Are you getting enough vitamin C?
Vitamin C is also known as L-ascorbic acid. It’s a water-soluble vitamin that is naturally present in some foods, added to others, and available as a dietary supplement. As humans, our body is unable to make vitamin C and doesn’t store it, so it’s essential to get it from our diet or from supplements.
Benefits of Vitamin C:
- Vitamin C is important as an antioxidant and for immunity.
- We need vitamin C for the growth and repair of tissues in all parts of our body.
- It helps our body make collagen.
- Helps with wound healing.
- Helps with repairing and maintaining bones and teeth.
- It also helps our body absorb iron.
After I returned from a medical mission to the Caribbean earlier this year, I started having flu-like symptoms which later turned into a persistent cough. I couldn’t shake the symptoms so I went to the urgent care center for prescription medications. Two months later I was still coughing a little, but I went to a conference in New Jersey and the cough returned with a vengeance. My friends, who were also at the conference, gave me a few vitamin C tablets to take right away and stocked me up with more to take for the duration of the conference. They really worked! So when I got home, I added the Nutrilite® Vitamin C to my daily regimen to maintain my immunity.
The best sources of vitamin C are fruits and vegetables:
- Citrus fruits
- Red and green peppers
- Brussels sprouts
- Cantaloupe
- Guava
- Dark green leafy vegetables
- Kiwi (green)
- Broccoli
- Strawberries
- Oranges
- Tomatoes
- Papaya
Consuming five varied servings of fruits and vegetables per day can provide more than 200 mg of vitamin C. The vitamin C content of food may be reduced by prolonged storage and by cooking because ascorbic acid is water soluble and easily destroyed by heat. Fortunately, many of the best food sources of vitamin C are usually consumed raw. Although evidence suggests that many people may have low levels of vitamin C, it’s rare to be seriously deficient in it. Prolonged deficiency can cause scurvy, a rare but potentially severe illness.
Symptoms of vitamin C deficiency includes:
- Fatigue
- Muscle weakness
- Joint and muscle ache
- Bleeding gums
- Leg rash
Eating well is good for your mental as well as your physical health and eating fruits and vegetables every day is key to optimal health. Your nutritional needs should be met primarily from foods, but supplements may be used to fill gaps. Remember to always consult your doctor before trying any new supplements or treatments. If your doctor gives you the all-clear, chose supplements that are right for your health needs.
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To Your Success,
Althea
Althea A. McLeish Wilson, RN, MSN
Promoting inner health & outer beauty!
Helping you thrive, not just survive!!
PS. Inner Health & Outer Beauty Store: Health & Wellness with Althea♦
PPS. Did You Find This Helpful? If so, please feel free to share!! Leave a comment or contact me at althea@altheamcleish.com.
Resources:
Vitamin C by National Institute of Health♦
Vitamin C by the University of Maryland♦
