The Anti-Oxidant Power of Vitamin C

      Vitamin C is probably the most well-known of the vitamin family. Although most people associate Vitamin C with oranges, it is also commonly found in other citrus fruits like lemon and kumquats in addition to cabbage and cantaloupe. Also, juices and breakfast cereals are often fortified with Vitamin C.

An interesting fact that may amaze you is that a one-half cup serving of diced raw red pepper contains 40% more Vitamin C than a medium orange. Try tossing some sliced uncooked red peppers and oranges in your salad for an antioxidant boost. 

How to know whether or not you are getting enough Vitamin C?  If your only source of the vitamin is with a once daily glass of orange juice, then you're probably not getting an ample amount of this necessary nutrient.  Vitamin C is readily absorbed and rapidly released by the body which is why it is hard to obtain your daily resources from your foods unless you are taking in five helpings of raw fruits and vegetables that have a high content of Vitamin C everyday. Unfortunately, the vitamin content is diminished with prolonged storage of food items that are fortified with the vitamin.  Aside from that, adding heat to fruits and vegetables also decreases the Vitamin C content.  For these reasons, swallowing Vitamin C supplements is highly common.

Vitamin C is a critical element in helping your body to maintain its immune system to overcome illnesses, bacterial infections and teeth loss.  While Vitamin C isn't a cure for the common cold, having an ample supply of the nutrient in your body will help rescue your body from those symptoms.  This might result in getting colds less often or at least in a milder form if you do get them. Those that are most at risk for Vitamin C deficiency includes folks that smoke, eat a small food variety, or have a chronic condition.

Research has shown that Vitamin C is well tolerated at high doses.  Still, it is important to follow the label instructions and never take more than the recommended amounts of Vitamin C supplements. Also, you should consult with your health care professional before using multi-vitamin supplements to be sure that there will not be an interaction with any medications you may be taking.