National Vitamin C Day – April 4, 2022

National Vitamin C Day is on April 4 each year. Today, we recognize the gazillion ways vitamin C is good for our body, mind, and soul. This powerhouse of vitamins not only wards off cold but benefits us in several important ways. A regular intake of vitamin C can lower the risk of heart disease and reduce blood pressure. It’s amazing for our skin and hair. What’s more incredible is that it’s abundantly present in some of our favorite foods — tomatoes, oranges, bell peppers, and lemons, to name a few.

HISTORY OF NATIONAL VITAMIN C DAY

We know vitamin C has several health benefits, but it was only recently that National Vitamin C Day came into existence. In 2019, a skincare line, SkinCeuticals, created National Vitamin C Day. The aim was to generate awareness around vitamin C. The day also celebrated a research breakthrough. SkinCeuticals established parameters to allow the effective delivery of antioxidants in vitamin C to the skin. The findings proved beyond a doubt the benefits of topical application of vitamin C to the skin.

Much before its official discovery in 1932, health experts determined that citrus fruits could effectively prevent scurvy — a debilitating disease that claimed the lives of millions of sailors from 1500 to 1800. Loading up on vitamin C isn’t a new concept. In the 1970s, double Nobel Laureate Linus Pauling championed daily super doses of oranges to prevent the common cold. He wasn’t wrong about its efficacy but was off the mark in his daily recommended dosage — 12 to 24 oranges a day!

Vitamin C, also called ‘ascorbic acid’, dissolves in water. It remains in our tissues but doesn’t store well in the body. To avoid overdosing on vitamin C, scientists recommend a daily intake of 90 mg for men above 19 years and 75 mg for women. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant. It can heal wounds and control infection. Among others, it’s also responsible for the production of collagen — a crucial structural protein found throughout the connective tissues in our body.

Collagen is a protein that holds our body together, giving it structure and added strength. Our pantries and kitchen shelves already contain some of the best natural sources of vitamin C. Make sure to stock up on citrus fruits like lemon, oranges, and grapefruit that have a ton of vitamin C. Other excellent sources are tomatoes, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, white potatoes, and bell peppers.

HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL VITAMIN C DAY

1. Drink orange juice

   If you don’t already, start your day with a glass of refreshing orange juice. None of the packaged stuff, however. Freshly-squeezed is the way to go!

2. Add lemon to your food

   We love how a squeeze of lemon juice makes everything taste amazing! Use lemon juice on salad dressings, grilled meats, or spicy curries. Your taste buds and body will thank you!

3. Start a garden

   Take the commitment to a healthy body further by starting a kitchen garden. Plant vegetables and fruits rich in Vitamin C, like tomatoes, oranges, lemon, and peppers.