Vitamin C
Sunday, December 08, 2013
Vitamin C
Our body does not make vitamin C or store it, so it is important to include it in our daily diet.
Why do we need vitamin C?
It is needed for growth and development. It is an antioxidant, which helps to reduce the damage caused by free radicals.
Most people would associate vitamin C with fighting against the common cold.
Fruit and vegetables contain vitamin C but some foods have a much richer source of vitamin C.
Foods high in vitamin C
Citrus fruits – oranges, grapefruit, lemon
Berries- strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, cranberries
Kiwi fruit
Mangos
Pineapple
Watermelon
Broccoli, brussel sprouts
Capsicum, red and green
Spinach, cabbage, kale and other green leafy vegetables
The concentration of vitamin C reduces when cooking is introduced so vitamin C is best absorbed in it’s raw or natural form.
The benefits of vitamin C include
Boosts the immune system
Helps protect against cardiovascular disease
Lower the risk of cancer
Improve absorption of iron
Reduce risk of cataracts
Helps heal wounds faster
Can help regulate blood sugar levels
Helps the body make collagen, important for skin, tendons, ligaments, cartilage and blood vessels
Below, an oldie but a goodie about vitamins and minerals, back when ads like this played more than ads for take-away food on television!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vlL9G0ugKmM