Among its other benefits, Vitamin C helps heal skin wounds and prevent them from becoming infected by promoting healthy collagen production and providing antioxidant benefits. Our bodies can’t produce and store Vitamin C and because it is water soluble, our bodies flush the Vitamin C we consume relatively quickly. Therefore we must replace it regularly via food or supplements.
Vitamin C is an important factor in the growth and repair of bodily tissue. It helps heal wounds by aiding the bodies process of tissue repair. Vitamin C is an essential Antioxidant. Antioxidants are important nutrients that help block the damaging effects of the free radicals we are exposed to via food, smoke, pollution, ultraviolet rays and other influences.
As noted above, the human body is unable to produce or efficiently store Vitamin C on its own. Therefore it is important that we consume enough daily via food and supplements. The following foods are widely accepted as good sources of Vitamin C:
– Cantaloupe
– Citrus fruits and juices like grapefruit and orange.
– Kiwi
– Mango
– Papaya
– Strawberries, blueberries, cranberries, raspberries
– Tomatoes
– Red and Green peppers
– Brococoli
– Cauliflower
– Spinach
– Cabbage
– Leafy greens
Note that cooking and storing foods for long periods of time often reduces their Vitamin C content. While microwaving or steaming foods can minimize this effect, the best bet is to eat them fresh and uncooked.
The (RDA) Recommended Dietary Allowance for Vitamin C is 75 mg per day for an adult (19 and over) female and 90 mg per day for an adult (19 and over) male. There are many medical professionals who think it should be higher but this is a good rule of thumb to follow. Because there are many factors that may affect the amount of Vitamin C your body needs or can handle, it is best to consult a qualified physician for advice if you are in doubt.