One of the most important vitamins humans need to consume in their diets to be healthy and fit is vitamin C. This vitamin is made of ascorbic acid and is required for healthy connective tissue, wound healing, and metabolism. It also is an important antioxidant which “might help prevent or delay the development of certain cancers, cardiovascular disease, and other diseases.”
Most of us know, from the time we are children, we get vitamin C from citrus plants like oranges and grapefruit. However, you can get it from other sources like red peppers (even more than oranges!), broccoli, brussels sprouts, potatoes and more. Most of the key food sources of vitamin C are best consumed raw rather than cooked; although a variety of sources is recommended.
And you don’t need to eat much to get your daily requirements. For example, 3/4c of orange juice (most drink double that in a serving) is 103% of your daily vitamin needs. If you are pregnant or trying to become pregnant citrus fruits contain folate or folic acid. This is a vitamin B nutrient and is important for preventing birth defects in babies. So by drinking orange juice, you are helping with both your vitamin C and B folic acid needs!
Back in the 18th century sailors used to go long periods without any vitamin C and would contract a disease called scurvy. However, scurvy is very rare now and most of us drink enough citrus and consume other vitamin C high foods to keep us healthy and strong. If you are worried you aren’t getting enough vitamin C from your diet than you can take a supplement but for most of us that is not necessary.
Vitamin C plays a vital role in a healthy human body functioning well. Fortunately, it is easy to find and consume foods rich in the vitamin. In fact, it may be as simple as drinking a glass of orange juice in the morning or adding some red bell pepper to our omelet. However we go about it getting enough of it, vitamin C is a delicious part of any diet!
What is your favorite citrus snack? We would love to hear in the comments section
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