| Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) assists the body in the | | | | but rich source of this vitamin. |
| production of collagen, a basic component of | | | | Deficiency Symptoms of Vitamin C |
| connective tissues. Collagen is an important structural | | | | Ascorbic acid literally means "acid that prevents |
| element in blood vessel walls, gums, and bones, making | | | | scurvy". Vitamin C deficiencies were first discovered |
| it particularly important to those recovering from | | | | on ships that were sailing to the "new world". Often |
| wounds and surgery. | | | | ships had barrels full of limes so that passengers could |
| Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin. Vitamin C is a | | | | have lime juice every day to prevent scurvy. |
| powerful antioxidant and is needed for the production | | | | Symptoms of scurvy are rare, but milder symptoms |
| of collagen, the "glue" that strengthens the bodies | | | | can happen when intake is low. These include fatigue, |
| muscles and blood vessels. Vitamin C is also important | | | | weakness, bruising easily and depression. More serious |
| in wound healing as a natural antihistamine, fighting | | | | symptoms are loose teeth and sore joints. |
| viruses, and aids in the formation of liver bile. Finally, it | | | | Benefits of Vitamin C: |
| helps to detoxify alcohol and other substances. | | | | There are plenty of good reasons to add vitamin C to |
| Vitamin C is one of the more powerful and well-known | | | | your diet and skin care program. Benefits of vitamin C |
| antioxidants. Just as exposing a cut apple to air | | | | on the outside of your body. Vitamin C products for |
| causes it to quickly turn brown, cells of the body can | | | | skin care can provide greater protection against |
| also suffer damage when exposed to oxygen, a | | | | harmful UV rays, increase the production of collagen |
| process known as oxidation. Oxidation causes aging | | | | and decrease the look of fine lines and pigmentation |
| of the skin as well as all other organs and tissues of | | | | that are the result of aging. This can actually be easier |
| the body. Vitamin C, as a free-radical fighter, helps | | | | said than done, since the properties of vitamin C make |
| ward off wrinkles and many illnesses linked to | | | | it difficult to use in a skin care product. Use a variety of |
| oxidation, including cataracts, arthritis, heart disease, and | | | | vitamin C derivatives in skin care products that will |
| cancer. | | | | bring about the same benefits as natural vitamin C with |
| Sources of vitamin C | | | | less of the ingredient required for results. |
| Vitamin C is mostly present in fresh fruits, mainly citrus | | | | It keeps a check on the presence of cholesterol in the |
| fruits, e.g. orange, lemon, tomato, pineapple, papaya, etc; | | | | body. Thus, it actually helps to prevent gall bladder |
| fresh vegetables e.g. cabbage, cauliflower, lettuce, | | | | disease and even heart problems. |
| spinach, green peppers, beans etc.; properly sprouted | | | | Over consumption of Vitamin C is not exactly harmful |
| pulses, germinating grams, etc. potato and seeds are | | | | because being a water-soluble vitamin, extra amount |
| poor sources but rich during germination. Amla is one | | | | gets excreted in urine. However, too much |
| of the richest sources of vitamin C both in the fresh as | | | | consumption can lead to problems of stones in later |
| well as in the dry condition. Guavas are another cheap | | | | stages. |