Vitamin C
Nature ’ s Antioxidant
By Dawn Thorpe Jarvis , M . S ., R . D ., L . D . N . Garden of Life ® Senior Director of Nutrition Science & Educational Content
Did you know that humans , unlike most animals , can ’ t make vitamin C within our bodies because we lack a particular enzyme ?
So , it ’ s essential for us to obtain sufficient vitamin C from our diets , and since vitamin C is water soluble , the body doesn ’ t store it , plus it ’ s poorly absorbed and constantly excreted . This all means that we need to consume it continuously .
Vitamin C is found in plants , but mostly in fruits and vegetables , including citrus fruits such as oranges , limes , lemons and grapefruit . Other rich sources include acerola cherries ; Amla berries ; camu camu ; rosehip ; sea buckthorn ; Indian gooseberry ; red and green peppers ; guava ; kiwi fruit ; pineapple ; tomatoes ; red berries ; cantaloupe melon ; kale and other leafy greens ; and cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli , cauliflower and Brussels sprouts . Cooking significantly reduces vitamin C , so raw fruits and vegetables , or their juices , are the best ways to get vitamin C and its natural cofactors , such as bioflavonoids , which assist with proper absorption and utilization of vitamin C in the body .
Vitamin C is in every human cell of the human body , supports healthy energy production in the cell ’ s mitochondria ( the powerhouse ), and is needed for growth and development . It is required by eight enzymes needed for the biosynthesis of collagen , carnitine and neurotransmitters . Collagen is a major component of connective tissues , and is essential for healthy , vibrant skin as well as being a major building block for tendons and ligaments , bones and healthy blood vessels .
Vitamin C was discovered centuries ago when sailors developed scurvy . Their symptoms included extreme fatigue , swollen bleeding inflamed gums , tooth loss , joint pain , fragile blood vessels , poor wound healing , depression and , eventually , death . Today , our focus should be less about preventing scurvy , which is very rare , and all about maintaining optimum levels of vitamin C in our blood so it can continually perform its important antioxidant functions in the body . Low levels of serum vitamin C may have serious health implications related to major degenerative diseases and the aging process .
In short , vitamin C is nature ’ s antioxidant . As an electron donor , it protects our cells and building blocks for DNA from free radical damage during normal metabolic processes and from toxins via environmental pollution . It can also regenerate other antioxidants , such as vitamin E , within the body . Positive antioxidant effects of vitamin C have been demonstrated in many studies . It stimulates white blood cell and interferon production , supports antibody response and secretion of appropriate hormones — all important to healthy immune function . †
The bottom line is that you need enough vitamin C daily , so take advantage of this powerful antioxidant from nature .
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These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration . This product is not intended to diagnose , treat , cure or prevent any disease .