Oranges And Vitamin C

December 15th, 2009 |

At the first sign of a runny nose many of my patients load up on Vitamin C for its protection and relief from the common cold. Some take vitamin C in supplement form whereas others prefer to stock up on juices and fruits. What most people are surprised to learn is that an orange does not top the list of fruits for vitamin C content although it is the most common. Other fruits such as guava, kiwi, and strawberries actually contain more vitamin C than citrus.

Vitamin C is also known as ascorbic acid which literally translated means “no scurvy.” Also known as vitamin C deficiency scurvy is caused by a lack of ascorbic acid, a nutrient found in fresh fruits and vegetables, especially citrus fruits. When navy sailors went on long journeys it was noted that some suffered with scurvy and others did not. Those who consumed lemons, limes, oranges, tomatoes, or green peppers did not show signs of scurvy which linked their health to the miracle of vitamin C.

Regardless of whether you take supplements, eat fruit, or drink juice, vitamin C has long been touted as a necessary dietary ingredient. The benefits of vitamin C date back to the 1970s when Linus Pauling, better known as the Father of Vitamin C, wrote the popular book “Vitamin C and the Common Cold.” Americans spread the word and before you know it everyone was taking high doses of vitamin C to cure colds and flu. Until the 1990s it became an accepted practice until studies showed that vitamin C did not actually prevent the common cold but rather reduced the severity and even shortened the duration.