Vitamin C - Ascorbic Acid
What Is It?
Vitamin C is a water soluble nutrient. As an antioxidant it is one of the most important of all vitamins, required for at least 300 metabolic functions in the body. Recognised as a cure for scurvy long before it was isolated in 1933. Also, more recently recognised as a cure for the common cold. vitamin C and vitamin E are thought to work together in their antioxidant effect.
Can be depleted by:- alcohol, aspirin, cooking and peeling, analgesics, anti-depressants, anti-coagulants, oral contraceptives, diabetic drugs, smoking, pollution, stress.
Why Do We Need It?
Vitamin C has been found by scientists to be an effective anti-viral agent and very important for the immune defence system. It heals wounds, burns and bleeding gums. It helps with the production of collagen, the absorption of iron and can reduce symptoms of asthma, It is also a natural laxative.
Vitamin C plays a significant role as an antioxidant, thereby protecting body tissue from the damage of oxidation. Antioxidants act to protect your cells against the effects of free radicals, which are potentially damaging by-products of the body’s metabolism. Free radicals can cause cell damage that may contribute to the development of cardiovascular disease and cancer.
A high level of vitamin C helps to promote bile production which can help in the reduction of cholesterol levels - it is known to delay ageing, help prevent arthritis and allergies.
Deficiency Symptoms
Severe deficiency will cause scurvy, tiredness, inflamed and bleeding gums, skin discolouration, susceptibility to colds, infections, allergies, bruising, slow wound healing, defective teeth, anaemia, nervousness, anxiety, depression. irritability, joint pain.
Where Can We Find It?
Apple, apricot, asparagus, avocado, banana, beetroot, bell peppers, blackberry, blackcurrant, blueberry, broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbage, cantaloupe, carrot, cauliflower, celery, cherry, chestnuts, cranberry, cucumber, cauliflower, courgette, fennel, garlic, ginger, grape, grapefruit, green pepper, guava, kale, kiwi, lemon, lettuce, lime, mango, mint, melon, nectarine, orange, papaya, parsley, parsnip, passion fruit, peach, pear, peas, peppermint, pineapple, pomegranate, raspberries, spinach, squash, strawberry, sweet potato, swiss chard, tomato, watercress, watermelon, wheatgrass.
Blackcurrants, guava and kiwi are extremely rich in vitamin C
Be Aware...
Taking large doses of vitamin C can cause diarrhoea. Megadoses may increase urinary oxalate excretion.
Sudden discontinuation of large doses of vitamin C can cause rebound scurvy, so supplementation should be tapered off over several days.
Supplementation of vitamin C enhances aluminium absorption so should not be taken with substances containing aluminium, this is particularly important if person is suffering from renal problems.
If pregnant do not take high doses of vitamin C daily as the developing baby may become dependent on the supplement.
Studies/Research
A study study carried out by Stéphane Vannier, MD, with Pontchaillou University Hospital in Rennes, France and presented at the American Academy of Neurology in 2014 show that eating foods containing vitamin C may help reduce the risk of hemorrhagic stroke. The research team found, on average, that people who had suffered a stroke had depleted levels of vitamin C, while those who had not had a stroke had normal levels of the vitamin.
A study carried out by KJ Joshipura and his team on the effect of fruit and vegetable intake and coronary heart disease found that eating vitamin C rich fruits and vegetables, particularly green leafy vegetables appears to have a protective effect against coronary heart disease.
Please Note
Vitamins are an essential part of maintaining a fully functional, healthy body - they assist in the growth and development of the body. In combination with all the other essential nutrients they play a part in many roles including metabolism, immunity and digestion. The best and natural way to meet your vitamin needs is to eat a balanced diet containing a variety of raw fruits and vegetables. If you can't meet your needs through food alone, then, and only then you may require dietary supplements. If you feel you need help via alternative methods you must seek guidance from your doctor, nutritionist or natural juice therapist before taking supplements.
References
Nutrients A - Z Dr Michael Sharon
Nutritional Influences on Illness - Melvyn R. Werbach M.D.
The Worlds Healthiest Foods - George Mateljan
Readers Digest Guide to Vitamins, Minerals and Supplements.
Vitamins & Minerals DeMystified - Dr Steve Blake
New Optimum Nutrition Bible - Patrick Holford
The Vitamin Bible - Earl Mindell
Nutritional Healing - Phyllis A. Balch CNC
www.aan.com
www.sciencedaily.com
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Disclaimer
Please be aware that we are not Doctors, so it is important BEFORE making any changes that you consult with your GP or Medical Practitioner. The suggestions above are not meant as an alternative to any current medical treatment so please DO NOT stop taking any medications you are on. They are also not an endorsement of their effectiveness, nor a recommendation that they should be followed but instead, provided for informational purposes. None of the information on the Natural Juice Therapy site is intended or implied to treat, cure or prevent any condition or disease.