5 remedies with vitamin C to overcome colds

The remedies with vitamin C directed to fight the refriados They are effective and widely used by the general population. However, research on this claim is a bit controversial.

Although it is not completely proven, Large doses of vitamin C can help reduce the duration of colds. However, they do not protect us from contracting it. This vitamin can also be useful for those exposed to brief periods of severe or extreme physical activity.

Remedies with vitamin C can vary their effectiveness between one person and another, so they are not always effective. On the other hand, most people tolerate well a dose of 1000 to 2000 mg per day, but you have to keep in mind that too much vitamin C can cause stomach upset.

What is vitamin C for?

Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, it is an essential nutrient of the organism that contributes in different processes of the organism such as:

• Collagen formation.
• Healing of wounds.
• Immune function (hence the effectiveness of remedies with vitamin C to overcome colds).
• Synthesis of neurotransmitters.

In addition, it is an antioxidant substance, that is, has the ability to defend against the action of free radicals. Free radicals are atoms or groups of atoms that have an unpaired electron capable of mating, so they are very reactive.

Vitamin C deficiency

When we do not take enough vitamin C, we can get sick of scurvy. It is a disease characterized by:

• Weakness.
• Muscle and joint pain.
• Spontaneous bleeding in the gums and on the skin that take a long time to heal.

In addition, the deficiency of this vitamin C it also influences cardiovascular health. Low levels in this vitamin are associated with a worsening of heart failure.

Read also: How to make a balanced diet to lose weight

5 remedies with vitamin C to overcome colds

You do not need to take supplements to get the required daily amount of vitamin C. In fact, there is a whole series of fruits and vegetables that contain much more than the daily requirement recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO): 45 mg.

Although many associate the orange and the lemon as main sources of vitamin C, the truth is that they are not the richest source of ascorbic acid. The scientific journal BBC Focus published a list with the foods that contain more vitamin C. Among them we find:

1. Guava

It is one of the most effective remedies with vitamin C to fight colds. For every 100 grams, it provides 228 milligrams of vitamin C.

It is used in many countries like the Philippines thanks to its natural properties. They stand out, for example:

• Combat constipation: it is a fruit rich in fiber, so it strengthens the intestinal transit and helps to solve this type of problems.
• Rich in folic acid: Vitamin B is especially indicated for gestation periods since it helps to prevent possible malformations in the fetus.
• It contains vitamin A and C: Provitamin A is essential in periods of growth, in addition to intervening in vision care, nail formation and hair maintenance. As for vitamin C, it is essential for the previously explained processes.

2. Blackcurrant

The blackcurrant provides 200 mg of vitamin C per 100 grams. Besides being one of the most used vitamin C remedies, It also stands out for its content in other vitamins such as those in group B. Among them are:

• Pantothenic acid (vitamin B5).
• Pyridoxine (vitamin B6).
• Thiamine (vitamin B1).

It is also a food rich in iron, which is a mineral necessary for protection against immune deficiencies and fatigue when transporting oxygen to cells.

Maybe you're interested in reading: Everything you need to know about vitamin B12

3. Red pepper

It is a vegetable that contains 190 mg of vitamin C per 100 grams consumed. It also provides fiber and antioxidants. Other nutrients it contains are:

• Carotenoids
• Flavonoids
• Water.
• Vitamins B6 and B9.
• Capsaicin

4. Chile

The active ingredient of chili is capsaicin, a substance that gives it that spicy characteristic. Further, It consists of water, carbohydrates, fiber, protein and vitamins and obviously includes a good fraction of vitamin C.

Provides 144 mg per 100 grams of chili consumed. In addition, it has analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.

5. Parsley

Two spoons of parsley provide:

• 2% of calcium needs, iron and folic acid daily.
• 12% vitamin A.
• More than 150% vitamin K.
• 16% vitamin C.

It is a food that brings numerous benefits to the body, aside from fighting colds. For example:

• It contributes to the prevention of kidney stones.
• Provides pain relief in the joints.
• Fight fatigue.
• It helps in the prevention and treatment of diabetes.

conclusion

In addition to these 5 remedies with vitamin C to overcome colds, there are more foods rich in this vitamin. We recommend an adequate consumption of them to keep your immune system in good condition. In case of having a cold, you can take advantage of its natural properties to fight it.