Better Than Vitamin C

If we think of a nutrient that boosts immune resistance, we automatically think about Vitamin C. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that protects the body and slows down aging. We can get Vitamin C from most fruits and vegetables, especially citrus and leafy greens.

But, Vitamin C is not everything when it comes to improving immunity and overall health. Other nutrients also work well with it and maximize its absorption. The fruits and foods that we know as rich sources of ascorbic acid may still have superior counterparts. Let’s discover them in this article!

Nutrients That Work Well With Vitamin C

Antioxidants are important substances that protect the cells and prevent a host of diseases. Vitamin C, or ascorbic acid, is an antioxidant that is beneficial in tissue growth and repair. It is particularly useful in skin, bone and connective tissue health.

Here are a few more antioxidants with properties that are similar, more improved than Vitamin C, or synergistic with Vitamin C.

Astaxanthin: Astaxanthin is a naturally occurring carotenoid with excellent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It provides better sun protection, improves fertility and reduces the risk of cancer and cardiovascular problems. It is said to give better protection than vitamin C.

Astaxanthin is now widely sold as a food supplement but buyers are encouraged to choose its natural form over the synthetic ones. Natural sources include red bell pepper, krill, lobster, shrimp, salmon and microalgae.

Glutathione: Glutathione is a popular antioxidant known for its skin-lightening properties. Vitamin C works better when paired with glutathione, bringing an improved health benefit. Glutathione can reduce oxidative stress while Vitamin C enhances collagen production and protects glutathione from oxidation.

Garlic, asparagus, broccoli, turmeric, avocado, spinach and Schisandra are a few excellent sources of glutathione.

Carotenoid: Carotenoid is also a strong antioxidant with salutary effects on the body. It means that it is more resistant and powerful against chronic diseases. β-carotene, a common carotenoid that makes up the pigment in carrots, has a higher antioxidant property than Vitamin C.

Carotenoids are important in improving eyesight and cognitive functions. They also boost skin health and prevent cancer. Yellow, orange and green-pigmented foods are rich sources of carotene.

Vitamin E: You have probably noticed that Vitamin C and Vitamin E are often used together in many skin care products. Vitamin C is good on its own when used as a topical. However, the nutrient is unstable when used alone which is why Vitamin E is added to balance the formula.

Using these nutrients together, whether for topical or oral application, combats stress and prevents the onset of aging.

Iron: Iron is not necessarily better than Vitamin C; iron works better WITH Vitamin C. Taking iron with ascorbic acid helps improve its absorption in the body. The increased bioavailability benefits patients with anemia and cognitive decline.

Foods And Herbs Better Than Vitamin C

Improving overall health does not always require chemical-laden vitamin supplements. A proper diet with the right food proportion may already be enough.

If you want to improve your Vitamin C and powerful antioxidant consumption, you can slip these foods onto your plate:

Red Bell Pepper: Capsicum annuum, specifically red bell peppers, contains astaxanthin and lycopene and twice the vitamin C of citrus. Interestingly, bell peppers in their different stages of maturity have different nutrient composition. Green ones are rich in chlorophyll, yellow in lutein and zeaxanthin, and orange in alpha-, beta- and gamma-carotene. Red ones are the best for their astaxanthin which gives pepper a bright hue.

Carrots: The orange color of carrots is due to their beta-carotene content. It is also a source of other carotenoids like lutein and alpha-carotene. Adding carrots into your diet can also give you the needed ascorbic acid, potassium and fiber for eye and overall health.

Beet: Beetroot (Beta vulgaris) is excellent in reducing infection, and treating anemia and a wide range of health maladies. Its powerful antioxidants may help ward off aging and clear skin problems like melasma. Beet is a low-calorie food that can improve immunity and boost energy levels.

⇒ Eat These 10 Foods For 7 Days Straight To Manage Chronic Pain (Video)

Mango: Mango is considered the King of Fruits not only because of its delicious taste but also because of its health benefits. It is loaded with Vitamin C, pectin and antioxidants that help normalize the functions of the body. Mango is good for the skin and ward off infections by enhancing the immune support.

Spirulina: Spirulina, often sold in the form of powder or tablet, comes from the algae that grow in either fresh or salt water. It is presently gaining attention in research for its ability to produce natural astaxanthin. Spirulina may help manage the cholesterol level and prevent oxidative stress to reduce the risk for chronic diseases.

Moringa: Moringa oleifera, or drumstick tree, is one of the best sources of nutrition for its nutrient-rich contents. Moringa has 7 times more Vitamin C than oranges and 10 times more Vitamin A than carrots. It is the paramount herb that is used for treating malnutrition. Moringa is available as a powder; but its leaves, flowers and roots are widely used fresh in tropical countries where it is abundant.

Tomato: Tomato is botanically defined as a fruit but popularly considered a vegetable. Either way, it is a superfood packed with lycopene and many important nutrients. It is nutrient-dense and is well known for promoting skin health and also excellent in improving immunity and preventing cancer.

A Smoothie Better than Vitamin C

Vibrant foods are not just visually appealing to entice your appetite. The color of each food also references nutritional significance that nourishes the body with diverse nutrients.

Here is a colorful recipe you just might need if you need a lift, especially during a looming period of flu season.

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cup sliced mango
• ½ cup diced beets (steamed for about 15 minutes)
• 1 small carrot
•  1-inch ginger, sliced
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 5-6 mint leaves
• 1 cup water

Steps:

1. Put all the ingredients in a blender and blend at a high speed until smooth.
2. Add more water if needed to achieve the desired consistency. Alternatively, you can use coconut water or add more mango for a sweeter smoothie.

How to Use

Consume this smoothie fresh or you may keep the leftover in the refrigerator for 24 hours. To extend its use, you can freeze the leftover smoothie into ice cubes or popsicle molds. Frozen fruit smoothies can last for about a month.

You may also add some mixed berries to your smoothie and spinach if you want. You can adjust the flavor to how you like it. But if you want to keep it simple, the above ingredients are already excellent, therapeutic and refreshing.

Take this smoothie anytime, especially when you feel a little down with some sniffles. To give you sustained energy throughout the day, drink this vibrant smoothie at breakfast to complete your balanced meal.

The secret to any food intake is always having it in moderation. Avoid taking a particular plant, herb or food for a long time to avoid unnecessary side effects. The carotenoids in carrots, for example, can cause the skin to temporarily turn to a hint of yellow or orange tinge when the carrot is consumed excessively.

You may also like:

DIY Snore Relief Jelly In a Jar

Signs You’re Taking The Wrong Magnesium (Video)

DIY Watermelon Extract for Blood Pressure

Royal Jelly – Better than Aspirin?

How to Make Dandelion Jelly

The Hidden Food Growing
Fence

>>> Watch Video