| What is it? | Vitamin C, or ascorbic acid, is a powerful antioxidant which helps
combat free radical damage in the body. Free radicals damage cells, cell
membranes and DNA in the body and can be neutralized with
antioxidants. A diet seriously deficient in ascorbic acid will lead to
scurvy, a disease prominent among sailors prior to the late 1700's.
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| Where is it from? | Fresh fruits and vegetables are the best sources for ascorbic acid.
Vitamin C is found in berries, citrus fruits, and green vegetables. Natural
vitamin C is usually extracted from rose hips, the fleshy base of the
rose. Rose hip is a highly concentrated source of the vitamin, but
vitamin C derived from it confers no special benefit. Humans are one of
the few creatures that do not produce their own vitamin C, and must
obtain it entirely from their diet.
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| What is it used for? | Aside from being a strong antioxidant, Vitamin C promotes the healing
of wounds, fractures, bruises, and isolates infections. It also stimulates
the adrenal glands to manufacture cortisone, which is involved in
healing and helps to combat stress. Vitamin C also supports immunity
by stimulating the production of white blood cells, which fight
infections. |
