Page 26 - 4805 Laclede IH36_AL

healthy body

Vitamin C-rich It’s usually caused by a lack of
foods are generally adequate dietary intake of fresh
low in calories but
fruits and vegetables. Smoking
high in fiber—vital and alcohol consumption also
for weight loss. significantly reduces vitamin
C levels. Signs of vitamin C
deficiency include easy bruising,
frequent infections, gum disease,
slow wound healing or low
resistance to stress.
Experts suggest a daily
intake of 70-90 mgs of vitamin
C per day. This is the equiva-
By Anja Springthorpe lent of half a cup of sliced bell
pepper, one large orange, two
t is well known that vita- and premature aging. Vitamin kiwi fruits or one cup of fresh
min C is found predomi- C also is a major antioxidant, strawberries. While fresh food
nantly in plant foods such providing protection from free is always superior, supplements
as fruits and vegetables. radicals. Toxins, chemicals and Vitamin are readily available at relative-
IWhat is less known is that other environmental pollution ly low costs. However, keep
some living organisms can in can lead to high levels of free C is a major in mind that some digestive
fact produce their own vitamin radicals causing damage to skin antioxidant, systems can be sensitive to vi-
C. Because of evolution, we cells and other tissues. Re- tamin C supplements. Choose
humans and a few other mam- searchers found that protec- providing a buffered vitamin C prod-
mals, along with some fishes tion from free radicals reduces protection from uct. These are gentler on the
and birds have lost this ability, the risk of chronic diseases, stomach, reducing the risk of
therefore we must ensure cancers and cardiovascular free radicals. diarrhea or nausea.
adequate intake of dietary diseases.
vitamin C. It does not stop there.
Vitamin C is essential for Vitamin C also has been
health. Without it, immune associated with weight loss. It Feels Like Home,
Vitamin C-rich foods are gen-
cells work less efficiently, erally low in calories but high Because It Is Home!
increasing the risk of viral or
bacterial infections. It is need- in fiber—vital for weight loss
ed to produce collagen, the and to produce the amino acid
structural component of skin carnitine which enables burning
and connective tissue. Lack of of stored fat for energy pro-
sufficient collagen results in loss duction.
of skin elasticity and firmness, Vitamin C deficiency is
the main culprits for wrinkles more common than you think.

Welcoming your
loved ones into
our family since

1976.

Medicare, Medicaid
& VA Approved.
(417) 426-5411 • 31841 Hwy 5
Lebanon • www.doveseniorcenter.com