Vitamin C: The Antioxidant

Vitamin C also known as L-ascorbic acid helps our immune system, prevent many diseases and plays a major part in our connective tissue. It is found in every cell and useful to different parts of the body such as:

- The skin
- Bones
- Tendons
- Ligaments
- Blood Vessels
- Scar Tissue
- The teeth
- The nervous system
- Glands like adrenals, thymus and thyroid

Nowadays, vitamin C is the most widely taken dietary supplement. It is available in many forms including tablets, drink mix, caplets, multi vitamins, crystalline powder and antioxidant formulations. Vitamin C is necessary for normal growth and development of a person but can also cause side effects when not taken into considerations.

Too much Vitamin C is bad for the body because it may lead to diarrhea, headache, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, skin rashes, disturbed sleep and stomach upset. Remember to take just an adequate amount of it because too little Vitamin C can also cause you some trouble.

Below are the symptoms of Vitamin C Deficiency:

- Nosebleeds
- Anemia
- Slow metabolism that can cause possible weight gain
- Swollen and painful joints
- Rough and dry skin
- Bleeding gums
- Gingivitis
- Dry hair that can cause split ends
- Decreased ability to fight infection and virus

Vitamin C can be lost during food preparation, storage and cooking. To prevent this:

- When possible serve fruits and vegetables raw
- Before you cook the potatoes, make sure you were able to wash them carefully
- Cook potatoes with their skin
- Always microwave the food
- Refrigerate prepared juices and store them not more than three days
- Do not soak or store vegetables and fruits in the water as it can be dissolved
- Always store cut vegetables and fruits in an airtight container

Eating a variety of food that contains vitamin C is the best way to get an adequate amount of it. Select foods that are good sources of vitamin C such as:

- Red and Green Bell Pepper
- Guava
- Mango
- Orange
- Papaya
- Orange and Orange Juice
- Broccoli
- Strawberries
- Cantaloupe
- Potato
- Green Cabbage
- Spinach
- Grapefruit
- Eggplant
- Peach
- Cherry
- Grape
- Avocado

Remember that our body does not manufacture Vitamin C on its own, nor store it. So, it is important to include food rich in Vitamin C in your daily diet.

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