.
