Vitamin C

Vitamin C…

Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is a water-soluble vitamin and is essential for the proper functioning of our body. It is an antioxidant vitamin that helps protect our cells from damage caused by free radicals.

Among the benefits of vitamin C are:

• Strengthens the immune system, helping to prevent colds and other diseases
• Contributes to the formation of collagen, an important protein for the health of skin, bones, teeth and gums
• Helps in the absorption of iron, promoting the prevention of anemia
• Acts as an antioxidant, protecting our cells from damage caused by free radicals
• Helps accelerate the healing of wounds and burns
• Promotes brain function and the health of our nervous system

Vitamin C is found in a wide variety of foods, primarily citrus fruits such as oranges, lemons, and grapefruits, as well as vegetables such as peppers, broccoli, and spinach. It is also found in vitamin supplements, which may be useful for those who have difficulty getting enough vitamin C through diet.

Be very careful because excess vitamin C can cause diarrhea, so it is recommended not to exceed the recommended daily dose. In general, a balanced and varied diet is usually sufficient to obtain the adequate amount of vitamin C.

A famous historical anecdote related to vitamin C is that of British sailors during the 18th century. During their long sea voyages, sailors began to suffer from a disease known as scurvy, caused by a deficiency of vitamin C in their diet.

In an attempt to combat scurvy, British admiral Sir Richard Hawkins introduced the use of lemon juice as a preventative measure. Years later, in 1747, British Royal Navy surgeon James Lind conducted a famous experiment in which he divided a group of sailors with scurvy into different groups and administered different treatments, including lemon juice.

Sailors who received lemon juice showed a notable improvement in their health, leading to the conclusion that the vitamin C present in lemon was effective in preventing and treating scurvy. This discovery was fundamental to the understanding of the importance of vitamin C in human health and marked the beginning of the recommendation to consume citrus fruits and other foods rich in this vitamin to prevent diseases related to its deficiency.