Vitamin C is an essential nutrient that is required by the body for various functions. It aids the development of scar tissue, blood vessels, and cartilage. It has also been found that Vitamin C is needed for creating dopamine and peptide hormones. The more commonly known benefit for Vitamin C is that it increases immune system function. This powerful antioxidant helps the body heal and has been shown to lessen stress to the body, reducing the risk of cancers.While most get sufficient amounts of Vitamin C from their diet, some people are at risk of a Vitamin C deficiency. Those types of people include smokers and passive smokers, infants who are given boiled or evaporated milk, and people with malabsorption or chronic disease.
Some of the highest sources of Vitamin C can be found in the following foods.
- Oranges
- Bell peppers
- Dark leafy greens
- Kiwifruit
- Broccoli
- Berries
- Tomatoes
- Papaya