You probably don’t need reminding that Vitamin C is important for improving energy release, fighting harmful bacteria and reducing tiredness.
While many look to the famous orange as their only source of this powerful nutrient, other less known ingredients contain extremely high levels and can provide you with a welcome alternative for some variation in your diet.
Why we need Vitamin C
Unlike other substances that are important for our health, Vitamin C is not produced naturally in the body. To gain all its wonderful benefits we must find ways to consume this nutrient through the food we eat. Here are some of the reasons why we need Vitamin C:
Combating colds
Perhaps the most widely known benefit, Vitamin C helps to combat the common cold. While it isn’t an absolute cure, it can definitely help to prevent colds from becoming more serious and giving your body a fighting chance of getting better before a more serious illness takes hold.
Ability to cope with stress
A stronger immune system is an effective way to prepare your body for life’s challenges, and this is what Vitamin C is great at providing you with. It is also one of the first nutrients that become depleted in smokers and the obese. Keeping your levels topped up may help those who frequently suffer from stress on anxiety.
Skin health
Vitamin C consumption can help you achieve better skin health. The antioxidant properties of vitamin C make vitamin C a vital molecule for collagen synthesis and maintaining better skin health.
Baobab
The superfood Baobab contains incredibly high levels of Vitamin C. Compared to citrus fruits like oranges, it actually contains up to 10 times more Vitamin C – a fact many might find surprising.
The Baobab fruit also contains high levels of fibre that can help the growth of healthy bacteria in the colon. For those who want to improve their digestive help, Baobab can help.
Moringa
Research into Moringa has suggested that this popular superfood contains extremely high levels of Vitamin C that can lead to reduced blood pressure levels in those who take it.
This effect can be attributed to the powerful antioxidants associated with the substance, making it a very useful way of lowering blood pressure.
A serving of Moringa also contains measurable amounts of vitamins B1, B2 and B3, chromium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorous and zinc – all great for keeping your body in good working order.
Maca
Maca root powder is an excellent source of protein, fibre and several vitamins and minerals, including copper, iron and Vitamin C
Although it doesn’t contain nearly as much as the previous two examples, 2 tablespoons are said to contain more than your daily recommended allowance. Great in smoothies, Maca can be easily added to your diet for an easy way to maintain optimal nutrient levels in your body.
Taking superfood for Vitamin C
By no means are we discouraging you from eating fresh fruits, berries, fresh greens or any other valuable source of Vitamin C, but knowing that you have options is always great for a balanced and varied diet.
If you’re looking to find superfood supplements to maintain your optimal nutrient levels, make sure you always buy from a reliable supplier so that you’re getting the best version of the ingredient available.