Vitamins
Lacking energy, always getting sick? Are you getting enough vitamins and minerals? Vitamins such as Vitamin C, Vitamin B and minerals such as calcium and iron are crucial for a healthy life. The vitamins and minerals information pages provide you with crucial information about vitamins and minerals, such as which foods contain them, what they do, deficiency symptoms and more.
What is it:
Vitamin C is essential for the manufacturing of collagen, necessary for tissue repair. Vitamin C is also vital for healthy immune and nervous systems because it strengthens blood vessels, as it is an antioxidant that participates in oxidation-reduction reactions. Also, it is required for utilizing carbohydrates and synthesizing fats and proteins.
What does it do:
Vitamin C plays a large role in hundreds of the body’s functions. The most plentiful tissue in the body is collagen, which is a connective tissue. The primary role of Vitamin C is to help this connective tissue. It promotes the production of red-blood-cell in bone marrow. Ascorbic Acid also supports healthy capillaries, gums, teeth, and even helps heal wounds, burns, and broken tissues. It contributes to hemoglobin and red-blood-cell production in bone marrow while even preventing blood clots. It helps heal urinary-tract infections, and helps treat anemia. It plays a large role in the production of antibodies. When the immune system is rundown, or you get a cold , Vitamin C comes help up the white blood cell count and function. It also functions as a promoter of interferon, a compound that fights cancer. An example of this would be blocking production of nitrosamines which are thought to be carcinogenic Other functions of Vitamin C include: The promotion of iron absorption and calcium absorption. Aids adrenal gland function Reduces free-radical production May reduce cholesterol Potential protection against heart disease May reduce allergies May reduce symptoms of arthritis, skin ulcers, allergic reactions May prevent periodontal disease May reduce toxic effect of alcohol and drugs May retard aging May improve male fertility
Symptoms of deficiency:
Prolonged healing of wounds, Easy bruising, Frequent infections, Prolonged colds, Scurvy: weak muscles, fatigue, loss of teeth, bleeding gums, depression, bleeding beneath the skin, Swollen or painful joints, Nosebleeds, Anemia: tired, paleness
Overdose/Cautions:
Overdose of oral forms: headache, increased urination, flushed face, nausea or vomiting, lower abdominal cramps, diarrhea. May feel like the flu or common cold.
Natural food sources:
Grapefruit, Guava, Lemons, Mangos, Orange juice, Tomatoes, Strawberries, Vegetables, Black currants, Broccoli Oranges, Brussels sprouts, Cabbage Peppers, sweet and hot, Collards Potatoes, Green peppers, Kale, Papayas, Rose hips, Spinach, Tangerines, Watercress