Vitamins C
Vitamin C, also known
as ascorbic acid, is a water-soluble, antioxidant
Vitamin and mineral essential for maintaining
optimal health. It is has many purposes.
It is
important in forming collagen, a protein used
to make skin, scar tissue, tendons, ligaments,
and blood vessels.
Vitamin C also aids in the
absorption of iron, and helps maintain teeth,
and is essential for the healing of wounds.
Vitamin
C is one of many antioxidant Vitamin, nutrients
that block some of the damage caused by
free radicals, which are by-products that
result when our bodies transform food into
energy.
The build up of these by-products
over time can contribute to the development
of various health
Conditions such as cancer,
heart disease, and a host of inflammatory
conditions like arthritis and is largely
responsible for the aging process.Vitamin C deficiency can lead to dry and splitting
hair; gingivitis and bleeding gums;
rough, dry,
scaly skin; decreased wound-healing rate, easy
bruising; nosebleeds; weakened enamel of the teeth;
swollen and painful joints; anemia; decreased ability
to ward off infection; and, possibly, weight gain
because of slowed metabolic rate and energy expenditure.
The body does not manufacture this liquid Vitamin
on its own and the body does not store it either.
Therefore it is important to consumed Vitamin C
every day and include plenty health food Vitamin
containing Vitamin C in your daily diet or take
Vitamin supplement, which you can easily but in
Vitamin shoppes.
All vegetables and fruits contain
certain amount of Vitamin C.Some of the highest
sources of Vitamin C include green peppers, citrus
fruits and juices, strawberries, broccoli, tomatoes,
turnip greens and other leafy greens, sweet and
white potatoes, and cantaloupe.
Other good whole food Vitamin includes papaya,
mango, watermelon, raspberries, blueberries, cranberries,
pineapples, cabbage, winter squash, brussels sprouts,
cauliflower, and red peppers.
Vitamin C is regularly excreted by the body, since
it is liquid Vitamin.Therefore, toxicity is very
rare.
However amounts greater than 2,000 mg/day
are not recommended because such high doses can
lead to diarrhea and stomach upset.
The best way to get the daily requirement of essential Vitamins, in particular Vitamin C, is to eat a balanced diet that contains a variety of foods from the food guide pyramid.