The power of vitamin C

A couple of months ago, I went into detail about vitamin A and all that it had to offer. This month I am going to talk about vitamin C. I call it the 'natural antibiotic' vitamin. I just cannot live without Vitamin C and I ask you not to do so either. Vitamin C boosts immunity and in addition, it has antioxidant abilities. It is the easiest to incorporate into your daily diets. This vitamin is needed for so many metabolic processes as well as to keep your health in tip-top conditions. Every season offers a different food that is vitamin C rich but once again let me tell you that vegetables and fruits are the preferred sources. Although there are some, fresh or dried, that is available year-round such as lemon, dried tamarind, garcinia Cambogia, etc. |

You must have the common sense not to keep pre-squeezed lemon juice or orange juice and store it because vitamin C is easily destroyed as it is a water-soluble vitamin.

Let me run you through some of the best fresh and dried sources of vitamin C which are easily available to everyone:

From October to March it is fruits like Amla or Indian Gooseberry, Guava, Papaya, Strawberries, Sweet lime, Lemon, Oranges, Pineapple, Pomegranate etc.

After March up to July, its litchis, melons and mangoes!

Additionally, there are certain vegetables which are packed full of vitamin C. These vegetables include Cauliflower, Cabbage, Drumsticks, Fenugreek leaves, Bell peppers, and Tomato juice.

Many of my clients complain about acidity and I always tell them that the best cure for that is sucking on a freshly cut lemon. This is because lemon is acidic on the tongue but alkaline in the body and it cuts acidity.

Another thing I often tell people to do is begin the day with a glass of water that has half lemon squeezed into it. You could start slowly, with a few drops and gradually take up the quantity as per your preference. Lemon infused water through the day is one of my other favourites. It is so easy to do! All you have to do is cut thin slices of lemon and put it in your water jug.

I want you to understand that there is a synergy of vitamin C and iron as vitamin C is essential for the absorption of iron. So simply squeeze or add on vitamin C rich foods in beetroot, leafy greens and several other iron-rich foods, although I squeeze it on all of my food as it really helps to boost my immunity and works as a natural antibiotic especially when I get a cold or cough. I change my diet making it vitamin C rich and wow, I don't need any antibiotic!

Have you ever wondered why protein foods always contain tomatoes, tamarind, or natural vinegar in them? Or how we land up squeezing lemon on them? This is simply because no protein-rich foods can be absorbed by the body without the help of vitamin C. For example, pulses and daals always contain tomato, tamarind, dry mango powder (amchur). Tandoori fish or tandoori chicken is always served with a few slices of lime. Grilled fish always marinated in a lemon-based vinaigrette.

One of the most significant functions of vitamin C in the formation of collagen. Collagen is responsible for cementing the cells together and failure to synthesize this delay in wound healing.

Vitamin C ensures clear skin, fresh complexion, healthy gums and teeth. It is also involved in the vital functions of all glands and organs including maintenance of bones and proper adrenal and thyroid glands.