Vitamin C Benefits You May Be Unaware Of & Recipe

Vitamin C deficiency (Scurvy) is not as prevalent in the US as it was in the past, however, you still need to consume sufficient levels of Vitamin C to maintain a strong immune system capable of warding of infections.

Vitamin C Benefits You May be Unaware Of

Reduce Serum LDL Cholesterol – A 2008 Study demonstrated that supplementation with 500MG/D of Vitamin C had resulted in a significant decrease in serum LDL cholesterol and triglycerides.

Antioxidant – Vitamin C plays an important role as a part of the antioxidant mechanism of cells. For example one study found that acute (medical) administration of Vitamin C had a significant impact in reversing endothelial dysfunction in Chronic Smokers.

Prevent Muscle Mass – A study published in August 2020 concluded that Vitamin C intake had a positive association with the reduction in age-related muscle loss in older aged men and women (sarcopenia.)

Vitamin C Supplements

Powder

This type of supplement can be mixed with a beverage of your choice. The popular brand Emergen-C contains other essential nutrients such as Zinc and Vitamin D.

Tablet

If you prefer a tablet form, be sure to research the purity of the product. You will also benefit from choosing one without added sugar, artificial flavors, and if needed, gluten free such as the one pictured below:

Increased Bioavailability

Some products are formulated to increase the absorption and the bioavailability of the Vitamin C. The following product by Nutriflair uses a fat soluble form of Vitamin C along with sunflower lecithin to enhance absorption.

Vitamin C Rich Fruits and Vegetables

Consuming fresh fruits and vegetables are an excellent and delicious way to get your Vitamin C. See my recipe.

Tropical Guava Papaya Salad

Ingredients:

1 Cup Chopped Ripe Guavas

1 Cup Chopped Ripe Papayas

1 Cup Chopped & Deveined Kale

1 TSP Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Salt & Pepper to Taste

Directions:

Place kale and olive oil to large bowl. Use hands to massage kale/olive oil together until kale is tender.

Add guavas and papayas. Gently toss all ingredients together.

Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Vitamin C in Guavas, Kale and Papayas

Guava – Guava has an extremely high vitamin C content. It contains a whopping 377mg or 419% of your daily recommended value of Vitamin C.

Papaya – Papaya is not only delicious but will also provide 88mg or 98% of your daily recommended value of Vitamin C.

Kale – Kale is a nutrition powerhouse as well as excellent source of vitamin C. A cup of chopped kale will supply 80mg of vitamin C which is 89% of your daily recommended value.

Please check my post of other vitamin and mineral deficiencies here.