Ever since we were kids, our moms would tell us to take vitamin C so we don’t get sick. Most doctors also recommend to keep vitamin C levels up to fight colds. But aside from that, what else is there to know about this very popular vitamin? Why is it highly recommended over other essential vitamins?
Well for one, it has tons of benefits when it comes to a variety of health conditions. If taken enough, it could treat a range of viral infections such as hepatitis and pneumonia. It may also help children avoid picking up illnesses such as chickenpox, according to U.S. vitamin C researcher Dr. Thomas Levy.
Aside from its medicinal properties, here are some not-so-well-known facts about this essential vitamin:
1. It was documented HUNDREDS of years ago
James Lind – The man who discovered vitamin C
In the 1730s, a doctor named James Lind, joined the British Royal Navy so he could observe the effects of scurvy first hand (an illness common among sailors who had no access to fresh fruits as they would be at sea for months). In 1747, on board a Royal Navy Ship, he carried out a clinical trial which led to the discovery of vitamin C and how it could be used to treat scurvy.
Vitamin C contains a component called ascorbic acid which, if the human body lacks, would lead to horrible symptoms such as:
- Bleeding gums
- Loose teeth
- Scaly skin!
Hate to break it to you guys but pirates never actually looked this good.
2. Oranges are NOT the only best source of vitamin C
Contrary to popular belief, you can actually get a healthy dose of vitamin C from other fruits as well, such as:
- Starfruit (aka buah belimbing) – contains vitamin C but is also packed with potassium to help maintain blood pressure and reduce the risk of stroke.
- Rambutan – rich in vitamin C and can improve the health of eyes with vitamin A
- Young coconuts – Has vitamin C and may prevent kidney stones by preventing crystals from forming on kidney walls
- Mangosteen – Rich in antioxidants such as vitamin C, folate and xanthones which, according to studies, offer anti-inflammatory effects
- Dragon fruit – Loaded with vitamin C and fibre which promotes a healthy gut
- Kiwi – has lots of vitamin C, aids digestion and boosts the immune system
3. It reduces the effects of ageing and helps with weight loss
This is probably one of our favourite facts because vitamin C helps with collagen regeneration AND it promotes weight loss naturally! Collagen makes up the connective tissue in your body and with enough of it, signs of ageing such as wrinkles will be reduced. It may also help with arthritis when you’re older.
Vitamin C is also required for the proper metabolism of fats as it:
- Encourages your body to use fat as fuel
- Reduces your appetite, which coincidentally leads to weight and fat loss.
But take note that it only works over a period of time. It’s not an overnight weight-loss miracle drug!
4. It plays a major role in healing
Before antibiotics, many doctors used vitamin C to help heal the sick too. In the 1940s, a doctor by the name of Frederick Klenner managed to cure diseases like chickenpox and the mumps with Vitamin C therapy.
And as mentioned earlier, vitamin C helps regenerate collagen in the bones, joints and face, which means it’s also beneficial for injuries and wounds. Making it perfect for kids who play outside a lot, as they tend to get scrapes and scratches here and there from being… well, kids!
Don’t try this at home.
5. It aids recovery from flu and sore throat
There’s an unwritten rule that when we start sneezing and having a runny nose, we have to take vitamin C to get rid of a cold or flu. According to WholeHealth Chicago, vitamin C helps fight upper respiratory infections, which are often the cause of sore throats. It also has antihistamine properties which are useful for allergy-related sore throats.
That’s why it’s crucial for us Malaysians to make vitamin C a part of our daily lives seeing as to how our bodies cannot produce it naturally. That’s right, although it’s an essential vitamin required by our bodies, we aren’t able to produce it on our own. Thankfully, there are countless fruits, supplements and products in the market that we can take to ensure we meet our daily dose of vitamin C.
If you’re looking for something to soothe your sore throat and at the same time gives you the goodness of Vitamin C, why not check out Strepsils Orange with Vitamin C?
Strepsils Orange with Vitamin C contains more than 100% of the daily recommended intake of vitamin C and it also contains two active ingredients (Dichlorophenylcarbinol & Amylmetacresol) that offer fast relief for sore throats and it comes in a great orange flavour too!
So if you are suffering from a sore throat, or your throat feels dry or irritated, be sure to have a pack of Strepsils Orange with Vitamin C on hand! It won’t just help soothe your throat, but you’ll be getting your daily dose of vitamin C too! Talk about killing two birds with one stone.
After all, with our schedules, we would rather not have to worry about a sore throat or cold getting in the way, am I right?
Find out more about Strepsils Orange with Vitamin C on Facebook today and remember to stay healthy!
