Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is an essential nutrient that plays a crucial role in several body functions. For example, vitamin C is good for activating energy, supports your bones, contributes to your resistance, is important for your skin and much more.
Sources of Vitamin C
Vitamin C is abundant in many fruits and vegetables. The richest natural sources include:
- Citrus fruits such as oranges, grapefruits, and lemons
- Red and green peppers
- Kiwis
- Strawberries
- Black currants
- Broccoli
- Brussels sprouts
- Parsley
Make sure you choose organic fruits and vegetables where no pesticides have been used. This will make the product contain more of the desired nutrients.
Health benefits
Vitamin C is best known for its role in immune function, but it has other important functions as well:
- Antioxidant: it protects cells from free radical damage.
- Collagen production: contributes to the formation of collagen which is important for the skin.
- Oral health: contributes to strong teeth and helps keep teeth strong.
- Wound healing: plays a role in the healing process of wounds.
- Iron: promotes the absorption of iron into the blood.
- Bones and blood vessels: supports bones and is good for the skeleton. Is additionally important for blood vessels.
- Psychological function: contributes to mental resilience, is good for learning performance, concentration and memory.
- Nervous system: supports normal nervous system function.
Signs of deficiency
Vitamin C deficiency can lead to:
- Fatigue
- Muscle weakness
- Joint and muscle pains
- Bleeding gums
- Delayed wound healing
Therapeutic use
Vitamin C is also used therapeutically in a variety of ways. Although its effectiveness varies, some possible uses are: