Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is a water-soluble and hence is easily absorbed by the body and secreted through urine. That means you need a continuous supply of such vitamins in your diet. This vitamin is found in fresh fruits, berries and green vegetables. The main function of vitamin C is the growth and repair of tissues in all parts of your body. It forms a protein which makes up skin, tendons, ligaments and blood vessels. And it also repairs and maintains the bones and teeth. Thus, it acts as an antioxidant that helps you from the problems because of free radicals.
Your body cannot make Vitamin C on its own; hence it is necessary for your to take food like citrous fruit and vegetables in your diet. If vitamin C is not taken, deficiency occurs. The following are some of the symptoms occurring when there is deficiency of vitamin C.
Deficiency of vitamin C can cause sick condition called scurvy.
- It can create serious health problems
- It can heal or produce wounds in your mouth.
- Deficiency of vitamin C can cause cold, anemia, inability to fight infection, dry and splitting hair, easy bruising, nosebleeds, weight gain because of slowed metabolism, rough, dry, scaly skin
- Sources of vitamin C are present in citrus fruits, such as oranges and grapes, kiwi, mango, water melon, papaya and vegetables like broccoli, spinach, winter squash, turnip greens etc.
Last but not the least to prevent vitamin C deficiency, eat every day fresh fruits and vegetables, because they are the richest sources of vitamin C. Learn cooking methods that preserve vitamin C in your foods. Avoid storage of juices, fruits and vegetables for a longer time and eat or drink as fresh as possible. Avoid alcohol and smoking which decreases vitamin C absorption. Take vitamin supplements if you feel that your diet is not providing the required amount of vitamin C. Adding vitamin C supplement to your diet, will help you to ensure that your body will not develop C deficiency.
