What is Vitamin C?

An important water-soluble vitamin that also doubles as a powerful antioxidant, Vitamin C is crucial to our health. While Vitamin C also plays a role in many aspects of our health (including wound healing, bone formation, and the development of connective tissues in the body), being deficient in Vitamin C can cause havoc on just about everything from immune system function to skin health to energy levels.

Vitamin C Deficiency Symptoms:

While the most well-known Vitamin C deficiency disease is scurvy (with symptoms like bleeding gums, loose teeth and skin rashes), there are several more symptoms that could point out we are lacking in this important vitamin:

-Fatigue

-Poor Immune System

-Anemia

-Depression

-Bleeding Gums

-Weakened Bones

-Dry Skin

-Easy Bruising

-Nail Issues

-Dry/Splitting Hair

Vitamin C Benefits:

And these are just the tips of the iceberg!

-Powerful in Antioxidants – Antioxidants play a large role in health. They help fight off free radicals, minimize oxidative stress and damage to your cells. They may also help with multiple chronic conditions, including heart disease and autoimmune disorders. Vitamin C acts as an antioxidant, helping fight free radicals and protect the body against disease.

-Heart Health – Your heart is one of the most important organs in your body. It works tirelessly to provide your cells with the oxygen and nutrients they need. Getting more Vitamin C foods into your diet may help protect the health of your heart and prevent heart disease.

-Glowing Skin – The antioxidant content in Vitamin C benefits skin health in a variety of different ways. Due to its involvement in the synthesis of collagen, Vitamin C can help slow down skin aging, protect the skin against damage and free radical formation caused by exposure to ultraviolet rays, and may also help prevent dark spots by suppressing melanin production.

-Boosts Immune System – Probably the best known benefit of Vitamin C, and most people’s go to defense during flu season and when colds come along. Studies have shown that getting enough Vitamin C may help reduce symptoms and shorten the duration of respiratory tract infections, such as the common cold.

Surprising Vitamin C Foods:

-Star Fruit – As you have probably gathered from it’s name…this fruit is shaped like a star, and it is packed with important nutrients and health benefits. High in Vitamin C, antioxidants and fiber, this is a fruit that you might consider adding to your plate.

-Kakadu Plum – Not very well known, but according to the Australian researchers…the Kakadu plum has the “highest recorded level of natural Vitamin C content of any plant in the world — more than 100 times that of oranges.”

-Acerola Cherry – It is believed that this lesser-known fruit is one of the richest sources of Vitamin C available to us, providing around 50–100 times more than oranges or lemons!

-Red Cabbage – Did you know that red cabbage contains more Vitamin C than ORANGES…our #1 go to when we think of Vitamin C?!

-Broccoli and Kale – We know that green leafy vegetables contain good sources of magnesium, zinc, calcium and other necessary nutrients, but did you know that a serving of these delicious greens contain high amounts of Vitamin C, too?

-Black Currants – Black currant is just bursting with Vitamin C! One cup of raw black currants can provide triple the amount you need for the entire day!

Can You Have Too Much?

Just like with everything else, too much of a good thing can be too much of a bad thing. Over indulging on Vitamin C can cause digestive issues, headaches, heartburn and wear down your tooth enamel. So if you find yourself to be deficient in Vitamin C, it’s always wise not to panic and go overboard.

Certain studies have found that taking between 200 and 500 milligrams per day is plenty to experience health benefits and that doses higher than this may not even be absorbed. Some experts recommend taking no more than 2,000 milligrams per day, especially if taking high doses for weeks or months on end.

The gifts we give and receive on Valentines day have great benefits for us emotionally (they make us happy and help show the love we feel for the special people in our lives, and their love for us). But did you know they could have physical benefits, too?

Health Benefits of Chocolate:

Dark chocolate. The darker the better. It is a great source of magnesium. It can help improve the health of your heart and your brain and aid in balancing blood sugar. Plus, it is full of antioxidants to build up your body’s defense system!

Health Benefits of Roses/Rose Oil:

Roses are worth more than we give credit for. They are more than just a pretty smell or to look beautiful. It can be a wonderful perfume, of course, but it can also improve your mood and attitude and help with hormones.

Using rose oil on the skin can have some great health and beauty benefits, as well.

Health Benefits of Strawberries and Cherries:

Just a couple of the favorite Valentines day treat flavors!

Strawberries – Full of antioxidants that help fight inflammation in your body. They are a great source of Vitamin C, can help support your hormones and they are very good for your brain health.

Cherries – High in antioxidants and can also help your body fight inflammation. They can improve heart health and they contain chemicals that can help improve your sleep cycle.

And that is just a brief look at a FEW benefits of a FEW things we can enjoy on this day! Kind of gives you a different perspective on your valentines traditions, doesn’t it? Enjoy your treats and have a happy, and HEALTHY, valentines day!