Vitamin C in Food - What are the Best Sources?
|
|
Vitamin C in food is most commonly thought of in oranges and citrus juice. In actually it is found in many fruits and vegetables.
Vitamin C in Food
Fruits such as Oranges, grapefruit, tangerines, lemons, mangos, papayas and strawberries are excellent sources of vitamin C. Vegetables that contain vitamin C include brussels sprouts, cabbage, broccoli, peppers, potatoes, collards, spinach and tomatoes.
Fresh or frozen fruits and vegetables are the best source of vitamin C. Eat the vegetables raw or cook only a very short time in water and you will get your highest supply of vitamin C.
Benefits of Vitamin C
Vitamin C acts as an antioxidant and helps the body fight free radicals which can damage the body’s cells. In this way it reduces the risk of certain chronic diseases.
The benefits of vitamin C involve many body functions. It helps form collagen in connective tissue which is necessary for tissue repair. It is beneficial in healing wounds, burns and also broken bones because it increases calcium absorption.
Vitamin C keeps the immune system healthy and promotes healthy capillaries, gums and teeth. It contributes to hemoglobin and red-blood cell production in bone marrow.
The facts on vitamin C show that it is used as part of the treatment for iron deficiency anemia and helps prevent and treat scurvy. Scurvy is a disease caused by the deficiency of vitamin C. Its symptoms are open sores in the mouth, soft gums and loose teeth. It is rare to develop scurvy today.
Signs of Vitamin C Deficiency
If you are easily susceptible to colds and infections, your vitamin C intake could be low. If your gums are inflamed, your wounds heal slowly, you are often tired, you bruise easily and you get nosebleeds easy, your body could be deficient in vitamin C.
During pregnancy you should take a prenatal vitamin with vitamin C. The demands made by the bone development, teeth and connective tissue formation of the fetus will require a higher need for vitamin C. Do not take mega doses of vitamin C as it could cause the newborn to develop deficiency symptoms after birth.
Breastfeeding, intestinal problems and hyperthyroidism can also increase the body’s need for vitamin C. If a person has severe burns or has recently undergone surgery they have a need for more vitamin C. People who abuse alcohol, drugs and tobacco require additional amounts of vitamin C also.
Vitamin C in food is the best way to obtain the amount that you need. By eating enough fruits and vegetables your will reap the benefits of Vitamin C and all it can do for your body.
Featured Vitamin C Supplement
We have found a product that contains a blend of over 70 powerful nutrients to give you energy, keep your body functioning at its highest level and give you the maximum vitamin C benefits you need.
It is manufactured by a well-regarded supplement company and the product is called Total Balance.
The company manufactures its products using strict pharmaceutical GMP Compliance, which is the most controlled standard for dietary supplements on the market.
They also offer a Certificate of Analysis (COA) for each product it produces to ensure the potency of the ingredients it uses.
If you are not getting the vitamin C in food that you need, you might want to consider Total Balance with vitamin C a part of your daily regimen and feel healthier and more energetic than ever before!
