Introduction
Vitamin C, also known as L-ascorbic acid, is a water-soluble vitamin that is naturally present in some foods, added to others, and available as a dietary supplement. Humans, unlike most animals, are unable to synthesize vitamin C endogenously, so it is an essential dietary component
Vitamin C is required for the biosynthesis of collagen, L-carnitine, and certain neurotransmitters; vitamin C is also involved in protein metabolism.Collagen is an essential component of connective tissue, which plays a vital role in wound healing.
The benefits of vitamin C were discovered quite by accident during a scurvy epidemic in Europe hundreds of years ago. Today, foods high in vitamin C and fruits high in vitamin C are regularly touted for their purported ability to help heal anything from the common cold to depression.
But research suggests that scurvy is still the only disease specifically caused by not getting enough vitamin C.
It's a deficiency that is seldom seen in the Western world but that 200 years ago caused severe dental problems and non-healing wounds
“Vitamin C is beneficial for overall health, especially with wound healing and providing a source of antioxidants,” Dr. Paul said. “There is a bounty of evidence that when taken in recommended quantities, it serves to keep skin and teeth healthy.
It's also been linked to better eye and brain health.
Which Foods Are Highest in Vitamin C?
Eating vitamin-C rich foods is the best way to get enough C in your diet, and there are many foods to Fruits and vegetables are the best sources of vitamin C.Citrus fruits, tomatoes and tomato juice, and potatoes are major contributors of vitamin C to the American diet.Other good food sources include red and green peppers, kiwifruit, broccoli, strawberries, Brussels sprouts. Although vitamin C is not naturally present in grains, it is added to some fortified breakfast cereals. The vitamin C content of food may be reduced by prolonged storage and by cooking because ascorbic acid is water soluble and is destroyed by heat Steaming or microwaving may lessen cooking losses. Fortunately, many of the best food sources of vitamin C, such as fruits and vegetables, are usually consumed raw. Consuming five varied servings of fruits and vegetables a day can provide more than 200 mg of vitamin C.