1. The Vivacious Vitamin C
Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is key for optimum growth and development of all of the body's tissues. Our bodies can't manufacture or store this water-soluble vitamin, so we must replenish our Vitamin C supply daily through our diets. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that helps the body make collagen, a protein that produces skin, tendons, ligaments and blood vessels. It also promotes the growth of scar tissue, which helps heal wounds, and protects the body from free radicals. If you eat diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables, it's likely you won't need a vitamin C supplement.
2. Vitamin C Isn't Only Orange
Most people think of oranges when they think of Vitamin C, however, most fruits and vegetables contain Vitamin C. Although, citrus fruits are among those with the largest content, green bell peppers, leafy greens, strawberries, tomatoes, broccoli, potatoes and cantaloupe also contain large amounts. Other foods that contain vitamin C are watermelon, papaya, brussel sprouts, raspberries, blueberries, pineapple, red bell peppers and cranberries. Eating a balanced diet filled with a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables will give you the right amount of vitamin C for your body.
3. Retain Valuable Vitamin C
Steaming or cooking for the shortest amount of time possible or eating most of your vegetables and fruit raw is the best way to retain their natural levels of Vitamin C. Keeping your potato skins on when you cook them and refrigerating your raw vegetables and fruit in airtight containers also helps retain Vitamin C. Never store your fruits and vegetables in water. Since vitamin C is water-soluble, it will dissolve.
4. Too Much or Too Little
Because of the availability of fresh fruits and vegetables, it is rare for people in the United States to have a Vitamin C deficiency. However, it is still common in some cultures. Some symptoms of a deficiency are bleeding gums and red spots under the skin. If left untreated, it can turn into scurvy, which causes hemorrhage, loss of teeth, skin damage and eventually death. Tobacco products deplete your body's Vitamin C levels. If you use tobacco products or are around second-hand smoke on a regular basis, you may want to add at least 35 mg to your daily intake. It's virtually impossible to have too much Vitamin C since the excess passes through your urine. However, in some rare cases, too much Vitamin C can lead to nausea, abdominal cramps and diarrhea. Too much Vitamin C can also affect medical tests of interfere with some treatments.
5. Vitamin C Does a Body Good
Vitamin C's ability to form collagen may increase the healing of tissues from surgery, injury or burns. Vitamin C also helps the body absorb iron from food, boosts the immune system and aids the body's ability to fight cancer.
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