Archives for December 2014

We all know that vitamins and minerals are important to us. Having enough of them provides our bodies with the fuel to function optimally. But, it helps me to know some details about how these powerful components work individually. I thought this may be of interest to you too.

So, I decided to focus on Vitamin C. It’s one that talked about often especially during this time of the year – fall and winter. It has several benefits. I’ve highlighted five along with some tasty sources.

Vitamin C or ascorbic acid is an antioxidant. An antioxidant eliminates oxidizing agents that can form free radicals from the body.

1. It helps promote growth and healing of tissues.

Our muscles and organs are of vital importance.

Try eating an orange or drinking a glass of fresh orange juice to give them a boost.

2. It fights cancer.

A hearty sweet potato can be a wonderful-tasting weapon against cancer.

3. It fights infection.

With different types of viruses and bacteria floating around, it helps to have something to ward off infections.

A serving of brussel sprouts can help. Many people say they don’t like the taste of brussel sprouts. They’ve never been my favorites either until I tried them roasted. Roasting them seems to bring out a succulent sweetness that makes them quite enjoyable.

If you’ve never liked them before, try roasting them.

4. It cleanses the body of toxins.

With the industrialized, chemically-enhanced world we live in today, it’s very difficult to avoid pollution.

 

But, you can use lemons –  great sources of vitamin C – in cooking, and hot and cold drinks to rid your body of toxins.

5. It promotes immune function.

A healthy immune system, gives your body a fighting chance against the onslaught of illness-causing invaders like viruses, bacteria, and pollution.

Cantaloupe and honey dew melons, and strawberries are delicious ways to enhance it.

A bonus benefit

Those are the physical benefits. There are other benefits as well including providing lift in baking when yeast cannot be used.

In conjunction with baking soda and a light starch such as tapioca or arrowroot flours, it can be used as a baking powder.

A caveat

You don’t want to over do it though. Too much can have some adverse effects including diarrhea.

This becomes more of a problem to be aware of when using dietary supplements and can be avoided if your vitamin C intake is primarily through a healthy diet.

However, if you do decide to supplement, here is a post that features a product that I use and  have enjoyed good results.

With these wonderful foods, it can be quite enjoyable boosting your vitamin C levels.

If you know of some other sources of vitamin C, feel free to share.