Sun Dec 05, 2004 12:41 am   Reply with quote      

Generally, I'd like to avoid taking any vitamin supplement, but I'd like to think about this at least, in particular, vitamin C supplement. If you take vitamin C supplement, then when should you take? When you have cold? When you have skin problem? When you have fever? Headache? What does vitamin C do really?

Sun Dec 05, 2004 3:33 pm   Reply with quote      

Well, you asked!!

Vit C:
..accumulates iron in bone marrow, spleen and liver
..antioxidant which helps defend cells from the effects of smoke, pollution and other highly reactive substances called free radicals
..controls blood cholesterol levels
..converts amino acids into substances needed for normal brain and nerve functions
..converts Folic Acid into active form Folinic Acid
essential for the formation of intercellular material, bone and teeth
essential for the absorption of iron
..fights bacterial and viral infections
..helps in healing
..helps produce anti-stress hormones
..maintains elasticity of the skin
..maintains healthy blood capillaries
..maintains healthy reproductive organs
..may help protect against certain cancers, cataracts and heart disease
..necessary in production of red blood cells
..prevents allergic reactions (antihistamine activity)
..prevents hemorrhaging
..promotes healthy cell development and resistance to infections
..promotes wound healing
..protects Vitamin E, vital for collagen formation which is the connective tissue protein in all cells.

Man is one of the few mammals unable to manufacture Ascorbic Acid (vit C) in his liver!!

Increased intake is required:
..after physical stress
..after accidental and/or surgical injuries to speed up the healing process
..by alcohol drinkers
..by athletes
..by diabetics
..by the elderly
..by those with an infectious disease
..by those with gastric or duodenal ulcers
..by tobacco smokers
..for formula fed babies
..if taking aspirin
..if taking contraceptive pill (watch out for that, iRule )
..if taking antibiotics (especially Tetracycline)
..if taking barbiturates
..if taking corticosteroids
..if undergoing dental surgery.

Vit C is destroyed by:
..alkalis in the presence of copper
..heat & high temperature, such as in a pressure cooker
..hot air drying
..leaching into cooking water (in other words, if you cook the veg that contain it, keep the boiled water & use it as well)
..light
..oxygen (so drink your freshly squeezed oranges right away).
..pre-soaking vegetables.

So you'll realise that taking vit C in a fresh organic form is better for you than processed vit supplements.

Mon Dec 06, 2004 5:21 pm   Reply with quote      

Can you give me example of this?

Mon Dec 06, 2004 11:47 pm   Reply with quote      

I'm pulling your leg, iRule