Everything you need to know about vitamin C

By now you surely know that vitamin C contributes to your immune system. But what else does vitamin C do? Did you know that this vitamin is involved in many more processes in your body? And that it is also good for your skin, for example? In this article, we will explain everything about what vitamin C is and how this essential vitamin contributes to your health.

Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is a water-soluble vitamin. It belongs to the essential nutrients that our body needs for good health. This is because vitamin C plays an important role in various body functions and processes.

For example, vitamin C is an antioxidant that protects our body from harmful external influences; it plays a role in maintaining your immune system; and it supports healthy skin by contributing to collagen formation. In addition, vitamin C is known for its supportive role in the absorption of iron from your diet.

In short, vitamin C is a very versatile vitamin that occurs in various foods. You will find vitamin C mainly in fruits and vegetables.

Here are the functions of vitamin C listed.

• Immune system: It supports your immune system, allowing it to remain at optimal levels and do its powerful work to keep you healthy. This is true even when you are in a cold environment, or during and after physical exertion. Your immune system is very important so that your body can defend itself against pathogens.
• Antioxidant: Vitamin C helps protect the body against harmful external influences and oxidative stress. This is because antioxidants neutralize free radicals, so they can no longer cause damage (oxidative stress) to body cells.
• Collagen production: Vitamin C contributes to normal collagen formation. Collagen formation is essential for maintaining sufficient collagen in, for example, your bones, cartilage, teeth, and blood vessels. But this also helps strengthen your skin.
• Energy: Vitamin C helps release energy from your food.
• Iron levels in your blood: Vitamin C increases iron absorption in your blood.
• Psychological function: Vitamin C helps maintain your mental resilience. It also supports your brain and nerve functions involved in learning ability, concentration, and memory.
• Fitness: Vitamin C contributes to your fitness by helping to reduce fatigue.
• Nerves: Vitamin C has a positive effect on the functioning of the nervous system.
• Vitamin E: Vitamin C helps maintain the activity of vitamin E. Vitamin E is also a powerful antioxidant.

You can find vitamin C in various foods, including:

• Citrus fruits such as oranges and lemons;
• Berries such as blueberries and strawberries;
• Kiwi;
• Bell peppers;
• Broccoli;
• And kale.

But it is also found in almost all other types of fruits and vegetables. And also in potatoes. In addition, it is available as a supplement for those who have difficulty getting enough vitamin C from their diet. For example, if you do not eat very healthily, or do not like much fruit and vegetables. However, it is important to always remember that a supplement is not a replacement for healthy eating. A supplement can be a nice addition.

The amount of vitamin C you need varies from person to person and depends on factors such as your age. But for adults and young people from 14 years old, the recommended daily amount of vitamin C is set at 75 milligrams per day. Under certain circumstances, such as pregnancy or breastfeeding, the need for vitamin C may increase. People who smoke also have a higher need for vitamin C.

Vitamin C supplements are available in various dosages. They range from lower dosages to 1000 mg per capsule or tablet. If you use vitamin C from supplements, always pay attention to the dosage on the packaging. Do not exceed the dosage.

Here are some tips to include more vitamin C in your diet:

• Add a daily serving of fresh fruits and vegetables to your meals or as a snack. This way, you will substantially increase your daily vegetable intake. This is important for getting enough vitamin C, but also other vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
• Try different types of foods containing vitamin C to discover what you like and eat enough vitamin C. In your supermarket shelves, you will also increasingly find products that have vitamin C added.
• Consider using high-quality vitamin C supplements as a supplement to your diet. This way, you can be sure that you take an extra high dose every day compared to your daily diet.
• Try a smoothie with lots of fruits and/or vegetables. Below you will find a sample recipe, but of course, you can vary it endlessly. 

Try this delicious vitamin C-rich smoothie to start your day healthy or as a refreshing snack:

Ingredients:

• 1 fresh mango, cut into pieces
• 80 grams of strawberries
• 80 grams of pineapple
• 1 banana
• 40 grams of blackberries
• 150 ml of orange juice or coconut milk (possibly more, if you want to thin out the smoothie a bit).

Instructions:

• Put all ingredients in a blender.
• Blend until smooth.
• Pour into a glass and enjoy your refreshing vitamin C boost smoothie!
  
  

For many people, they do not eat enough vegetables or forget to eat fruit. In that case, taking a vitamin C supplement as part of your daily routine can be a nice addition.
However, the foundation always remains: healthy eating and living.

There are all kinds of vitamin C supplements: with different vitamin C compounds, dosages, and forms. OvaBalance Vitamin C is a high-dose supplement in the form of a capsule. Each capsule contains 1000 mg of vitamin C. The capsule contains small pellets with vitamin C: the so-called micropellets. This ensures that not all the vitamins are released at once, but rather gradually. This way, it is absorbed into your blood throughout the day.

If you have questions or are looking for high-quality vitamin C supplements, we are always ready to help you make the right choice for your health. Ask your question directly in the chat.