Food
JAM | Mar 15, 2023

Why it’s essential to get your daily dose of Vitamin C

Mikala Johnson

Mikala Johnson / Our Today

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Vitamin C is probably the most popular vitamin there is. It’s one of those vitamins that you would have heard about at some point in your life, especially during the flu season.

But why is this vitamin so important, you may ask?  Well, the answer is simple, vitamin C boasts several health benefits which make it a required supplement in your daily diet.

Other names for vitamin C include L-ascorbic acid, ascorbic acid, and L-ascorbate.

According to Medical News Today, vitamin C is water-soluble, and water-soluble vitamins are not retained in the body.

Since the body does not store water-soluble vitamins, you have to maintain adequate levels of vitamin C. Medical practitioners encourage individuals to incorporate the vitamin into their diet by consuming food that contains Vitamin C every day.

Though it is popularly known for boosting the immune system, vitamin C can do so much more!

The body needs vitamin C for various functions and here are some of them.

  • It helps the body to produce, blood vessels, collagen, muscles, and cartilage, among others.
  • As an antioxidant, it helps remove unwanted substances known as reactive oxidative species (ROS) from the body.
  • It helps the body absorb iron.
  • It enhances wound healing.
  • It promotes good oral health and protects gum from bleeding. 

Experts recommend that women take 75 milligrams (mg) of vitamin C daily while men take 90mg daily. Your daily intake may vary, however, based on several factors including age and gender.

Sourcing vitamin C the natural way

Fruits that contain high levels of vitamin C such as citrus fruits (oranges, lemons, grapefruits, etc), guavas, kiwis, pineapples, berries and cherries should be eaten on a regular basis and can help reduce the likelihood of resorting to supplements.

Vitamin C can also be naturally sourced from vegetables. Avoid boiling or overcooking your veggies as this can cause them to lose nutrients.  Experts recommend that you steam your vegetables to retain the vitamin C content.  

Vitamin C is an antioxidant and essential nutrient that has many functions, from boosting your immune system to helping you achieve beautiful skin.

While you can take supplements to get your daily dose of vitamin C, fresh fruits and vegetables are good sources.

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