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Vitamin C Supports the Immune System

A lack of vitamin C has been long known to increase susceptibility to viruses. In fact, studies have shown that vitamin C deficiency is related to the increased risk and severity of influenza infections.

Did you know? James Lind, a Scottish doctor, found that less than ½ a lemon a day curved survey. By conducting one of the first-ever clinical trials onboard a naval ship in 1747, he developed the theory that citrus fruits cured this disease. This is largely because vitamin C is a component of collagen production.

Food is Medicine.

Vitamin C is also a potent antioxidant, a large player in Immune Function.

A lack of vitamin C has been long known to increase susceptibility to viruses. In fact, studies have shown that vitamin C deficiency is related to the increased risk and severity of influenza infections.

What to do?

Eat a variety of colourful fruits and vegetables on a daily basis. Sound easy? It truly is! Not only are these scrumptious foods rich in vitamin C, but they are also full of other vitamins, co-factors, minerals, and fibre. Consume a lot, in fact, your plate should be majority vegetables, mix it up, you will never get bored!

Remember in traditional Chinese medicine to not go overboard on raw cold foods, so try warming your vegetables: soups, stews, baked, crockpot, roast, stem, even warm them in a pot of boiling water before throwing onto a salad. Salad’s are delicious this way. Add a tablespoon of fresh berries or goji berries as a topper for a superkick Vitamin C add on.

Fruit tip: remove fruit from the fridge about 30 minutes prior to consumption so it is not so cold. I generally will leave an apple, orange, or clementine’s out overnight (unpeeled).

Foods rich in vitamin C:

  • Cantaloupe
  • Citrus fruits, such as orange, lime, lemon, grapefruit
  • Kiwi fruit
  • Mango
  • Guava
  • Papaya (also contains the enzyme papain, helpful for digestion/pain/inflammation)
  • Pineapple (also contains bromelain, helpful for arthritis)
  • Strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, and cranberries
  • Blackcurrants
  • Watermelon
  • Broccoli
  • Red and yellow peppers (avoid if inflammatory condition)
  • Tomatoes (avoid if inflammatory condition)
  • Sweet and white potato
  • Brussel sprouts
  • Cauliflower
  • Squash
  • Kale
  • Parsley
  • Thyme

Good start to the morning ~ internal shower and rich in vitamin C
½ lemon in hot water, 1 tsp raw local honey. Optional: cayenne pepper or grated ginger.

Super Foods, jacked-up vitamin C:

  • Acerola cherries
  • Amla berries
  • Goji berries
  • Incan berries
  • Mulberries (dehydrated sweet chewy goodness, health food store or online)

In supplement form, Victoria’s favorite is Rose Hips.

Victoria’s top pick: Rose Hips

I always have Nature’s Sunshine Rose Hips on hand, and I take them through the fall and winter every year. Rose hips contain anywhere from 10-100 times more vitamin C than any other food. Rose hips also contain vitamins A, B1, B2, D, E, K, P, pantothenic acid, flavonoids, carotenoids, and minerals calcium, iron, and zinc.

Rose hips help to strengthen immune function and fight infection and inflammation. The rich supply of bioflavonoids has been shown to strengthen connective tissue, reduce capillary fragility, easy bruising, hemorrhoids, and varicose veins. Rose hips are also known to help combat stress.