High Vitamin C Drinks for the Cold

When the cold season begins, it is common for experts to advise us to consume more vitamin C to strengthen the immune system and take care of our health. It’s always a good idea to follow these recommendations to stay healthy and protect ourselves from the most common respiratory illnesses.At kiwilimón, we understand that taking care of your health and that of your loved ones is very important to you, which is why we share everything you need to know about this essential nutrient, as well as what vitamin C-rich drinks you can consume to protect yourself from illnesses.Benefits of Vitamin CVitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is a water-soluble nutrient that has multiple health benefits. Some of the benefits of vitamin C include:Strengthens the immune system. While various studies have shown that vitamin C does not prevent us from getting the common cold, it has been shown to have an effect on the duration and intensity of symptoms, as noted by the health and wellness site Healthline. This is because ascorbic acid aids the cellular function of the immune system.Aids in healing. Ascorbic acid promotes the production of collagen, a fundamental protein present in the skin, muscles, and other tissues of the body that is necessary for healing, according to information from the health portal Medical News Today.Protects against free radicals. As a potent antioxidant, vitamin C helps protect against free radicals, molecules produced during digestion, exposure to tobacco smoke, or solar radiation, which may be related to cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and others, according to the Mayo Clinic. An excess of free radicals in the body generates oxidative stress, which in turn causes cellular damage.Improves iron absorption. When ingested together, vitamin C helps improve the absorption and storage of iron, thus helping to combat diseases such as anemia and other conditions related to this mineral deficiency.May decrease cancer risk. Vitamin C consumed through fruits and vegetables may be associated with a lower risk of lung, breast, and colon cancer, as noted by the National Institutes of Health. However, consuming it through supplements does not have the same effect. It is important to note that dietary supplements of vitamin C and other antioxidants may affect cancer treatments, so it’s best to consult your doctor before starting to take them.Improves cardiovascular health. Vitamin C may contribute to better cardiovascular health due to its antioxidant power, thus protecting against hypertension. However, it is still not certain whether vitamin C would help prevent the worsening of cardiovascular diseases in those who already have them.On the other hand, it is important to mention that vitamin C deficiency can cause symptoms ranging from anemia, gingivitis, and nosebleeds to pain and inflammation in joints and, in severe cases, scurvy.Conversely, an excess of vitamin C can cause diarrhea, nausea, and stomach cramps, and can be harmful to those with disorders related to excessive iron accumulation. So it is best to ensure you consume the appropriate amount of vitamin C to avoid any issues and stay healthy.You can also read: Natural infusions to relieve gastritisFoods rich in vitamin CVitamin C is a water-soluble nutrient that is not produced or stored by the human body. Therefore, it is vital to consume foods rich in vitamin C to ensure we have enough of this nutrient in our bodies.Various health experts agree that the best sources of vitamin C are fruits and vegetables.Among the fruits that contain a high vitamin C content are: orange, grapefruit, kiwi, strawberries, melon, guava, papaya, raspberry, lemon, mango, pineapple, cherimoya, apple, banana, and peach.On the other hand, among the vegetables with a high vitamin C content are: bell pepper, broccoli, potato, tomato, cauliflower, turnip, spinach, asparagus, leek, bean, pea, squash, chard, radish, onion, avocado, lettuce, garlic, cucumber, beetroot, artichoke, celery, eggplant, and carrot.You can also read: Benefits of chlorophyll5 vitamin C-rich drinksOne of the best ways to consume vitamin C is through the intake of fruits and vegetables that are high in it. A very practical — and delicious — way to include vitamin C-rich fruits and vegetables is through drinks like juices. Below we present some recipes for vitamin C-rich drinks that you will love and that will help you take care of your health during this cold season.Anti-cold JuiceNothing like a delicious anti-cold juice to strengthen your immune system. Made with fruits like guava, orange, and lemon, this drink is delicious and easy to make, making it ideal for taking care of your health.Beet JuiceWith its high vitamin C content, beet is a great ally for the immune system. Enjoy an irresistible juice made with this ingredient and make the most of its health benefits.Green JuiceNothing like a green juice to take care of your health! This delicious drink is made with ingredients high in vitamin C like green apple, celery, nopal, and cucumber, and is perfect for protecting you from illnesses during the cold season.Berry JuiceIn addition to being ideal for diabetics due to its low glycemic index, this berry juice is excellent for the immune system. Made with blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, lemon juice, and chia, this vitamin C-rich drink will definitely help you take care of your health.Anti-stress JuiceIf you’re looking for an easy-to-make drink with multiple health benefits, this anti-stress juice is the perfect option for you. Made with ingredients high in vitamin C, this delicious drink will not only strengthen your immune system but will also help you combat daily stress.Remember that at kiwilimón, you can find countless delicious recipes and ideal tips to take care of your health and that of your loved ones.