Vitamin C an interesting history
The discovery of America by Columbus almost failed due to the death of many of the crew from scurvy. Hippocrates documented scurvy as a disease and Egyptians described its symptoms as early as 1550 BC.
Later in 1774, James Lind, a British Navy Doctor, discovered in a first epidemiological study that citrus fruits healed scurvy. This was inspired by an expedition on the British ships, while anchored at the Canary Islands, where water in the barrels started to smell. Lind told his crew to go and pick limes, cut them up and put them in the water barrels to take the smell away.
He was surprised that at the end of the voyage, no-one had died. This was one reason England became the biggest colonial power – their ships arrived with more men on board to fight at their destination, making the British navy one step ahead of the other nations.
Australia’s discovery and belonging to the Commonwealth was therefore a result of the positive effects of Vitamin C.
Vitamin C – what it does
- activates the immune system and metabolism
- reduces ageing
- rebuilds connective tissue (including bones, ligaments and tendons) and collagen
- breaks down fat cells and activates circulation (also targeting cellulite)
- supports healthy gums
- supports the heart and blood circulation
- supports healthy blood cholesterol levels
- works as an anti-inflammatory
- can reduce pain
- boosts iron absorption
- has anti-stress and anti-cancer effects
- and more…
Not only oranges and lemons are high in Vitamin C!
Other Vitamin C rich foods include:
- green leafy vegetables, such as kale, mustard leaves, silverbeet, spinach, broccoli, brussel sprouts, asian greens
- red capsicum
- parsley
- thyme
- guava
- dragon fruit
- pomelo
- kiwi
- pink grapefruit
- paw paw
- lemon and lime
- berries such as blueberries, raspberries, strawberries,blackberries and acai berries
Why daily Vitamin C?
Unlike some animals, the human body cannot produce Vitamin C. It obtains C from food and supplements. Due to modern day agricultural practices, our soil is stripped of minerals and nutrients which limits the levels of vitamin C in our foods, so it is wise to supplement with a good quality (acid free and sweetener free) vitamin C.
Vitamin C is responsible for more than 300 metabolic processes in the body and absolute vitamin C deficiency leads to human death.
To supplement, or not to supplement?
Studies show that our daily food intake does not contain the sufficient vitamins, enzymes and minerals that our bodies need. In general, a healthy diet does not contain the minimum daily requirement for vitamins, enzymes and minerals (as Stipulated by the Australian Dietary Guidelines). A deficiency cannot be rebalanced with healthy fruits and vegetables due to today’s modern farming practices.
Recent studies show that 80% of the world’s population are deficient in nutrients (vitamins, minerals and enzymes). This is not limited to third world countries! The more ‘developed’ the country is, the worse the rate of deficiencies.
Did you know?
- 600 million of the world population has Vitamin A deficiency
- 1.8 billion of the world population has Vitamin D deficiency
- 85% of the world population (approx. 5 billion) has DHA deficiency (DHA + EPA = Omega 3 Fatty Acids)
Symptoms of vitamin deficiency include:
- fatigue
- poor concentration
- digestive issues
- skin problems
- weakness for infections
- tiredness or lethargy
A natural medicine consultation can offer guidance with food choices and supplementation.
