Wonderful Vitamin C
Much has been written about the effects of vitamin C (ascorbic acid). A few vital facts, however,
highlight how important this vitamin is, particularly when it is often far below optimal levels in
our modern diet.
Of all creatures on earth, humans are one of the few unable to produce vitamin C in their bodies.
Instead, we have been designed to absorb our requirements from fresh fruit and vegetables.
Vitamin C performs many functions, including:
1. Aids absorption of other nutrients, e.g. iron.
2. Acts as an antioxidant.
3. Promotes healthy bone and connective tissue formation.
4. Enhances our immune systems - hence the recommendations for extra vitamin C if you have a
cold or 'flu'.
5. Promotes wound healing.
To ensure we have sufficient vitamin C levels, we should consume fresh fruit and vegetables
regularly -- most desirably 5 portions daily. Among the best sources of the vitamin are broccoli,
Brussel sprouts, cabbage, citrus fruits, green peppers, kiwi fruit and tomatoes.
In order to maximize vitamin C intake, follow these simple guidelines: -
1. Never boil vegetables -- vitamin C will rapidly leak into the cooking water and is wasted.
Steaming or cooking vegetables for a short time reduces losses, e.g. stir-frying for a minute or
two.
2. Eat fresh fruit and vegetables as soon as possible after purchasing. Both lose vitamin C at the
rate of 10 percent per month when stored.
3. Reduce alcohol consumption and stop smoking - both deplete vitamin C levels in our bodies.
Much has been written about the effects of vitamin C (ascorbic acid). A few vital facts, however,
highlight how important this vitamin is, particularly when it is often far below optimal levels in
our modern diet.
Of all creatures on earth, humans are one of the few unable to produce vitamin C in their bodies.
Instead, we have been designed to absorb our requirements from fresh fruit and vegetables.
Vitamin C performs many functions, including:
1. Aids absorption of other nutrients, e.g. iron.
2. Acts as an antioxidant.
3. Promotes healthy bone and connective tissue formation.
4. Enhances our immune systems - hence the recommendations for extra vitamin C if you have a
cold or 'flu'.
5. Promotes wound healing.
To ensure we have sufficient vitamin C levels, we should consume fresh fruit and vegetables
regularly -- most desirably 5 portions daily. Among the best sources of the vitamin are broccoli,
Brussel sprouts, cabbage, citrus fruits, green peppers, kiwi fruit and tomatoes.
In order to maximize vitamin C intake, follow these simple guidelines: -
1. Never boil vegetables -- vitamin C will rapidly leak into the cooking water and is wasted.
Steaming or cooking vegetables for a short time reduces losses, e.g. stir-frying for a minute or
two.
2. Eat fresh fruit and vegetables as soon as possible after purchasing. Both lose vitamin C at the
rate of 10 percent per month when stored.
3. Reduce alcohol consumption and stop smoking - both deplete vitamin C levels in our bodies.
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