Many of us try to increase our intake of vitamin C in the winter months, since we think it helps our immune system fight colds and infections. While scientists are still debating whether vitamin C is a foolproof cold remedy, none of them question vitamin C’s role in general health.
Vitamin C’s antioxidant power fights free radicals that can damage our DNA and increases collagen production to repair various tissues in our bodies, such as tendons, Nutrition_Ad3 blood vessels and skin. It also helps us absorb iron, and vitamin C has been shown to help some people get over a cold more quickly and recover from intense exercise.
The current Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for vitamin C is 90 mg per day for men and 75 mg for most women. If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding the RDA jumps up to 85 and 120 mg, respectively.
But since our bodies cannot store vitamin C, we need to obtain it regularly from our diet. While oranges and other citrus fruits are a great source, you may be surprised to hear that they aren’t the only way to get your daily recommendation.
