Do you know vitamin C?

Tweet

Vitamin C is also called ascorbic acid, which is the form of vitamin C found in most foods. It is a water-soluble vitamin and cannot be stored in the body. Most plants and animals can produce their own vitamin C, but humans cannot. For this reason, humans must eat ample amounts of vitamin C every day. Vitamin C is also a powerful antioxidant that helps boost the body’s immune system, which is why people often eat oranges or a Vitamin C supplement to prevent colds. Vitamin C is needed for proper growth, development, and to heal wounds. It is used to make the collagen tissue for healthy teeth, gums, blood vessels and bones. Since vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant, it is also used to prevent damage to our bodies from toxicities and pollutants, such as cigarette smoke. Men should consume 90 mg per day of vitamin C while women need 75 mg per day. Smokers should add an extra 35 mg per day to these numbers, because vitamin C is depleted as an antioxidant in smokers. Additional vitamin C is needed to ensure its other roles are performed. Good sources of vitamin C include oranges, grapefruits, lemons, limes, green and red peppers, tomatoes, strawberries, spinach, mangos, winter squash, cantaloupe, broccoli, and potatoes (sweet and white).