Vitamin C is a naturally – occurring nutrient crucial to the human body in many ways.
From building a strong immune system to promoting proper muscle function and increasing the body’s power to produce calcium, Vitamin C is just what your body needs on a daily basis.
This article has hunted down 7 foods that will supply you with more than the required daily value (DV) of 60mg.
Understand the role of vitamin C in your body
Here are the reasons why your body deserves an intake of vitamin C each and every day;
1. Healthy immune system
Vitamin C stimulates the production of the white blood cells, which in return fight disease-causing bacteria in the body.
Vitamin C, because of its antioxidant properties, helps keep white blood cells in check by protecting them against oxidative damage.
A healthy immune system has the ability to prevent clumping together of blood cells (platelets), a major factor that lowers the risk of heart diseases such as atherosclerosis (a condition characterized by formation of blood clots which clog the vessels, causing improper supply of blood in the body.
2. Healthy skin
Vitamin C helps combat free radicals that speed the aging process.
A decrease in the appearance of wrinkles is highly associated with an increased intake of vitamin C.
- Also Promotes clear and healthy skin by preventing accumulation and multiplication of the harmful bacteria that cause skin infections such as acne.
Vitamin C; in this case, helps reduce the effects of oxidative damage by factors such as stress and pollution.
3. Collagen synthesis
Collagen is a protein responsible for the maintenance of proper functioning of the muscles.
Not only does vitamin C initiate Synthesis of collagen, but also maintains its level in the body. Collagen gives tissues elasticity and support. The best way to keep your body looking young and better is by consuming vitamin C containing foods in plenty.
Vitamin C also;
- Increases rate of wound healing.
- Reduce blood sugar in diabetic people.
- Treats allergy related infections when administered as a supplement.
- Restores dry skin.
- Reduces damage to the skin caused by prolonged sun exposure.
Signs of vitamin C deficiency
Here are the common signals the body sends when levels of vitamin C are below normal. Watch out for;
- Easy bruising
- Dry patches on the skin
- Slow wound healing
- Dry hair
- Uncontrolled hair breakage
- Bleeding gums
If you notice any of the above symptoms, visit your doctor for tests and investigations to rule out or confirm vitamin C deficiency. Prolonged lack of vitamin C causes Scurvy, a condition as a result of collagen breakdown.
Top Vitamin C Containing-foods
These foods are not only readily available at the grocery near you, but also highly affordable. The following list of foods will give your body a boost of other nutrients, together with the vitamin C it deserves.