Early Warning Signs Your Body Needs Vitamin-C

9. Oxidative Stress leading to Chronic Inflammation 

Vitamin C is one of the most critical antioxidants, fighting cellular damage caused by free radicals. Low vitamin C intake has been shown to increase the risk of heart disease, oxidative stress, and inflammation (Helmersson et al., 2008) (Moser & Chun, 2016). A study found that people with low blood levels of vitamin C were 40% more prone to progress into heart failure within 15 years than those with high blood levels (Pfister et al., 2011).

Which foods are highest in vitamin C? 

Vitamin C is essential for our body’s growth, development, and repair. Men’s recommended dietary intake (RDI) of vitamin C is 90 milligrams daily, while women require 75 milligrams daily (Jacob & Sotoudeh, 2002b). However, it’s important to note that certain factors, such as smoking, pregnancy, and illness, can increase the demand for vitamin C in the body (Jen & Yan, 2010) (Gariballa & Forster, 2009). Fortunately, plenty of delicious foods are rich in vitamin C. Some of the best sources of vitamin C include:

• Oranges
• Grapefruits
• Lemons
• Kiwi
• Strawberries
• Papaya
• Bell peppers
• Broccoli
• Tomatoes.
• Acerola cherry
• Guava
• Blackcurrants
• Sweet red pepper, and
• Parsley

Incorporating these vitamin C-rich foods into your diet ensures you meet your daily requirements for this crucial nutrient.

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