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Ascorbic acid or Vitamin C
==Health Facts==
By Rehanna Ramsay
Kaieteur News – Ascorbic acid, more commonly known as Vitamin C, is considered to be one of the more essential vitamins. The Food Policy Department at the Ministry of Health recently shared some pertinent information on the benefits of Vitamin C; a bit of history on the use and sources of Vitamin C.
According to information obtained from the department, in 1747 oranges, limes and sauerkraut (finely cut raw cabbage that has been fermented by various lactic acid bacteria) were discovered to be a cure for scurvy, the functional component found among the three was given the name ascorbic (anti-scurvy) acid.
Later investigation showed that all fresh fruits and vegetables contain Vitamin C. All Citrus (oranges, kiwi, lemon, and grapefruit), bell peppers, strawberries, tomatoes, cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower), and white potatoes are all good sources of Vitamin C.
Vitamin C is essential for the maintenance of healthy tissues, it also repairs and promotes cell growth, which is vital in the healing of wounds. The building of teeth and bones is aided by the consumption of Vitamin C. Additionally, it boosts the immune system’s ability to fight off infections and diseases; this action is enhanced by the antioxidant properties of Vitamin C helps to prevent aging, heart disease, and cancer.
Nutritionists say the recommended minimum amount of Vitamin C required for children is approximately 40-45mg (approx. ½ of an orange), and for adults of 60 – 75mg (approx. ½ of a lemon). Smokers, pregnant and lactating women, and people who are recovering from illness or are wounded would require an increased amount of Vitamin C.
As mentioned, one of the most deadly effects of Vitamin C deficiencies is scurvy, this is identified as easy bruising and haemorrhaging of the skin, loosening of the teeth, bleeding gums, and delayed wound healing.
Fortunately, scurvy is a very rare occurrence today, especially in developed countries. Additionally, a deficiency in Vitamin C may cause a reduced body’s ability to fight off infections and diseases and increase instances of joint pains.
However, the excessive intake of Vitamin C, which mainly occurs via supplements may cause the body to have an iron overload, due to excessive absorption of iron. Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and the formation of kidney stones are also possible side effects of excessive amounts of Vitamin C in the body.
It should be reiterated that fresh fruits and vegetables are the most important sources of Vitamin C, though frozen fruits and vegetables do retain most of the Vitamin C. Nevertheless, considering that Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin, it can be damaged by air, heat, and water so fried fruits and vegetables would lose most of their Vitamin C content.
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