The Importance of Vitamin C: Preventing Anemia and Boosting Immunity Naturally

2024-03-31 11:02:18

Prolonged vitamin C deficiency can lead to anemia

Entered 2024.03.31 20:00 Entered 2024.03.31 20:00 Modified 2024.03.31 19:55 Views 450

Cherry tomatoes are rich in various nutrients such as vitamins C, A, B1, B2, and folic acid. It also contains components of the eye retina, such as lutein and zeaxanthin, so it can have a synergistic effect with eggs, which are high in vitamin A. [사진=클립아트코리아]

According to data from the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, antioxidants are ingredients that protect cells from harmful oxygen. It refers to nutrients that fight against oxidation in the body. Oxidation is a phenomenon in which the body gradually becomes damaged and ages faster, like iron rusting. Types of antioxidants include vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin A, and vitamin A’s predecessors, carotenoids and selenium. First, let’s learn about vitamin C.

Water-soluble (soluble in water) vitamins vs. Fat-soluble (soluble in oil) vitamins

Vitamin C is a water-soluble (soluble in water) vitamin. Once it enters the body, it is used as needed and the rest is excreted through urine. Even if you eat a lot, there will be no major problems. However, taking too much vitamin C supplements may cause kidney stones. If you have a stone, you can suffer from tremendous pain. Water-soluble vitamins include vitamins B1, B2, B3, B6, B12, and folic acid.

On the other hand, fat-soluble (soluble in oil) vitamins include vitamins A, D, E, and K. When consumed in excess, the remaining vitamin ingredients can accumulate in the body and cause various side effects. A lack of fat-soluble vitamins is a problem, but you should also be careful about excessive intake. In particular, caution is needed when it comes to nutritional supplements rather than natural foods, as there is a possibility of excessive intake.

Vitamin C deficiency for a long time… Why are there gum inflammation, bleeding, and anemia?

Vitamin C is ascorbic acid. It is a nutrient necessary for the formation and function of connective tissues in the body such as bones, cartilage, and ligaments. It also protects cells from harmful oxygen and helps with immune function. If the body does not have enough of it, connective tissue formation may be impaired, leading to bleeding in various parts of the body, such as joint bleeding, peritoneal bleeding, and pericardial bleeding. This is also called scurvy. Early symptoms of deficiency may include inflamed or bleeding gums.

If your body lacks vitamin C for more than 3 months, dead skin cells may thicken and wounds may not heal well. Symptoms such as body swelling, depression, nervous disorders, severe dry mouth, and dry eyes also appear. Vitamin C also plays an important role in iron absorption, so if the deficiency continues for a long time, you may develop iron deficiency anemia.

Nutrition – more than supplements… I like eating raw vegetables and fruits.

Antioxidants, including vitamin C, remove harmful oxygen from the body and inhibit the action of carcinogens, preventing damage to cells and DNA. According to the National Cancer Information Center, vitamin C can be consumed through nutritional supplements, but the cancer prevention effect is greater when consumed from vegetables and fruits. It is found in abundance in vegetables (tomatoes, green peppers, broccoli, etc.) and fruits (citrus fruits, strawberries, kiwi, etc.).

According to the National Institute of Agricultural Sciences, strawberries contain twice as much vitamin C as lemons, which helps relieve fatigue and stress and improves skin beauty. It is also rich in potassium and iron, which has the effect of stabilizing the nervous system. It is also rich in folic acid (127㎍ per 100g), which contributes to the health of pregnant women and fetuses.

Lycopene in tomatoes is a carotenoid pigment that prevents cell oxidation, slows aging, and helps reduce the incidence of various cancers and cardiovascular diseases. However, the prices of fruits and vegetables have risen so much these days that it is difficult to recommend them.