Vitamin C is water soluble and antioxidant vitamin and cannot be stored in the body.
It is excreted from the body regularly, so you have to supply it regularly to the body. It is used for proper functioning of human body.
It is also known as ascorbic acid. Ascorbic acid is an antioxidant which helps in protecting the body against pollutants.
Ascorbic acid helps in promoting healthy cell development, normal tissue growth and repair such as healing injuries and burns, and helps in absorption of calcium.
The main function of vitamin C is that it helps in the synthesis of collagen. Collagen is an important component of ligaments, blood vessels, bone and tendons. It is found throughout the body, present in cartilage and connective tissues and is used to separate skeletal and smooth muscle cells.
Vitamin C is useful for healthy gums to help in protecting against infections. It also strengthens many parts of your body such as blood vessels and muscles.
Vitamin C can be easily lost from foods during preparation, storage or cooking. To preserve vitamin C, you have to follow some precautions. You have to take fruits and vegetables in raw form. Boil, steam, or simmer foods in minimum water for shorter time. If you are refrigerating prepared fruit juices, you should not store more than two days. You have to cook potatoes with out removing the skin. After cutting, raw fruits and vegetables should be stored in airtight container and should be refrigerated. You should not soak fruits or vegetables in water as vitamin C will be dissolved in water.
Scurvy is the main disease that is caused by vitamin C deficiency. It is characterized by loose teeth, anemia, poor healing, easy bruising and fragility of blood vessels. The other deficiencies include dry and splitting hair, bleeding gums, nose bleeds, swollen and painful joints, rough and dry skin.
The symptoms of vitamin C deficiency include weight loss, irritability, fatigue, depression and weakness. Low levels of it cause gall bladder disease, atherosclerosis, hypertension, stroke and cancer.
Vitamin C is obtained from vegetables and fruits. The foods which are rich in it are oranges, water melon, cabbage, cauli flower, papaya, cantaloupes, grapes, strawberries, kiwi, broccoli, mango, tomatoes, Brussels sprouts, acerola, kale leaves, and citrus juices.
Higher levels of vitamin C is required only if you have fever or infection. Excess intake of vitamin C causes stomach pain, diarrhea, nausea, and an increased risk of kidney stones. Body levels of copper can be reduced with high quantities of it. Jaundice, severe back pain, fever, vomiting, facial flushing, itchiness, and headache are other symptoms of overdose of vitamin C.
If you are following a good diet with foods that are rich in vitamin C included, then there is no need to take supplements separately as some of the supplements may be harmful.
Eat fresh fruits and vegetables which are rich in vitamin C to keep your body healthy. Health plans should always take vitamin C, and nutrition as a whole, into account.
