Vitamin
C, also known as L-ascorbic acid,
is an important vitamin for your body.
Unfortunately the body is not able to create vitamin C on its own, so we
need to supplement through food or vitamin supplements to get vitamin C into
our body.
What
Does Vitamin C do for you?
Vitamin
C is an antioxidant, which means it may help prevent certain cancers.
Vitamin
C is needed for your body to absorb iron properly, especially non-heme
iron. Non-heme iron is our iron intake
through vegetables.
Vitamin C is needed for the growth and repair of tissues in
all parts of your body
Vitamin C supplements when taken regularly might have
slightly shorter colds or somewhat milder symptoms.
Too little vitamin C can lead to signs and symptoms
of deficiency, including:
·
Anemia
·
Bleeding
gums
·
Decreased
ability to fight infection
·
Decreased
wound-healing rate
·
Dry and
splitting hair
·
Easy
bruising
·
Gingivitis (inflammation
of the gums)
·
Nosebleeds
·
Possible
weight gain because of slowed metabolism
·
Rough,
dry, scaly skin
·
Swollen
and painful joints
·
Weakened
tooth enamel
Food
Sources of Vitamin C
Fruits with the highest sources of vitamin C
include:
·
Cantaloupe
·
Citrus
fruits and juices, such as orange and grapefruit
·
Kiwi
fruit
·
Mango
·
Papaya
·
Pineapple
·
Strawberries,
raspberries, blueberries, cranberries
·
Watermelon
Vegetables with the highest sources of vitamin C
include:
·
Broccoli,
Brussels sprouts, cauliflower
·
Green and
red peppers
·
Spinach,
cabbage, turnip greens, and other leafy greens
·
Sweet and
white potatoes
·
Tomatoes
and tomato juice
·
Winter
squash
I usually recommend clients to take 250mg of Vitamin C
with Each meal and 250mg at bedtime (that totals 1000mg per day).
Of course, always consult your medical professional
before you make any dietary or lifestyle changes.
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