Vitamin C has some great history… dating all the back to 1497 when the famous captain lost 100 out of only 150 crew members to scurvy. In the early 1500’s, the French Explorer, Jacques Cartier learned from Newfoundland Indians to drink tea from Spruce Tree Needles to prevent illness on board. Future explorers later learned to bring along lemons, oranges for their sailors. It wasn’t until the early 1900s that vitamin c was isolated and linked to scurvy.
Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is a water-soluble vitamin and has numerous functions n the body, such as:
- collagen synthesis ( great for the skin)
- epinephrine synthesis, therefore, very important for adrenal support
- steroid hormone synthesis
- powerful antioxidant
- regulates immune function and increase white blood cell activity
- had antihistamine effects with higher dosages ( 6 to 8 grams a day; take in divided dosages)
- aids in the absorption of iron
Vitamin C is one of those supplements that I commonly suggest to my patients to take – especially, women, who need more adrenal support. It is a great preventive to many illnesses and it is extremely easy to find favorable vitamin C packed foods that everyone enjoys.
Food sources
berries, kiwi, bell peppers, papaya, broccoli, cantaloupe, kale brussel sprouts, citrus fruit: oranges, grapefruit, lemons. limes, strawberries
Vitamin C trivia
- make help excrete heavy metals in high doses
- 1 to 3 grams a day may reduce symptoms of gout
- maybe helpful as a mild anti-inflammatory
- taking too much vitamin C may result in diarrhea
Be well.
