Cold or hot weather,
there is an essential vitamin that we must always consume. Vitamin C.
Vit C has been hailed
in some circles as the ultimate nutrient. Some doctors would dare to say that
the overall marker for a good healthy immune system is one with high levels of
Vit C.
The reason behind
this may be because Vit C has been used since the ‘dark ages’ to cure all sorts
of illnesses. Scurvy is now relatively rare, but it was once common among
sailors, pirates, and those who spent long periods of time on board ships. When
the voyages lasted longer than the supply of fruits and vegetables, the sailors
began to suffer from Vit C deficiency, which led to scurvy.
Our bodies do not
produce enough vitamin C for us to feel the benefits-most animals actually
produce up to about 30kg of their own Vit C-we’re doing badly. And to think of
our lifestyle today, everything comes out of a bottle. Put aside the supplements
and eat an Orange, or a Lemon, or Grapefruits, Brocolli, Sukuma Wiki too and a
myriad of fruits and vegetables. The modern uses of Vit C are quite varied.
They include, but are not limited to protection against immune system
deficiencies, reduces the effects of colds and flus, cardiovascular disease,
prenatal health problems, eye disease, and even skin wrinkling- Who would have
thought!
It is also necessary
for the growth, development and repair of all body tissues. It's involved in
many body functions, including formation of collagen, absorption of iron, improvement
on the immune system, wound healing, and the maintenance of cartilage, bones,
and teeth. In fact, a recent study showed Vit C was beneficial to individuals
whose immune system was weakened due to stress -a condition which is very
common in our society. Vit C is one of the nutrients sensitive to stress, and
is the first nutrient to be depleted in alcoholics, smokers, and obese
individuals- I leave you to ponder on that..
Next week I will go a
little more in depth
on this amazing nutrient, let's learn together!
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