Vitamin C is Nature’s Miracle

When we talk of Vitamin C we are referring to ascorbic acid, an essential vitamin for overall health which is found in many fruits and vegetables.

Ascorbic acid is known to provide protection against everything from common colds to more serious diseases. Vitamin C aids in the repairing of cells, the promotion of healthy teeth and gums, and in overall healthy function of our immune systems. Vitamin C also helps the body absorb iron, important in maintaining healthy bones and muscles. According to experts, Vitamin C is also helpful in prevention of the disease and the delay of the aging because it destroys ree radicals, molecules that are commonly thought to wreak cell damage and accelerate aging.

Vitamins are categorised based on the substances in which they dissolve, therefore vitamin C is categorised a water soluble vitamin, as is the complex group of vitamin B. Water soluble vitamins cannot be consumed in dangerous amounts, as any excess is naturally secreted by the body via urine. On the other hand, this means that we must regularly replenish our Vitamin C stores to ensure we always have enough, and also that we must drink enough water to flush our systems of any build-up.

Vitamin C is available in many whole foods, as mentioned, including citrus fruits, tomatos, potatoes, broccoli, spinach, peppers, and berries. Synthetic or processed Vitamin C can be found in pill and liquid form as ascorbic acid. Many people take Vitamin C when they feel an impending cold or flu. The average recommendation is approximately 60 milligrams of Vitamin C, however some people such as smokers, should take more – up to 110 milligrams for women and 125 mg for men.

There is such thing as a Vitamin C deficiency, which contributes to disease like scurvy. Of course scurvy is famous from times when people out to sea would not get enough fruits and vegetables, surviving on saly fish and other non-perishable staples. The lack of vitamin C in their diets led to stiff joints and eventually loss of teeth, hair and bone mass.

One final point is that water-soluble vitamins such as Vitamin C are easily lost or destroyed with the processes of cooking and preparing fresh food – it is recommended you eat as many of your fruits and vegetables raw, as possible, and to eat them as soon after picking as possible.

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