Probably the most talked about vitamin is Vitamin C. Most people associate it with orange juice, assume that it will help you stay healthier, and know little else about this famous and fascinating vitamin.
The truth is that Vitamin C is necessary for all humans. Vital in the production of collagen, it also helps protect other fat-soluble vitamins and fatty acids in the oxidation process. It also has been used to treat iron deficiency and can present and cure scurvy.
So what happens if you don't consume enough Vitamin C? In extreme cases, it can cause the disease Scurvy. Rarely seen today except in alcoholics who don't consume many other calories, it causes mobile teeth, bleeding gums, purplish colored wounds, joint pain, muscle deterioration, and a wealth of other problems.
For those who think they may not be getting enough Vitamin C, the good news is that it is readily available in the form of many common foods. If you enjoy fruit, you can snack on a lime, grapefruit, orange, or other citrus fruits. If you are in the mood for veggies, a green pepper, potato, or tomato are among those boasting lots of this important vitamin. Although a lot of the nutrients of the vitamin are damaged during chopping or cooking, the good news is that there is enough Vitamin C in these foods so that you will still receive more than the daily requirement which is about 60 to 90 milligrams a day.
There are cases when individuals should boost their Vitamin C consumption. Pregnant women might want to opt for that extra glass of orange juice instead of a soda. Smokers should also double up on their Vitamin C since many of it is negated by that damaging little habit.
If you are very picky about what you consume, you may want to take a Vitamin C supplement as a part of your diet. Water soluble, these can be found at any supermarket or pharmacy. Fairly inexpensive, they are just as effective as the vitamins you would obtain through natural food consumption. |
