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Vitamin C

Overview

Scurvy, also known as vitamin C deficiency was prevalent in ancient times. Nowadays, scurvy is rare. However, there is solid evidence supporting the role of this bioactive compound in the prevention and management of disease. Unlike other animals, our bodies cannot produce this powerful antioxidant, This is why you need to make sure to consume foods high in it on a daily basis. In addition, there are lifestyle factors that make you more deficient in this vitamin. The main sources either come from the food that you eat or supplementation.

Some Chronic Disease Insight

Needless to say, the benefits of vitamin C go way beyond shortening the length of the common cold. Further, vitamin C has cardioprotective and anti-cancer properties.

What foods have the highest amount of vitamin C?

  • Yellow Bell Peppers
  • Kiwis
  • Broccoli
  • Brussel Sprouts
  • Lemons
  • Papayas
  • Strawberries
  • Oranges
  • Acerola Cherries
  • Green Chili Peppers
  • Guavas

Benefits of Vitamin C

  • Helps improve cardiovascular, skin, eye, and cognitive health.
  • It is necessary for collagen production. Collagen is part of our tendons, ligaments, skin, cartilage, cornea of the eyes, bones, gut, and blood vessels!
  • We are constantly exposed to chemicals and toxins in our food and environment that cause oxidative damage. This vitamin helps combat oxidative stress and DNA damage in our bodies.
  • It is necessary to produce L-carnitine which helps your body produce energy.
  • It is necessary to produce some neurotransmitters and promote a good mood.

Supplementation

When it comes to supplementing with this vitamin, it is necessary to test and follow the advice of a trained professional like an FDN-P. What’s more, is that there are ways to increase the bio-availability of this antioxidant. Moreover, you should also know that not all supplements are created equal. Some are just not as effective.

References

https://www.ffhdj.com/index.php/ffhd/article/view/174

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3783921/