We often think about Vitamin C when we have cold and flu symptoms for the immune boosting properties. However Vitamin C has many other benefits our body requires to perform at optimal health.
Vitamin C is also commonly referred to as ascorbic acid, is a vitamin found in various foods and sold as a dietary supplement. Recently it has been recognized as a powerful antioxidant, vitamin C can protect the body from highly reactive molecules known as free radicals. Studies have shown that vitamin C supplementation has been promoted as a potent antioxidant for athletes. It helps to combat oxidative damage that occurs during intense exercise.
Collagen Formation is another function that requires suffienct Vitamin C. Vitamin C is necessary for our bodies to produce collagen. Vitamin C enhances collagen production and reduces damage including wrinkles and hyper-pigmentation. Maintaining high levels of vitamin C is crucial for healthy, and glowing skin.
Food Sources that are rich in Vitamin C are citrus fruits like lemons, kiwi and limes. Leafy greens like spinach and kale are also rich in Vitamin C. The recommended daily requirement for males is 90 mg per day, for females it is 75 mg.
A simple snack to get in your daily recommended Vitamin C intake is:
1 orange – 74.5 MG
1 kiwi – 92.7 MG
3/4 Cantaloupe – 23.6 MG
Total Vitamin C = 190.8 MG
Enjoy the Spring with these wonderful natural sources of Vitamin C. Have a little lemon with your limes. 🙂
Green Cupcake 