- Topic
- Health & Nutrition
Vitamin C
Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is a really important vitamin for our overall health. It is a water-soluble vitamin, which means our bodies don’t store it for very long, so we need to get it regularly from our diet. Vitamin C helps our immune system work well, which is why you might hear people saying to drink orange juice when you are sick.
But the benefits of Vitamin C go beyond just boosting our immune system. It also helps our bodies make collagen, an essential protein that supports the structure of our skin, bones, and blood vessels. It acts as a powerful antioxidant, protecting our cells from damage by free radicals. Vitamin C also helps our bodies absorb iron from plant-based foods, like beans and spinach.
To get enough Vitamin C, we can have a variety of fruits and vegetables. Citrus fruits like oranges and grapefruits, berries like strawberries and raspberries, and even vegetables like bell peppers and broccoli are rich in Vitamin C. But remember, the best way to get all the nutrients, including Vitamin C, is to have a well-balanced diet with a variety of foods.