Benefits of Vitamin C (part 1)

1. Aids in the uptake of iron

Vitamin C assists the red blood cells to take up iron. Iron is a key element needed to make heamoglobin- a protein that is found in your red blood cells that carries the oxygen from your lungs to the rest of your body. Vitamin C is especially important in optimising the uptake of iron from plant-based foods called non-heme iron. Non-heme iron is not as easily absorbed by the body, however if Vitamin C is eaten at the same time as the plant-based food, this can improve the absorption of the non-heme iron.

2. Supports the immune system

Vitamin C helps your body maintain an immune response when exposed to infection and has been shown to accumulate in immune cells to enhance phagocytosis (Phago-eating/devouring: Cyto-to do with cells). Phagocytosis is an essential process in your body where your immune cells get rid of any foreign substances, eg. microbial pathogens (bad microbes). You can watch phagocytosis by a white blood cell (immune cell) in action here 

3. Can reduce free radicals in your body

Vitamin C is an antioxidant which works to reduce free radicals. Excessive free radicals cause degenerative/aging diseases and can be caused by pollutants and toxins. Free radicals are also produced by your body as a by-product of all the cellular processes that take place in your body every day. For more info on free radicals, read our blog on antioxidants  https://kaiyusuperfoods.com/2021/04/11/kakadu-plum-antioxidants/

If you are not getting enough Vitamin C then you may experience fatigue, shortness of breath, headaches, irritability and low energy levels.

To get more Vitamin C eat plenty of fruit and vegetables. Or you could try our Kakadu Plum Powder with 3.4 times the RDI of Vitamin C per serve and 30 serves per pack!

Always consult your medical practitioner if you have medical concerns and if you are trying new foods.