This time of year, I love stepping into the grocery store and seeing the abundance of options for fueling our body with Vitamin C. Oranges, tangelos, tangerines, dark leafy greens, peppers, lemon, limes broccoli and grapefruit are filling the aisles at the store with much needed sources of vitamin c. Our bodies need vitamin C for many critical functions like growing and repairing connective tissue, including bones, blood vessels, and skin. It also prevents scurvy, helps protect against heart disease, aids in the absorption of iron, decreases the duration of the common cold and can lower LDL,“bad”, cholesterol and triglycerides. Symptoms of not enough vitamin c include feeling tired, muscle weakness, easy bruising, dry hair, joint and muscle aches, bleeding gums, and leg rashes.
The recommended dosage of vitamin C for women is 75 mg per day and men require 90 mg per day. If you are a smoker or are regularly exposed to second hand smoke, up your dosage by 35 mg per day. Vitamin c can interact with some over the counter painkillers, antacids, birth control pills and chemotherapy drugs so if you are taking any of these check with your doctor before adding vitamin c. Vitamin C supplementation is generally considered safe. However, some people experience upset stomach, cramps, and heartburn while taking it.
With all these amazing, tasty options for meeting your need for vitamin c, head on down to your local grocery to stock up on your vitamin c fix!
Photo from flickr.
