Vitamin C, which is also known as Ascorbic acid, is a water-soluble vitamin that is very important for your immune system. But since the body cannot produce Vitamin C naturally, it has to be consumed in the form of foods which include fruits and vegetables for getting it in plenty amounts. So, folks, we will be discussing elaborately the role of Vitamin C in this article and the crucial function it plays in supporting the immune system. So, without any delay, let us get started.
How Does Vitamin C Help the Immune System?
This is a question that I am pretty sure must be tickling you after you have read the title of the article, so Vitamin C is a very important Vitamin for your body. Imagine getting hurt and sustaining injuries; for the repair of these injuries, Vitamin C is important. It is primarily responsible for healing wounds and repairing healthy bones, skin, teeth, and cartilage, which is a type of firm tissue covering the bones.
Vitamin C is a very powerful antioxidant that is responsible for fighting free radicals. The immune system is greatly supported by many vitamins, but Vitamin C is crucial for its maintenance.
Vitamin C- Antioxidant:
As we mentioned earlier, Vitamin C is a very powerful antioxidant, and it is responsible for delaying as well as preventing some cancers and heart disease along with fighting free radicals. It also promotes healthy aging. Not only this, when you consume Vitamin C from foods, it largely helps in reducing the risk of cartilage loss, especially for those who have osteoarthritis.
Vitamin C- During Cold:
Apart from the many incredible functions of Vitamin C, it also helps in numerous ways during the cold. Evidence shows that when vitamin C is given in high doses during cold, it helps in decreasing the length of cold symptoms, and this goes by as much as one to one-and-a-half days for some people. However, there are many studies that show variances in opinion. As per it, the risk of side effects of a High dose of Vitamin C is much more than the treatment. This is especially true when you take high doses of Vitamin C supplements. Hence, it is important to check with your doctor whenever you are consuming it.
Now that you have got a good understanding of Vitamin C, let us now look at some of the sources of Vitamin C.
Sources:
- Acerola cherries
- Citrus Fruits
- Rose hips
- Chili peppers
- Black currants
- Cantaloupe
- Mustard spinach
- Broccoli
- Lemons
- Lychees
- Strawberries
- Papayas
- Oranges
Some of more sources of Vitamin C that you can consume if you are specifically looking to have a healthy immune system are:
- clementines
- tangerines
- lemons
- limes
- grapefruit
- oranges
- Garlic
- Ginger
- Yogurt
- Almonds
Folks, these are some of the sources of Vitamin C that you can have in plenty to have a healthy immune system. Also, you can enjoy these fruits and vegetables raw or cooked. However, it is important to note that these vegetables and fruits, when cooked, will be losing their nutritive value because fo the heat or when they are stored for a longer period of time. Hence, to prevent the loss of nutrients, consider consuming them as soon as you are done shopping for them. You can also consider steaming or microwaving them for a shorter period to prevent the loss of nutrients.
If you are a vegetarian, then you will be especially interested to know that the consumption of Vitamin C helps the body absorb the non-heme-iron that is obtained from plant fruits such as spinach, quinoa, and beans. To get most of the benefit, You can include and combine the foods in the same meal.
Some of the Symptoms of Vitamin C deficiency Include:
- poor wound healing
- anemia
- scurvy
- bleeding gums
- frequent bruising and infections
Folks, these are some of the symptoms of Vitamin C deficiency. So, when you are having any of these symptoms, consider that you are lacking. Hence, consuming plenty of it will help you in getting rid of these causes. But in case of severity, consult a medical professional.
Commonly Asked Questions:
What is the way to boost the Immune System quickly?
There is no instant way by which you can boost your immune system, but to make steady progress in boosting your immune system, consider the following:
- get enough sleep
- avoid or quit smoking
- limit alcohol consumption
- eating a healthy, varied diet with plenty of fresh foods and whole grains
- exercise
- manage your weight
What are the vegetables that are good for the immune system?
Some of the vegetables that are good for the immune system are turmeric, garlic, red bell peppers, spinach, and broccoli
Conclusion:
Vitamin C plays a very important part in boosting and protecting your immune system. Hence, it is important to consume in plenty of amounts. That’s all, folks. I hope the article will help you in getting all the information you need.
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