Vitamin C

Hey everyone!

Since fall is here and winter is approaching, let’s talk about Vitamin C! Vitamin C often comes to mind this time of year due to its role in fighting disease. Vitamin C is an essential nutrient that is found in a variety of foods and can also be taken in supplement form. Vitamin C is considered an essential nutrient because since the human body cannot synthesis Vitamin C on its own, it must be consumed via food or supplement.

Scurvy, a disease that results from Vitamin C deficiency, is characterized by overall weakness, sore arms and legs, bleeding skin and gums, and decreased red blood cells. Scurvy was common several centuries ago in sailors and pirates who were on long voyages via boat. The food they carried on board contained little to no Vitamin C. Numerous amounts of people died from scurvy during these voyages. They eventually carried citrus fruits with them during their voyages, preventing and curing scurvy outbreaks. Most scurvy diagnoses today occur in underdeveloped nations, where foods with Vitamin C and proper nutrition are not widely available to everyone.

Vitamin C is an antioxidant that protects cells from atoms or molecules called free radicals, which can damage cells. These damaged cells may cause various diseases, such as cancer and cardiovascular disease. The body requires Vitamin C for it to synthesize collagen, which is a component of connective tissue needed for wound repair and healing. Vitamin C also plays a vital role in the body absorbing iron that comes from plant based sources. Although some think Vitamin C helps cure the common cold, studies are conflicting. Vitamin C may be considered a common cold cure due to its vital role in white blood cell production and decreased cell damage.

Although people often consider oranges when thinking about Vitamin C, there are many foods that are good sources of Vitamin C. The Kakadu plum, which is native to Australia, contains 100 more times Vitamin C than the orange. Some other foods packed full of Vitamin C include kale, broccoli, bell peppers, and kiwi. Do you consume your Vitamin C via food, supplement, or both? What are some of your favorite foods that contain Vitamin C?