Vitamin C has a wealth of benefits to the body. Also known as ascorbic acid, it improves the absorption of plant-based iron (iron available from vegetables) and is a part of the regeneration process for connective tissue (bones, blood cells, teeth, gums and skin). It plays a huge part in the immune system’s integrity and the body’s healing ability, but it truly comes into its own as an antioxidant - Vitamin C protects cells from free radicals. Free radicals are the body’s byproducts of converting food into energy. They’re also environmental, such as pollution, ultra violet light and cigarette smoke. The body’s instant response to free radical damage at cellular level is defensive inflammation - to protect the area. This is uncomfortable in the least, but ongoing inflammation can be debilitating and can go on to cause a myriad of physical problems. Vitamin C helps to slow or stop the process of free radical damage to the cell by ‘donating’ an extra electron to the free radical. This stabilizes it and stops it, literally in its tracks!
Vitamin C is richly available as a food source. It’s found in leafy green vegetables, beet root, sweet potato and of course fruit, most commonly citrus. A great way to get your vitamin (indeed, your multivitamin) dose is to juice your vegetables. Juicing is gentle on the gastrointestinal tract, it’s easy on the liver and nutrients are readily absorbed by the body. My favourite vegetable juice for this time of year is packed full of vitamin C (and also vitamins B, D, E & K and minerals, predominantly calcium, sodium & magnesium), try it.
Vitamin C Boost Juice
Juice and drink within 20mins (for maximum nutrients).
Free radicals cause inflammation, but it’s also known now that they contribute to chronic diseases like cancer, heart disease and Alzheimer’s. To eat a variety of fresh organic vegetables (chemically free and nutrient rich) is to eat medicinally. Prevention through diet is optimal.
Paula Sharp is a qualified Natural Nutritionist, living and working in Lee Green. She works with her clients to promote optimal health and energy. For consultations she can be contacted on 0778 662 1251 or [email protected]
