THE COMMON VITAMINS & HOW THEY CAN HELP: VITAMIN C (ASCORBIC ACID)
This is a water-soluble vitamin that plays an important role in the growth and maintenance of healthy bones, teeth, gums, ligaments, and blood vessels. It may even strengthen the body’s natural defenses against infection.
A mild deficiency of vitamin C may cause weakness, swollen gums, and nosebleeds. Severe deficiency leads to scurvy and anemia.
Recent research suggests that vitamin C—taken directly or through orange juice—may reduce the harmful effects of low-level radiation. The study— conducted on field mice—showed that vitamin C protected against the harmful effects of low-level X-rays, which are the type used in medical diagnosis. It is still unclear, however, if humans can also benefit from those protective qualities of vitamin C.
Other recent studies suggest that fruits and vegetables high in vitamin C and carotenoids—orange, yellow, and red pigments—may help prevent cataracts, as well as play a protective role against certain cancers. These studies, taking place at the USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University in Boston, while neither definitive nor conclusive, should serve as positive reinforcement for a healthy addition of fruits and vegetables into the average daily diet.
Vitamin C can be found in fresh fruits and vegetables. Citrus fruits, tomatoes, green, leafy vegetables, broccoli, potatoes, sweet red peppers, strawberries, and cantaloupe are especially good sources. The recommended daily allowance is 60 mg.
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In: General health · Tagged with: General health