Vitamin C

Sunday, December 08, 2013

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.

 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.

 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!