The Truth About Vitamin C

By Amy Silva

When you think of foods that are rich in Vitamin C you might think of citrus fruits, but there are lots of other foods that contain high amounts of the vitamin. It's always a good idea to eat a healthy diet full of nutrient-rich foods that have essential vitamins and minerals, but below are some facts about Vitamin C you may not have known that will make you want to increase your intake to the recommended daily amount.

How Much Vitamin C Do You Need?

Vitamin C is also called ascorbic acid, and we need to consume foods that contain it, as we don't produce it on our own. It is an antioxidant and aids in healing the body as well as forming connective tissues and tissues such as muscle and collagen, among others. Women are suggested to have a daily intake of 75 milligrams and the recommendation for men is 90 milligrams. If you aren't sure how much food is required to reach that amount, one glass of orange juice per day contains more than the recommended daily amount for both men and women. If one becomes severely deficient in Vitamin C they may become anemic.

Vitamin C is found in many foods such as:

Fruits That Contain Vitamin C

• Grapefruit
• Oranges
• Strawberries
• Blueberries
• Watermelon
• Pineapple

Vegetables That Contain Vitamin C

• Broccoli
• Cauliflower
• Red and green bell peppers
• Cabbage
• Leafy greens

Health Benefits of Vitamin C

The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition published a study that showed there may be a reduced risk of stroke in those whose blood contains high Vitamin C concentrations over those who had low concentrations. Vitamin C may also give a boost to the immune system. Excess stress can sometimes mean a weak immune system, so getting enough Vitamin C may help counteract it. It can also lower inflammation and may reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and cancer. As for preventing the common cold, that isn't necessarily true, but that's not to say it isn't good for colds. Vitamin C may prevent a cold from turning into a more serious issue, such as pneumonia.

Vitamin C is found in plenty of foods making it easy to implement into your diet. It's a vitamin our bodies need, and it may help prevent future health problems, some of which can be serious. Adding fruit and vegetables to your diet can help you maintain a healthy lifestyle and give you valuable nutrients to be sure you hit the daily recommended amounts of important vitamins and minerals, such as Vitamin C.

To learn more about your health, wellness and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Shorewood, Ill.

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