On many occasions, due to ignorance, we let our health recede without knowing that we have prevention in the palm of our hand.
As soon as the first symptoms of the flu appear, almost instinctively we drink a glass of orange juice, convinced that the vitamin C contained in this fruit will alleviate the effects of the virus that has obviously invaded us, and will protect us from its aggressive attack by this disease.
And of course, vitamin C (also called ascorbic acid) has been scientifically proven to be effective against the common cold. But its effectiveness is not limited to controlling cold viruses, but this vitamin also plays many other roles in maintaining health, specifically in the case of younger children.
It is estimated that the average child contracts three to five colds in the year. According to researchers specialized in identifying the properties of this nutritive element, vitamin C shortens the symptoms of the common cold by one or two days.
Also, this nutritive element can make cold symptoms more tolerable, and this is because it reduces the level of histamine in the blood (an element that is responsible for activating annoying nasal secretions).
Different studies carried out in Europe allow us to affirm today that vitamin C can also reduce the number of flu situations that the average adult person contracts during the year.
In the case of school-age children (another factor that increases the chances of viral contagion), it was found that if they did not ingest the adequate volume of fruits and vegetables (the main sources of vitamin C), the frequency of her colds were greater and the symptoms more intense.
Other benefits of vitamin C
Vitamin C is not limited to keeping viral infections under control, but also:
Maintains bones, teeth, and body tissues in optimal condition.
Vitamin C participates in the process of formation of collagen, one of the proteins that are fundamental in the formation of bones, teeth, and tissues.
Heal wounds and injuries. The collagen that vitamin C helps to make acts as a kind of natural glue to hold the new skin cells together. This allows skin lesions to heal properly and more quickly.
Increases the absorption of iron. The iron content in foods such as vegetables, beans, and fortified cereals are more difficult to absorb than the iron in meat. Vitamin C can convert this type of iron into a form that can be more easily absorbed by the body. This is one of the reasons why it is a great idea to include a serving of fresh fruit or fruit juice at breakfast, along with a bowl of iron-fortified cereal.
Vitamin C, has been proven in scientific studies, helps to maintain optimal heart health.
Prevents the formation of cancer cells, and controls them. This is because it protects cells throughout the body from natural damage caused by elements that cause oxidation (the rust of body tissues).
Fruits high in vitamin C:
Among the fruits that have a high content of vitamin C we can find: orange, kiwi, black currant, guava, cabbage, red pepper, and others.
The damage that is caused by the oxidation of the body contributes to the manifestation of different diseases, in addition to the fact that the body in general ages prematurely. Vitamin C acts as an anti-oxidant that neutralizes harmful elements (free radicals) and protects cells from being damaged.
Thanks for reading, until the next post.
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