Vitamin C

Vitamin C helps form a cement-like material between our cells. We need vitamin C to heal cuts, wounds, and burns. When we don't get enough vitamin C the "cement" between cells loses its strength and can cause us to bleed easily. It may show up as bleeding gums or bruises. Getting enough vitamin C may also help in preventing certain types of cancer.

Vitamin C is found in many fresh fruits like the oranges, lemons, limes, grapefruit, cantaloupes, mangoes, papayas, and their juices. Vegetables such as bean sprouts, green peppers, plantains, broccoli and greens like kale and poke greens are also good sources of vitamin C.

Vitamin C is not stored in the body. When we eat too much of the vitamin we get rid of it in our urine. Therefore, we need some vitamin C every day.


To learn more about how limes played a role in the discovery of vitamin C, read the file "Vitamin C and Scurvy".

To find out how much vitamin C you need each day "Ask the Nutritionist."

To test what you know, take the Quiz on Vitamin C.


 


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