Vitamin C - not just Oranges

Whenever you think of Vitamin C, what do you think of? I bet you thought of Orange's or the colour orange, am I right?
When you think of the health benefits of Oranges, what did you think of? Good source of Vitamin C, good for colds and flu, am I right?
The majority of you would. I used to as well until I become more educated in nutrition. Why? Because that’s what our parents knew and that is what is marketed to us.
YES it is one of the main foods that are a high source of Vitamin C BUT it is not the only one.
You can also get high levels of Vitamin C from Vegetables.
But why does our body need Vitamin C?
-Antioxidant – fights free radicals in the body that can cause the body to be in dis-ease… a deficiency of antioxidant intake, can lessen the body’s function to fight off sickness.
- Helps with absorption of other nutrients that if there was a deficiency in those, could also cause dis-ease. Vitamin C enhances IRON absorption in the intestines by protecting it from oxidation.
- Collagen – helps the body to maintain collagen levels that plays a part in making teeth and bones, holding cells together (especially useful in the walls of arteries in the heart) and for joining tissue back together after injury.
Like everything that goes into the human body, it is really important to maintain the recommended daily intake ie. Don’t over do it and don’t under do it.
Too much AND not enough Vitamin C can have a negative impact on health so find out what your RDI is. Visit www.nrv.gov.au or ask me.
What is the best way to get Vitamin C? Eat foods rich in Vitamin C. Please go to the supermarket and buy food before you buy it in a bottle. Our body’s are designed to break down and absorb FOOD!
There is a list of fruit and veg that contain Vitamin C but the main ones I want to tell you about are:
1 Kiwi Fruit (YUMMO!) I love Kiwi Fruit!
½ cup Raw, Chopped Red Capsicum (otherwise known as red bell pepper)
½ Broccoli (cooked)
½ cup fresh Strawberries
½ cup Brussel Sprouts (cooked)
If you are concerned that you or your family are not getting enough Vitamins every day, contact me and we can have a chat about your daily intake and/or how you can make improvements - Skye