Benefits and source of vitamin c

Cough, wheeze, sniff and sneeze. No matter what the season, the common cold is a ubiquitous disease, plaguing the sinuses of millions! In trains, at work, on travel or at home, the common cold virus is constantly floating around. Ready to pounce upon anyone coming by. Did you know that there are around 200 varieties of viruses that cause this disease?
A cold is an infection of the upper respiratory tract. Most colds clear up by themselves within seven to ten days. All you must do is support your immune system during those days to help fight it better. Otherwise, it can lead to more serious illnesses such as pneumonia, bronchitis and ear infection with fever.
When it comes to preventing common cold, Vitamin C is known to boost immunity. Though it may not help prevent cold, it can reduce the severity of symptoms and shorten the duration of the same. Vitamin C helps managing sore throat, running nose, mild fever and coughing.

Vitamin C-rich Foods for Fighting Cold

Make sure to get daily dose of Vitamin C as it is a water-soluble vitamin and protects your bones, tissues and most importantly, it helps in absorption of iron. Here’s a list of some Vitamin C-rich foods –

• Citrus fruits, especially oranges and lemon
• Bell peppers
• Strawberries
• Guava
• Kiwi
• Papaya
• Kale
• Broccoli
• Tomatoes
• Cloves
• Cauliflower
• Cabbage
• Spinach
• Gooseberry
• Potato
• Peas
• Cherries

Four reasons why you should include Vitamin C-rich foods for fighting a bout of common cold –

Vitamin C Battles Flu

When it comes to knocking out a cold, Vitamin C is surely a winner. Foods rich in Vitamin C such as citrus fruits, vegetables, tomatoes and potatoes, or vitamin C supplements go a long way in protecting your lungs from congestion. So, include them in your diet to fight cold, flu and asthma.

Have at the Onset of Cold

Take 1,000 to 2,000 mg of Vitamin C supplements at the very onset of a cold. Higher doses of the supplements can cause kidney stones, stomach cramps, nausea and diarrhoea. Along with Vitamin C supplements, take B-complex and zinc. This will keep make sure that the cold does not aggravate further.

Vitamin C – the Antioxidant

A powerful antioxidant, Vitamin C helps the body form and maintain connective tissue, including bones, blood vessels and skin. It is a vital antioxidant that the body uses to ensure you are strong and healthy. Moreover, your body uses this vitamin to maintain the bones, muscle and blood vessels.

Forms Collagen

Vitamin C helps the body in the formation of collagen while absorbing iron. It is generally found in its natural form in numerous vegetables and fruits, particularly citrus fruits such as oranges and lemons. So, whenever you suffer from a bout of cold, consume Vitamin C rich foods in their natural form.
To know how much Vitamin C you need to keep all health problems at bay, speak to Health Total experts. Call our toll-free 1-800-843-0206 and book an appointment !