Vitamin C Does it really strengthen your immune system?

Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, the disease has continued to spread, highlighting the urgent need for immunization and a cure. While waiting for that day to come, the best approach is considered to be taking preventive action or following precautions. The severity of the disease ranges from asymptomatic to severe respiratory tract infections leading to death. This variability indicates the existence of factors influencing the severity of the disease, our immune system is one of these.

Nutrition plays a pivotal role in maintaining the immune system balance, as experts have pointed out. Micronutrient deficiencies affect immune homeostasis negatively and increase individual susceptibility to infection.

Is Vitamin C really helping to boost immunity?

Yes, vitamin C can help strengthen your immune system. By strengthening your T-cells and helping to make more immune cells, vitamin C helps to build up the immune system. Also, vitamin C helps to keep healthy cells alive. A vitamin C deficiency can make you even more vulnerable to falling ill. Vitamin C can also help you to combat the common cold and help prevent serious complications.

Fortunately, there is vitamin C in a variety of fruits and vegetables. Because of its health benefits, vitamin C has received a great deal of attention. Perhaps, the COVID-19 pandemic has turned our attention to immunity-boosting vitamins. This is because a weakened immune system can make you more prone to infections, including COVID-19. As per experts, people with underlying conditions and a weakened immune system have a higher risk for serious complications from the disease. So taking steps to strengthen your immunity at this juncture is paramount. Vitamin C is considered one of the best vitamins to boost the immune system.

Here are listed some of the natural sources of Vitamin C:

Lemon

It is loaded with the goodness of vitamin C and citric acid, lemon helps in naturally boosting immunity and the presence of citric acid makes it great for fat loss. Drinking lemon juice with lukewarm water and honey can keep several diseases at bay and help in weight loss.

Oranges 

This popular citrus fruit is best known for its vitamin C content. Oranges, however, contain a variety of other plant compounds and antioxidants that can reduce inflammation and work against disease.

Papaya  

Papayas offer not only the luscious taste, but are rich sources of antioxidant nutrients such as carotenes, vitamin C, and flavonoids; the B vitamins, folate and pantothenic acid; and the minerals, potassium, copper, and magnesium; and fiber. Vitamin C and vitamin A, which are produced by beta-carotene in papaya in the body, are both needed for a healthy immune system to function properly.

Guava 

Loaded with the goodness of vitamin C, guavas are also rich in fiber and minerals like potassium that help in boosting immunity as well as keeps several diseases at bay. It helps in reducing the risk of infections and diseases. The nutrients in guava also help in improving heart health and reduce the sugar level.

Kiwi

There are plenty of other fruits that probably aren't on your radar that are packed with tons of vitamin C. Kiwis are really a good source of vitamin C, antioxidants, and fiber. Antioxidants — including vitamin C, choline, lutein, and zeaxanthin— help the body eliminate free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules produced by the body during metabolism and other processes.

Bell Peppers 

Peppers are among the most varied and versatile vegetable. Its versatility makes them popular, which is why they are used all over the world in different cuisines. Its high ascorbic acid content is one of its important nutritional benefits. Ascorbic acid is commonly known as vitamin C. They are a powerful source of vitamin C.

If you have to be out for an essential meeting or trip, wear a mask and always sanitize your hands with anti-bacterial liquid. In case you have any flu-related symptoms make sure that you isolate yourself at home and consult physicians through the telemedicine services of PatientMD. Our HIPAA compliant Telemedicine services help people to connect with the physicians over audio, video, and chat. The symptomatic patients can stay at home and communicate with the physicians through a virtual channel which helps in reducing the spread of the virus to mass populations and the medical staff who are fighting on the frontline. 

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