Vitamin C
Alternate Names : Ascorbic Acid
What food source is the nutrient found in?
The best sources of vitamin C are fruits and vegetables. Citrus fruits such as oranges, grapefruit, and tangerines are excellent sources. Other good sources of vitamin C are as follows:
broccoli, cabbage, and brussels sprouts
melons, kiwifruit, and strawberries
sweet peppers, potatoes with skin, and tomatoes
Here are some guidelines for eating fruits and vegetables with a high vitamin C content.
Choose fresh or frozen fruits and vegetables over canned products.
Cook vegetables only for a short time in a small amount of water.
Eat raw vegetables.
Eat sliced fruits and vegetables shortly after they're cut.
Keep fruits and vegetables refrigerated, and eat them while they're fresh.
How does the nutrient affect the body?
Vitamin C is important to many body functions. It helps the body do the following:
build and maintain collagen, which are fibers that connect tendons, ligaments, bones, and cartilage
heal wounds and bruises
keep the immune system healthy
maintain healthy bones, teeth, gums, red blood cells, and blood vessels
repair bone fractures
Vitamin C may reduce the risk of certain chronic diseases by acting as an antioxidant. Antioxidants help the body fight the effects of free radicals, which can damage the body's cells.
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