C for Cohesion by C vitamin

 

You have probably heard this before: “Got a cold? Need to stock up on C vitamin!” Ascorbic acid, commonly known as vitamin C, is one of the most talked about nutrient around the cold season is. Now, contrary to popular belief, C vitamin does not prevent nor treat a cold. It may however, shorten the duration of a cold.  In addition to being a powerful antioxidant, vitamin C also helps the body in making of collagen, a protein found in tissues that make up the skin, tendons, ligaments, blood vessels, and bones. This article briefly states the characteristics of C vitamin, its functions in the body and food sources thereof.

Nature of C vitamin

C vitamin is a small chemical compound, a carbohydrate to be more specific, that acts as cofactor, coenzyme, and antioxidant in the body.  Its role is to work as a “helper” for many chemical reactions such as neurological, energy producing, fat metabolism, skin and tissue repair reactions. This synergistic action is much needed for the proper functioning of the human body.  As a water-soluble vitamin, C vitamin is hardly stored in the body, therefore, must be constantly replaced. The National Institute of Health (NIH) recommends varying amounts daily of C vitamin intake according to age.

Food sources of C vitamin

It is generally known that citrus fruits such oranges, lemon, lime, and grapefruit contain high amounts of C vitamin. However, foods such as pepper, baked potatoes, broccoli, strawberries, and tomatoes are also excellent sources of the nutrient. Keep in mind that C vitamin dissolves in water, and it is therefore better to steam or bake the vegetables in order to preserve the vitamin’s nutritional properties. If you decide however, to poach, simmer or boil the vegetable during cooking, make a soup with the stock!

Sources:

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002404.htm
http://www.biology-online.org/dictionary/Coenzyme

http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminC-QuickFacts/  

Photo credit: wikipedia.org, Extreme longevity.net
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