Vitamin C or L-ascorbic acid or L-ascorbate is an necessary nutrient for humans and certain other animal species, in which it functions as a vitamin. In living organisms, ascorbate is an anti-oxidant, since it protects the body against oxidative stress.

Vitamin C is required for the synthesis of collagen, a central structural component of blood vessels, tendons, ligaments, and bones. Vitamin C also plays a major role in the synthesis of the neurotransmitter. Neurotransmitters are critical to the brain and can effect one's mood.

Spend $10 or more at VitaminEmporium.com and get a bottle of Nature Made Chewable Vitamin D 400 IU Tablets (a $7.99 value)! Offer good while supplies last.

So, how do we benefit from Vitamin C?

Your body requires a lot of vitamins on a daily basis in order to stay healthy. Vitamin C is one of these and its benefits are very much a major player in making sure the body stays healthy. Maintaining a proper diet is by far the best way to get the daily nutrients you require. And, the best way to maintain a proper nutritious diet is through foods. Foods that are high in vitamin C include: citrus fruits, green peppers, other green vegetables, strawberries, milk, tomatoes, potatoes, broccoli, fish and many others.

The benefits of eating the aforementioned list of foods is that each one contains Vitamin C and these are foods in which help support a healthy weight loss program. The benefits of Vitamin C is that:

1. It helps wounds heal faster

2. The development and maintenance of connective tissues such as such as fat, muscle and your bone structure.

3. It helps collagen growth which helps your skin remain youthful.

4. It helps the immune system prevent colds.

5. It helps prevent other viral diseases and cancer.

6. It prevents you from developing scurvy.

7. It helps people with high cholesterol, allergies, asthma, cataracts and diabetes. 8. It's a powerful antioxidant that protects blood cells and your eyes.

When depending on food for Vitamin C sources, make sure that you check the labels on the foods you eat. Vitamin C can also read as ascorbic acid on food labels. And finally, if you are not getting enough Vitamin C from your diet, then it would be wise to consult with your family doctor and perhaps a Vitamin C supplement would be useful for you. But, we highly suggest speaking with your doctor before startin any nutritional supplement, including Vitamin C. Your doctor can make sure you are really lacking the Vitamin and prescribe to proper dose of the supplement. There is a such thing as Vitamin C overdose.

Foods High in Vitamin C

So, we mentioned above examples of foods you may eat to get doses of natural and nutritious Vitamin C, but we wanted to expand on that list. Here are some specific food choices that you can add to your grocery list.

Fruits: oranges, lemons, limes, grapefruits, tangerines, pears, bananas, melons, papayas, strawberries, mangos, blackberries, blueberries, kiwis, pineapples, watermelons, raspberries, cranberries, cantaloupes, rose hips, acerola cherries.

Vegetables: asparagus, broccoli, green peppers, red peppers, cabbage, kale, cauliflower, potatoes, sweet potatoes, yams, press, peas, turnips, turnip greens, onions, corn, pumpkins, carrots, parsley, sauerkraut.

How Do You Know If You Are Vitamin C Deficient?

Many people ask how they can tell if they are deficient in Vitamin C. The body is a powerful indicator we often ignore. First and foremost, we must learn to listen to our bodies because our bodies do give us signs. Here are a few signs that you are lacking Vitamin C.

1. Not eating enough fresh fruits and vegetables

2. Feeling tired, weak, and irritable

3. Severe dental problems

4. Excessive dry skin

5. Excessive dry hair

6. Anemia

7. Diagnosis through a blood test

Vitamin C for Healthy Skin?

Vitamin C helps promote healthy skin care. The best skin care is through good nutrition. The asorbic acid in vitamin C can be effective in reducing wrinkles. A lot of skin creams contain rich amounts of VitaminC. Vitamins C can also play a role in destroying free radicals.