Nutrition - Vitamin C

It's an essential nutrient that can prevent cold and keeps your teeth looking good. Kidzworld checks out the facts on vitamin C.

Vitamin C - Why Is It Good For You?

Vitamin C is important for keeping your body working and developing properly. Vitamin C is needed to form collagen, a tissue that helps to hold cells together. It's essential for the development of healthy bones, teeth, gums and blood vessels. Vitamin C also strengthens your immune system, helps the body absorb iron and calcium, helps cuts heals and keeps your brain working properly.

Vitamin C - What Foods Can It Be Found In?

Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin. When you eat foods with water-soluble vitamins, the vitamins don't get stored in your body much. They travel through your bloodstream and whatever your body doesn't use comes out when you pee. This means you need to replace vitamin C often because it doesn't stay in your system for very long. Vitamin C is found in citrus fruits such as oranges, limes, lemons and grapefruit, as well as other fruits like cantaloupe and strawberries. Vitamin C is also found in many vegetables including tomatoes, green pepper, brocolli, cabbage and potatoes. One glass of pure orange juice is usually enough for you to get your daily recommended intake of vitamin C.

Vitamin C - Did U Know?

Most animals produce their own vitamin C. Humans, primates (gorillas, chimps, etc.) and guinea pigs have lost this ability. Because guinea pigs and humans are similar in this way, guinea pigs have frequently been used for scientific experimentation.

A deficiency in vitamin C is called Scurvy. In the late 1700s, the British Navy began bringing limejuice on long sea voyages, so sailors wouldn't get Scurvy. British navy men have since been nicknamed "Limeys".

People who smoke cigarettes require more vitamin C because tobacco destroys vitamin C in the body (yet another reason not to smoke!).

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