Wednesday, April 3, 2019

The Importance of Vitamin C

Vitamin C is a vitamin that plays a helpful role in supporting the immune system. Research has shown that Vitamin C is essential for growth and repair of tissue in the body, while also helping maintain healthy bones, teeth, skin, and cartilage. This vitamin can work as an antioxidant to fight free radicals in the body, which can help prevent or delay certain types of cancers and heart disease.

The body cannot make Vitamin C, so it has to be consumed. Along with oranges, Vitamin C can be found in citrus fruits, tomatoes, strawberries, bell peppers, and broccoli. These types of foods can be eaten either raw or cooked, but it is important to remember that fruits and vegetables lose Vitamin C when they are heated or stored for long periods of time. Eating fruits and vegetables shortly after purchasing them and with minimal cooking can be helpful ways to limit nutrient loss. 

Although Vitamin C is essential for everyone, it may be especially helpful for vegetarians. Non-heme iron can be found in foods, such as beans, spinach, and quinoa. Vitamin C can assist the body in absorbing non-heme iron. Therefore, combining Vitamin C-rich foods with iron-rich plant foods can be beneficial. Overall, Vitamin C can be found in a variety of different foods and can have many different health benefits. 

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