Thanks to nutrient depleted foods and high stress lifestyles, more than 60% of people aren’t getting enough vitamin c according to an American Journal of Clinical Nutrition study. Are you in this group? If you have been experiencing high blood pressure, changes in your skin, eyes, gut, heart or immune health then chances are the answer is YES.
Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin, meaning that your body doesn’t store it. You have to get what you need from food and/ or supplement form. It is essential for the growth and repair of tissues in all parts of your body. It helps the body make collagen, an important protein used to make skin, cartilage, tendons, ligaments, and blood vessels. It is also key in healing the gut and wounds, reducing bad bacteria, and for repairing and maintaining bones and teeth.
One of the biggest risks show in recent research is that atherosclerosis ( the buildup of plaque in your arteries) is now thought to be “scurvy of your blood vessels”. Too little vitamin c will lead to an increase in plaque in your arteries and that is when the big problems like high blood pressure, impaired vision, stroke and heart disease show up.
Just by getting 125 mg daily you can begin to lower your risks and improve your health. Lucky for you, many of the common foods available to you are high in vitamin c so just by incorporating these into your daily diet, you will lower your risk and improve your health.
Vitamin C containing foods: Oranges, green peppers, watermelon, papaya, grapefruit, cantaloupe, strawberries, kiwi, mango, broccoli, tomatoes, brussels sprouts, cauliflower, cabbage, raw and cooked leafy greens (turnip greens, spinach), red and green peppers, fresh tomatoes, potatoes, winter squash, raspberries, blueberries, cranberries, and pineapple are all rich sources of vitamin C.
It’s important to note that vitamin C is sensitive to light, air, and heat. To ensure that you get the highest amounts from the foods you are eating, be sure to eat them raw or lightly cooked.
From the foods you eat to the supplements you take, you can start improving your health today- go grab an orange and some greens, your body will thank you.
