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Vitamin C Foods Can Help You Live A Healthier Life

There are lots of vitamin C foods that can be easily included in our diet to enable us to live a more healthy lifestyle. Among the many health benefits of Vitamin C are the protection it provides from heart disease and some cancers. Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is a water soluble vitamin. Any excess is excreted in small amounts by our body and we therefore need to maintain an adequate supply through our diet and Vitamin C supplements.

What Is Vitamin C?

Vitamin C is an antioxidant and protects the body from harmful free radicals and chemicals. It is probably one of the most widely used nutrients by the general public, and was recognised as early as the 1700's as preventing scurvy in sailors. It is also vital for the formation of collagen for healthy gums, teeth and blood vessels and plays an important role in the synthesis of norepinephrine, a neurotransmitter in the brain that has an effect on mood amongst other things. However, one of the most important health benefits of Vitamin C is it's ability to both prevent and treat cancer.

Vitamin C Dose

Although the recommended daily allowance for vitamin C is approximately 90mg/day for adults and 45 mg/day for children, this is the amount needed to prevent scurvy. To obtain the benefits of Vitamin C as a protective agent against cardiovascular diseases and cancers, the optimal recommended dosage is between 100 - 1000 mg/day. The National Academy of Sciences has set a Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL) for vitamin C at 2,000 milligrams for adults 19 years or older. Vitamin C toxicity from Vitamin C foods is extremely rare as it a water soluble vitamin therefore the body excretes excess amounts of vitamin C. However, Vitamin C toxicity can occur if a large amount is consumed at once and symptoms include nausea, abdominal cramping and diarrhoea. When supplementing your diet with Vitamin C supplements make sure you do not take large doses over a long period of time.

Foods High In Vitamin C

Food Serving Size Vitamin C (mg)
Red bell peppers 1 cup 175mg
Mustard Greens 1 cup 35mg
Watermelon 1 cup 15mg
Broccoli 1 cup 125mg
Strawberries 1 cup 80mg
Turnip 1 cup 40mg
Oranges 1 orange 70mg
Lemon Juice 1/4 Cup 28mg
Tomatoes 1 cup 35mg
Cabbage 1 cup 30mg
Papaya 1 papaya 188mg
Cauliflower 1 cup 55mg
Parsley 2 Tablespoons 10mg
Grapefruit 1/2 grapefruit 47mg

If your diet is lacking in vitamin C foods, vitamin C supplements may benefit you. Vitamin C is an important nutrient to include in your diet for a healthy long life.

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